I have loved animals since childhood and always wanted to be a vet when I left school, however opportunities were not available for me and I joined the commuters and started travelling to London to work in Banking, which I did for over 20 years. In 2004, I had the opportunity to leave banking and start up my own massage business, so I jumped at the chance.
I have been running Natures Assistance for over 16 years and during this time I have always owned dogs. When my 11 year old German Shepherd sadly passed away in 2013 having suffered with suspected CDRM I started to research the web for canine therapies that could support this and other conditions as I didn’t again want to feel utterly helpless in not being able to support any future dogs I may own. This is when I came across the Canine Massage Therapy Centre website and was excited to read about their 2 year training in Clinical Canine Massage. I knew it was an area that I wanted to expand my skills into and then run alongside my existing practice.
At this time, I had just completed a degree level course in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage Therapy with Jing Advanced Massage Training Ltd and I could see the Canine Programme was certainly going to be on a par with this human qualification. I was truly motivated by the opportunity of being able to support the muscular health of dogs, as I already did with humans, so I decided to apply for the Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner Programme.
Sarah Training For Her Canine Massage Qualification
The two year course trained me in both practical skills and advanced canine anatomy and physiology, which allows me to use the following massage techniques on dogs:
These sit nicely alongside the other techniques and qualifications that I hold for my other practice in Human Clinical Massage. These qualifications include:
Once I graduated from the Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner Programme at the beginning of 2015, I had a purpose built log cabin built in my garden where I carry out Canine treatments. The cabin itself is designed to make both the dog and owners as relaxed and as comfortable as possible during the treatment, with doggy bowls and treats for the clients and a comfortable sofa for the owners, plus relaxing music played in the background.
My beautiful 8-year-old white German Shepherd dog Angel (who appears on the home page), who sadly is no longer with us, enjoyed being massaged regularly and he helped my new journey tremendously. I now feel like I have come full circle back to what I always wanted – to work with animals! It’s like a dream come true!
Graduate of the Clinical Canine Massage Practitioner Programme confirming comprehensive knowledge of canine anatomy and physiology.
We will always look to accommodate appointments at a time convenient to you. Please use the Request an Appointment Form.
Normally treatments are carried out in our treatment cabin, however in special circumstances and at extra cost I may be able to arrange a home visit.
Purpose built canine treatment log cabin in the garden. The cabin is designed to make both the dog and owners as relaxed and as comfortable as possible during the treatment.
Dog owners are most welcome to sit in during treatments as this helps you understand what techniques are used and also helps your dog to feel relaxed.
