Trigger Points for Dogs
3 Hours CE/CPD | Online Course with Andy Eckley
Dogs, like humans, can develop trigger points within muscles that contribute to pain, movement restriction, altered gait patterns, reduced performance, and changes in behaviour. Yet many therapists and animal professionals receive little formal training in identifying and addressing these soft tissue dysfunctions.
Trigger Points for Dogs introduces participants to the practical application of trigger point therapy within canine populations, combining anatomical understanding with hands-on treatment concepts and clinical observation skills.
Designed for animal therapists and rehabilitation professionals, this course explores how trigger points may influence canine comfort, movement quality, performance, and overall wellbeing, while providing practical approaches that can be integrated into professional practice.
Course Overview
Across this 3-hour CE/CPD course, participants will explore the fundamentals of canine trigger point therapy, including trigger point identification, common muscular dysfunction patterns, assessment considerations, and practical treatment applications.
The course combines anatomy education, trigger point theory, and practical demonstrations to help practitioners better understand how muscular dysfunction may contribute to discomfort, altered movement, compensation patterns, and reduced function in dogs.
Supported by a fully illustrated course workbook, lesson quizzes, online examination, and certificate of completion, the program provides a structured learning experience designed to strengthen both theoretical understanding and practical application within canine therapy settings.
What You Will Learn
| Topic |
Focus |
| Trigger Point Fundamentals |
Understanding trigger points, muscular dysfunction, and their potential impact on canine movement and comfort |
| Canine Functional Anatomy |
Exploring key muscle groups and their role in movement, posture, and performance |
| Assessment & Observation |
Recognising signs of muscular dysfunction, altered movement, and compensation patterns |
| Practical Treatment Applications |
Safe and effective trigger point therapy approaches for canine patients |
| Clinical Integration |
Applying trigger point concepts within canine rehabilitation, performance, and wellness programs |
Course Content
The course combines canine anatomy education, trigger point theory, movement assessment concepts, and practical treatment demonstrations to help practitioners better understand soft tissue dysfunction in dogs.
| Module |
Focus |
| Understanding Trigger Points |
The development, characteristics, and effects of trigger points in canine musculature |
| Canine Anatomy & Function |
Muscle groups, movement patterns, and functional anatomy considerations |
| Assessment Principles |
Observation, palpation concepts, and recognising potential trigger point involvement |
| Practical Treatment Demonstrations |
Step-by-step trigger point therapy applications for canine patients |
| Integrating Trigger Point Therapy |
Using trigger point techniques within broader canine rehabilitation and wellness programs |
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for canine massage therapists, animal rehabilitation professionals, veterinary physiotherapists, veterinary nurses, canine bodyworkers, animal manual therapists, and other professionals working within their legal scope of practice.
It is especially valuable for practitioners who work with active dogs, performance dogs, rehabilitation cases, senior dogs, or canine clients experiencing muscular tension, movement restriction, compensation patterns, or reduced physical function.
About Andy Eckley
Andy Eckley is a dual-practicing human and equine soft tissue therapist, known for his dedicated interest in trigger point therapy and his innovative approach to animal treatment techniques.
His distinctive practice combines extensive experience working with both human and animal patients, providing a unique perspective on movement dysfunction, muscular health, and soft tissue rehabilitation across species.
When not teaching or providing therapy, Andy serves as an Animal Safety Representative for the American Humane Association on film sets, helping ensure the ethical treatment and welfare of animals within the entertainment industry.
A valued member of the NAT Global Campus faculty since 2018, Andy teaches courses in equine therapy, Bowen Therapy, and animal rehabilitation, with a strong emphasis on practical application and professional development.
Included With This Course
| Included |
Details |
| Video Classes |
Practical trigger point therapy demonstrations and canine anatomy instruction presented by Andy Eckley |
| Illustrated Course Workbook |
Comprehensive workbook covering trigger point theory, anatomy, assessment, and treatment concepts |
| Lesson Quizzes |
Knowledge checks designed to reinforce learning throughout the course |
| Online Exam |
Assessment included for course completion |
| Certificate |
Downloadable 3 Hours CE/CPD certificate following successful completion |
| Lifetime Access |
Study at your own pace and revisit the material whenever required |
CE Finder
This course has been approved for continuing education by professional boards and associations. Scroll through the list to find your board or association.
Course: Trigger Points for Dogs
Approvals Listed: 47
CE Broker Provider: #20-1316602
Approvals in alphabetical order
Alabama Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Alabama State Board of Occupational Therapy *General*
Approved Hours: 3
Alaska Board of Massage Therapists
Approved Hours: 3
American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (ACBSP)
Approved Hours: 3
Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Arizona State Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Arkansas Board of Massage
Approved Hours: 3
Association of Massage Therapists (AMT)
Approved Hours: 3
Canadian Massage & Manual Osteopathic Therapists Association (CMMOTA)
Approved Hours: 0.5
CEU/CPD Self-Cert
Approved Hours: 3
College of Massage Therapists of New Brunswick (CMTNB)
Approved Hours: 3
College of Massage Therapists Ontario (CMTO)
Approved Hours: 3
Connecticut Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Deleware Board of Massage and Bodywork
Approved Hours: 3
Distrcit of Columbia Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Florida Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Georgia Board of Massage Therapy *General*
Approved Hours: 3
Georgia State Board of Occupational Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Indiana Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Iowa Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Maine Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Maryland Board of Massage Therapy Examiners
Approved Hours: 3
Massage Therapists' Association of Nova Scotia (MTANS)
Approved Hours: 3
Massage Therapy Assc of Manitoba (MTAM)
Approved Hours: 3
Massage Therapy Assc of Saskatchewan (MTAS)
Approved Hours: 3
Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage
Approved Hours: 3
Montana Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB)
Approved Hours: 3
Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC)
Approved Hours: 3
Nebraska Massage Licensure Board
Approved Hours: 3
Nevada Board of Massage Therapists
Approved Hours: 3
New Hampshire Advisory Board of Massage Therapists
Approved Hours: 3
New Jersey Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
North Carolina Board of Massage & Bodywork Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
North Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Oklahoma Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Oregon Board of Massage Therapists
Approved Hours: 3
Pennsylvania State Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Prince Edward Island Massage Therapy Association (PEIMTA)
Approved Hours: 3
Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (RMTAO)
Approved Hours: 3
South Carolina Massage/Bodywork Panel
Approved Hours: 3
South Dakota Board of Massage Therapy
Approved Hours: 3
Tennessee Board of Massage Licensure
Approved Hours: 3
Virginia Department of Health Professions (Massage Therapy)
Approved Hours: 3
Washington Board of Massage
Approved Hours: 3
West Virginia Massage Licensure Board
Approved Hours: 3
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (Massage Therapy)
Approved Hours: 3
Approval requirements can change. Please confirm acceptance with your own board, association, employer, or regulatory authority before registration.
