Lesson 1Escalation plan for increasing aggression or panic: stopping procedure, safe withdrawal, sedation criteria, re-scheduling and documentationPrepare a step-by-step response plan for growing fear, aggression, or panic. Understand when to pause, stop, or use sedation, safe ways to withdraw, and how to document and reschedule procedures in an ethical 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 stress-reduction techniques during handling, such as calm voice, predictable touch, and treat-based counterconditioning. Plan short breaks, consider pain relief or anti-anxiety options, and avoid actions 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 checksMinimize 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 during restraint.
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, planned procedures, and behaviour notes before handling. After blood draw, check vitals, inspect the site and bandage, note incidents, and provide owners with clear discharge and follow-up 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 restraint methods for a nervous medium dog, like sitting, standing, or lying on side. Know 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 introductionApproach slowly from the side to build trust before restraining. Coordinate posture, hand signals, and treats, introduce towels or tools gradually, and stop 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 movementCarry out jugular blood draw with safe positioning on table or floor, secure head and body, and proper needle angle and depth. Work with assistants to handle sudden movements and protect the 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 a nervous dog before contact by observing posture, facial tension, and sounds, combined with stress scoring and health history to predict risks and select the best restraint 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 precise steps for cephalic blood draw, from positioning and vein spotting to tourniquet, needle placement, and withdrawal, coordinating with an assistant to limit 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 awarenessAssign clear roles for team members like main handler, blood drawer, and recorder. Use short verbal cues, confirm plans, and stay aware of exits and backups if the 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)Prepare a calm clinic space with safe layout, stable surfaces, good lighting, non-slip floors, pheromone aids, and full kit of restraint and blood draw tools before bringing in 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
