Canine Hydrotherapy Online Training
What you'll find in the course
We have a strong desire to ensure the highest level of professionalism in this fast growing industry. It's our mission to provide quality training that meets the high standard of education needed to begin a career as a canine hydrotherapist.
​
Our course reflects the accumulation of years of operating a successful hydrotherapy business and providing hydrotherapy training programs to hundreds of students.
This course is aimed at those that:
-
wish to start a canine hydrotherapy business
-
join a team at an existing facility
​
The course consists of:
-
Thirteen Online Learning Modules
-
Final Assessment
-
Resource Page
-
A Guide to Opening a Canine Hydrotherapy Pool
-
Zoom Consultation Call
-
Online Support
1: Hydrotherapy Overview
​
Get a good understanding of: What Canine Hydrotherapy is, why it's beneficial, who is it for, how it's done and where it happens.
​
2: Hydrotherapy in Practice
Discover what consists of a "typical day" as a hydrotherapist, everything from:
-
setting up and conducting swim sessions
-
client relations
-
operational activities
-
complimentary services
-
other modalities
3: Properties of Water
​
Learn the key aspects of the properties of water such as buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, resistance, temperature and how to use them to your benefit.
4: Pools, Underwater Treadmills & Equipment
​
We'll explore the various types of pools used in canine hydrotherapy, as well as the important features of underwater treadmills. You'll learn about filter systems, sanitation and the equipment needed for a safe canine hydrotherapy facility.
5: Water Management
Get the basics on how to manage and operate your pool so that you can achieve and maintain good, safe water quality.
6: Anatomy & Physiology
Here you'll learn about the key systems of the dog and the effect that hydrotherapy can have - regardless of the dog's breed, size or conformation.
7: Common Conditions
The most common conditions you'll encounter as a hydrotherapist are presented as well as the swim protocols and the benefits that can be achieved with hydrotherapy.
8: Canine Psychology
Here you'll learn about the common behaviours you'll experience while swimming dogs. Knowing these allow you to quickly establish trust and ensure safety for you and the dog.
9: Canine Equipment
You'll explore the various equipment used in hydrotherapy. We take an in depth look at life jackets and harnesses, as well as other equipment dogs use in the pool and underwater treadmill.
10: Underwater Treadmill Handling Techniques
​
Here you'll learn about your role as a hydrotherapist while using the UWT. We will show you the basic techniques and the importantant features that are used based on the dog's need, such as the speed and water level.
11: Pool Handling Techniques
Learn the various handling techniques used in canine hydrotherapy and how to determine which technique to use, based on the dog's needs, their condition and type of pool that you have.
12: Designing a Hydrotherapy Program
​
Learn to design a dog's hydrotherapy program. We'll cover what a swim session consists of from start to finish and how to record their progress in reaching their goals.
​
13: Bodywork and Relaxation Techniques
We'll look at some of the basic bodywork techniques that you can do in the pool. You'll learn about Floats and Canine Watsu as well as some other relaxation techniques that can be done between sets or during the cool down phase of the swim session.
Also included:
Online Support
A full-time support team provides answers to all of your course questions plus any technical questions via email, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm EST.
Guide to Opening a Canine Hydrotherapy Facility
If you are contemplating owning your own canine hydrotherapy facility, this is an invaluable tool.
It covers everything from start up planning to preparations for opening day. It's full of advice, experiences, references and more.
We’ve included this free guide in the hopes that it
will help you create a rewarding and successful business, thus helping dogs to swim their way to better health.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites required as you'll be learning the fundamentals needed to become a professional hydrotherapist throughout the online modules. The course includes concepts and theory that underlies this amazing field of canine hydrotherapy.
Time to Complete
Students have access to the course for six months. The course will take approximately three months to complete if studying five hours a week. This leaves time for review and the opportunity to repeat any or all of the modules as many times as desired.
​
We really encourage students to take advantage of their six month access to the course. It provides ample time to go back and review the learning material to reinforce their understanding and increase retention, especially in the areas of Anatomy & Physiology and Common Conditions. It's important that this foundational knowledge to be well-embedded in your memory, as it will support your future learning and professional career working with dogs and their veterinarians.
Certification
​
Upon completion of the online modules and successfully passing the final assessment, students are awarded a Certificate of Completion.
This certificate represents the knowledge and skill attained by students throughout our course. It’s a certificate that has gained strong recognition and exceptional reputation among professionals in the field.
We recommend researching the laws and regulations in your area. You may find there is not an official licensing body that governs canine therapies such as hydrotherapy or massage therapy. Your certificate from Canine Ripples shows that you have achieved a greater degree of knowledge and professionalism in the field of canine hydrotherapy.
​
​
Continuous Learning
​
Upon completing the course you will need to gain experience in handling dogs and continue to learn more about your new profession. If you are joining a hydrotherapy facility as an employee, you'll gain your practical experience there. You'll be taught how a facility operates and the protocols they have in place by an experienced hydrotherapist.
If you are venturing into opening your own facility, it's very important that you practice and hone your handling techniques before accepting clients. We strongly advise that you take advantage of opportunities, such as volunteering at a canine hydrotherapy facility or paying to gain practical experience at a facility. During these experiences you'll gain valuable knowledge about dogs healing from various conditions seen in hydrotherapy and obtain handling skills for all types of dogs.
​
If there isn't a hydrotherapy facility available, gaining self experience can be an option. But you need to swim as many dogs as you can before accepting clients!
They should be diverse in breed, size, conformation, temperament, fitness level and swimming ability. Start with easy dogs that are comfortable in water and then progress to more challenging dogs. Treat each dog as a new client - obtaining a referral and doing an intake with each one. Practice the procedures of your facility, increase your handling skills and build your confidence before you officially open to the public.
​
Gaining practical handling experience before commencing canine hydrotherapy is essential. Learn about the dog and its condition, know the recommended swim protocols and precautions for that condition, understand what the goals of the swim are and always keep the dog’s safety at top of mind.
All canine hydrotherapists must only perform hydrotherapy under a veterinarian's recommendation and approval.
We must all work within our scope of practice. Veterinarians diagnose the dog's condition. Our job is to help facilitate healing according to the dog's treatment plan.
The IAAMB/ACWT is an association that oversees canine hydrotherapy in North America.
Canine Ripples has been awarded the status of IAAMB/ACWT Preferred Educational Provider.
Map of Graduates
