What Is the Lang Institute for Canine Massage?
Updated
The Lang Institute for Canine Massage is a Colorado state-approved canine massage school and the home of the Lang System. It has offered professional training since 1999, and its stated mission is to prepare students to work either independently or alongside veterinarians and other canine professionals. If you are looking for a structured, career-oriented education in canine massage rather than a single workshop, this is the kind of institution the site describes.
What the school offers
The site presents a training path built around two main components:
- Home study — Developed by board-certified practicing veterinarians, PhDs, education specialists, and a Master Certified Massage Therapist. It is designed to give you the foundation needed before attending the hands-on portion.
- Practicum — A four-day intensive with hands-on work across a variety of dog breeds and temperaments.
The full program is described as 688 hours, intended to provide a solid foundation for starting a career in canine massage. Instruction is offered for all levels, from beginners to experienced veterinarians and canine rehabilitation practitioners who want to expand their skills.
The Lang System
The Lang System was developed by Joanne Lang, a Master Certified Massage Therapist with more than thirty years of experience massaging people, dogs, horses, and even an elephant. It combines three elements:
- Observation
- Massage
- Exercise
According to the site, this combination helps prepare a dog for whatever work or challenges it may encounter.
Who it is for
| If you are… | The program is presented as… |
|---|---|
| A beginner | A foundation for a new career |
| A veterinarian or rehab practitioner | A way to expand existing skills |
| Someone planning to work with vets | Training that supports working side-by-side with canine professionals |
The site also states that students gain the knowledge to know when to refer to other canine professionals — a useful signal that the training includes scope-of-practice awareness, not just technique.
Dates and contact
- 2025 Practicum dates: June 26 – 29, 2025
- Phone: 970-691-3985
- Apply: The site includes an "Apply now" button
If you are evaluating the school, the most practical next steps are to confirm current program requirements, cost, and enrollment details directly with the institute, since the site itself does not list pricing or payment information.