Lesson 1Escalation plan for increasing aggression or panic: stopping procedure, safe withdrawal, sedation criteria, re-scheduling and documentationMake a step-by-step plan for when fear, anger, or panic grows in the dog. Learn when to pause, stop, or use medicine to calm, how to pull back safely, and ways to record and set new times for the work in a fair manner.
Early warning signs of escalationCriteria for pausing or stoppingSafe disengagement and room exitWhen to recommend chemical sedationRescheduling and case flaggingDebriefing and protocol adjustmentLesson 2Stress-reduction measures during procedure: low-voice cues, counterconditioning, timed breaks, analgesia or anxiolytic considerations (protocol discussion only)Use tools to lower stress while handling, like soft talking, steady touches, and treats to change bad feelings. Plan short rests, think about pain relief or calm medicines, and skip things that make fear worse.
Low, steady voice and breathing controlTreat delivery and cooperative careGentle touch and pressure techniquesPlanned pauses and short breaksAnalgesia and anxiolytic indicationsBehaviors that increase canine stressLesson 3Bite and scratch risk mitigation: safe hand placement, protective equipment choices, muzzling technique and fit checksCut down on bites and scratches by placing hands right, standing properly, and using gear to protect. Learn when and how to put on basket or cloth muzzles, check if they fit well, and watch breathing and stress while holding.
Safe zones for hands and forearmsBody positioning to avoid the bite arcSelecting gloves and arm protectionChoosing basket versus cloth muzzleFitting and checking muzzle securityMonitoring breathing and distress signsLesson 4Recordkeeping, consent, and post-procedure monitoring: monitoring vitals, bandage application, dispelling dog, and incident reportingWrite down agreement, planned steps, and how the dog acts before starting. After taking blood, check life signs, look at the needle spot and bandage, note any problems, and tell owners clear ways to care at home and follow up.
Obtaining informed owner consentBaseline vitals and pre-procedure notesBandage placement and site inspectionShort-term monitoring after venipunctureBehavior and incident documentationOwner communication and home careLesson 5Restraint options and selection criteria: lateral recumbency vs sitting restraint, use of slip or basket muzzle, head restraint, towel wrap methodsLook at ways to hold a nervous medium dog, like sitting, standing, or lying on side. Learn when to add a muzzle or towel wrap, and how to keep safety, good blood sample, and the dog's feelings in balance.
Indications for sitting restraintWhen to use lateral recumbencySlip lead versus basket muzzle useHead control without overpressureTowel wrap methods for added controlBalancing safety and welfare needsLesson 6Approach technique and initial contact: slow movement, side-on approach, hand signals, offering treats and towel introductionGo slow and from the side to build trust before holding. Work together on body stance, hand signs, and giving treats, bring in towels or tools bit by bit, and know when to stop if the dog's fear grows too much.
Planning entry route and door controlSide-on posture and averted gazeReading response to first approachTreat offering and consent testingIntroducing towel and equipmentCriteria for aborting initial contactLesson 7Step-by-step jugular blood draw protocol: positioning on table or floor, head control methods, assistant roles, needle angle and depth, handling rebound movementDo a neck blood draw with safe spot on table or ground, hold head and body well, and use right needle angle and depth. Work with helpers to handle sudden moves and keep the breathing path safe.
Choosing table versus floor positioningHead and neck alignment and supportAssistant roles at forelimbs and bodyNeedle angle, depth, and stabilizationManaging coughing or sudden movementPost-draw pressure and bandage useLesson 8Pre-approach assessment and patient reading: evaluating body language, stress score, and medical history reviewBefore touching a nervous dog, check stance, face tightness, and sounds it makes, mix this with stress levels and health past to guess handling dangers and pick the safest way to hold it.
Baseline observation from a distanceKey canine fear and anxiety signalsUsing stress scores to guide handlingReviewing medical and behavior historyPredicting handling and restraint riskLesson 9Step-by-step cephalic blood draw protocol: positioning, vein visualization, tourniquet use, assistant positioning, needle insertion and withdrawal, minimizing movementFollow exact steps for front leg blood draw, from placing the dog and seeing the vein to using a tie, putting in needle, and pulling out, while working with a helper to cut down moves and stop problems.
Choosing side and limb for venipunctureHandler and assistant body positioningVein distension and tourniquet techniqueNeedle angle, insertion, and stabilizationTube filling, release, and needle withdrawalManaging hematoma or failed attemptsLesson 10Personnel roles and communication: assigning handler, recorder, veterinarian; clear commands and escape-route awarenessSet clear jobs for each person, like main holder, blood taker, and note keeper. Practice short talks, check the plan, and always know where to go if the dog gets too risky.
Assigning handler and venipuncturistRecorder and timekeeper responsibilitiesPre-procedure briefing and role rehearsalStandard verbal cues and confirmationsMaintaining line-of-sight and exit accessLesson 11Clinic environment setup: room layout, lighting, non-slip flooring, calming pheromones, equipment checklist (muzzles, towels, gloves, cat/bandage tape, syringe setup)Make a calm and working clinic space with safe room setup, steady places, and good lights. Get non-slip ground, smell helpers for calm, and ready all holding and blood tools before bringing the dog.
Room layout and escape-route controlLighting, noise, and visual distractionsNon-slip mats and table surface choicesPheromone diffusers and sound maskingPre-loading venipuncture and restraint kit
