Becoming Certified in The Masterson Method® Canine Bodywork

We’re excited to announce that the Masterson Method® Canine Certification Program is planned to launch in early 2027. This new program is designed for students who are ready to deepen their understanding, refine their hands-on skills, and continue their learning in a small-group supportive learning experienced through a highly engaged environment.  All courses will be offered online.

To preserve an intimate learning environment and provide meaningful opportunities for interaction, enrollment will be limited. Students are encouraged to review the prerequisites now and prepare in advance.

Students must have completed both of the following online courses before being admitted into the certification program:

• Read and Release
• Introducing Movement

The certification program will include four online course components designed to build skills progressively and prepare students for successful completion at the Certification Course.  All courses are mandatory regardless of student’s education or experience.

• Anatomy and Biomechanics
• Palpations and Case Scenarios
• Canine Fieldwork
• Certification Course

All course dates will be scheduled prior to the start of the program so that students are aware of all dates for each course.  Attendance is required for all courses.

Including the prerequisite and certification courses, students will participate in a robust learning experience with over 300 hours of instruction and independent study and practice.

This is an online, interactive Zoom course with live instruction. The Anatomy and Biomechanics course is a comprehensive course that covers basic anatomy and how dogs use their body in movement.  Prior to meeting in the classroom each week, students will come prepared by having already read the weekly material.  After each class, students will complete an open-book quiz pertaining to the material covered in class.

Direct Instruction: 8.5 hours
Student Commitment Homework and Quizzes: 22.5 hours
Begin Additional Student Reading Commitment:  30 hours of one topic to be completed prior to Canine Certification Course.  Approved topics relate to anatomy and biomechanics, and effects of other body anatomy systems on potential patterns of tension.  Suggested reading list provided at enrollment.

This is an online, interactive Zoom course with live instruction.  The course is held over two consecutive full days.  Students receive refresher instruction on the techniques learned in the prerequisite courses, learn how to palpate a dog, and are presented with fictitious scenarios that the canine bodyworker may encounter.

Direct Instruction:  13.5 hours
Student Commitment Pre Course SRSR and Movement Practice:  10 hours
Student Commitment Course Homework:  16 hours
Student Commitment Post Course SRSR and Movement Practice:  16 hours
Begin Additional Student Reading Commitment:  30 hours of two topics completed prior to Canine Certification Course.  Approved topics relate to canine breeds, conditions, activities, injuries, prognoses, vet care and rehabilitation examples.   Suggested reading list provided at enrollment.

During the Canine Fieldwork practicum, students will meet for two interactive and live instructional Zoom classes for approximately four hours each.  Prior to attending each Coaching Session, students will have completed the required independent Fieldwork Case Studies.

This course has two components:

1. Student independent practice and written Case Study findings that are emailed to their Instructor for feedback.
2. Two online, live instruction Zoom classes in which students will demonstrate their proficiency in handling the dog and performing the Techniques.

Direct Instruction:  26 hours
Student Commitment Bodywork Sessions and Case Study Write-ups:  96 hours

The Canine Certification course is is an online, interactive Zoom course with live instruction.  Students can ask general questions and discuss topics for the MMCP Canine when working with dogs from different breeds and jobs.  Students will demonstrate their skills in The Masterson Method in this final evaluation.

Direct Instruction:  4 hours

Applications will open in a few weeks for students who wish to be considered for admission to the certification program beginning in early 2027.  Because space is limited, interested students should watch for upcoming Canine Newsletter announcements and be ready to apply when the application period opens.

Certification in The Masterson Method® signifies that you have achieved a standard level of proficiency in its techniques and have developed the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful difference in a dog’s mobility, comfort, and connection with its human partner.