Lesson 1Escalation plan for increasing aggression or panic: stopping procedure, safe withdrawal, sedation criteria, re-scheduling and documentationMake a step-by-step plan for growing fear, fighting, or panic. Learn when to pause, stop, or use medicine to calm, safe ways to pull back, and how to write notes and plan again in a good way.
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 cut stress during handling, like calm talking, expected touching, and treats to change bad feelings. Plan short rests, think about pain killers or calm medicines, and avoid 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 risk of bites and scratches with right hand spots, body places, and safety gear. Learn when and how to put on basket or cloth muzzles, check if they fit well, and watch breathing and stress when held.
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 animal actions before handling. After taking blood, watch life signs, check the needle spot and cover, note any problems, and give owners clear go-home and follow-up words.
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 ways for a nervous medium dog, like sitting, standing, and lying on side. Learn when to add muzzle or towel wrap, and how to balance safety, blood quality, and animal feelings.
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 introductionUse slow, side way to build trust before holding. Work together on body stand, hand signs, and treat giving, bring in towels or tools slowly, and decide to stop if dog's fear grows big.
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 neck blood taking with safe place on table or ground, hold head and body well, and right needle tilt and deep. Work with helpers to handle sudden moves and keep air way 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 reviewLearn to check a nervous dog before touch by reading stand, face tight, and sounds, mix with stress marks and health past to guess handling danger and pick safest hold 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 front leg blood taking steps, from place and see vein to tie band, needle put and pull, while working with helper to cut 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 team member, like main holder, blood taker, and note writer. Practice short talk signs, check plan, and know ways out and extra choices if dog gets unsafe.
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)Set up calm, good clinic space with safe room plan, steady places, and right light. Get non-slip ground, smell calm helpers, and full hold and blood tools kit before bringing 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
