Lesson 1Escalation plan for increasing aggression or panic: stopping procedure, safe withdrawal, sedation criteria, re-scheduling and documentationPrepare a step-by-step response for growing fear, aggression, or panic. Learn when to pause, stop, or use sedation, safe exit methods, and ethical documentation for rescheduling.
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 stress-lowering tools like calm talking, steady touch, and treat rewards during handling. Plan short breaks, think about pain relief or calmers, and skip moves that increase fear.
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 bite and scratch risks with proper hand spots, body position, and gear. Learn muzzle fitting for basket or cloth types, check fit, and watch breathing and stress.
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 reportingRecord consent, plans, and behaviour notes before starting. After blood draw, check vitals, venipuncture spot and bandage, note incidents, and give owners clear discharge advice.
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 methodsCompare holding options for a nervous medium dog like sitting, standing, or side-lying. Know when to add muzzle or towel, balancing safety, blood quality, and animal comfort.
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 introductionApproach slowly from the side to build trust before holding. Match body stance, hand signs, treats, introduce towels gently, and stop if fear builds up.
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 jugular blood draw with safe table or floor position, firm head and body hold, right needle angle and depth. Work with helpers to manage jerks and guard airway.
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 reviewAssess nervous dog before touch by reading stance, face tension, sounds, plus stress score and history to predict risks and pick best holding plan.
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 cephalic blood draw steps from position and vein spotting to tourniquet, needle in and out, with helper to cut movement and avoid issues.
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 roles for handler, recorder, vet. Use short commands, confirm plan, stay alert to doors and backups if dog turns 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)Prepare calm clinic space with safe layout, good light, no-slip floors. Add pheromones, full kit of muzzles, towels, gloves, tape, syringes before dog enters.
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
