Lesson 1Escalation Plan for Increasing Aggression or Panic: Stopping Procedure, Safe Withdrawal, Sedation Criteria, Re-scheduling and DocumentationDevelop a step-by-step response plan for handling rising fear, aggression, or panic in dogs. Understand when to pause, stop, or opt for sedation, along with safe withdrawal methods, ethical documentation, and rescheduling procedures to ensure safety and welfare.
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)Implement stress-reduction strategies during handling, such as using a calm voice, predictable touch, and treat-based counterconditioning. Include planning for short breaks, evaluating analgesia or anxiolytics, and avoiding actions that increase fear in dogs.
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 ChecksMinimise bite and scratch risks with proper hand placement, body positioning, and protective gear. Learn to apply basket or cloth muzzles correctly, check fit, and monitor breathing and stress levels during restraint for safety.
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, Discharging Dog, and Incident ReportingRecord consent, procedures, and behaviour notes prior to handling. Post-blood draw, monitor vital signs, inspect venipuncture site and bandage, document incidents, and provide owners with clear discharge instructions and follow-up care.
Obtaining informed owner consentBaseline vitals and pre-procedure notesBandage placement and site inspectionShort-term monitoring after venipunctureBehaviour 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 MethodsEvaluate restraint options for a nervous medium-sized dog, including sitting, standing, and lateral recumbency positions. Determine when to use muzzles or towel wraps, balancing safety, sample quality, and the dog's emotional well-being.
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 IntroductionEmploy a gradual, side-on approach to build trust before restraint. Coordinate body posture, hand signals, and treat offering, introduce towels or equipment slowly, and know when to halt if the dog's fear increases.
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 MovementExecute a jugular blood draw safely on table or floor, with proper head and body control, and accurate needle angle and depth. Work with assistants to handle sudden movements and safeguard the airway during the process.
Choosing table versus floor positioningHead and neck alignment and supportAssistant roles at forelimbs and bodyNeedle angle, depth, and stabilisationManaging coughing or sudden movementPost-draw pressure and bandage useLesson 8Pre-Approach Assessment and Patient Reading: Evaluating Body Language, Stress Score, and Medical History ReviewAssess a nervous dog before contact by observing posture, facial tension, and vocalisations, combined with stress scoring and medical history to predict risks and select the most suitable restraint approach.
Baseline observation from a distanceKey canine fear and anxiety signalsUsing stress scores to guide handlingReviewing medical and behaviour historyPredicting handling and restraint riskLesson 9Step-by-Step Cephalic Blood Draw Protocol: Positioning, Vein Visualisation, Tourniquet Use, Assistant Positioning, Needle Insertion and Withdrawal, Minimising MovementPerform a precise cephalic blood draw from positioning and vein visualisation to tourniquet application, needle insertion, and withdrawal, coordinating with an assistant to limit movement and avoid complications.
Choosing side and limb for venipunctureHandler and assistant body positioningVein distension and tourniquet techniqueNeedle angle, insertion, and stabilisationTube filling, release, and needle withdrawalManaging haematoma or failed attemptsLesson 10Personnel Roles and Communication: Assigning Handler, Recorder, Veterinarian; Clear Commands and Escape-Route AwarenessAssign clear roles for team members like primary handler, venipuncturist, and recorder. Use concise verbal cues, confirm plans, and stay aware of exits and backups if the dog poses a safety risk.
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 a calm clinic space with secure layout, stable surfaces, suitable lighting, non-slip flooring, pheromone aids, and a full kit of restraint and venipuncture tools before introducing 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
