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 growing fear, aggression, or panic. Understand when to pause, stop, or opt for sedation, learn safe withdrawal methods, 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)Implement stress-reduction techniques during handling, such as calm voice tones, predictable touches, and treat-based counterconditioning. Schedule short breaks, evaluate analgesia or anxiolytics, and steer clear of actions that amplify 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 checksMinimise bite and scratch risks with proper hand positioning, body alignment, and protective gear. Learn to apply basket or cloth muzzles correctly, check for secure fit, and observe breathing and stress levels 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 observations prior to handling. Post-blood draw, check vital signs, inspect the venipuncture site and bandage, log incidents, and provide owners with clear discharge and follow-up guidance.
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 methodsEvaluate restraint choices 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 animal'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 restraining. Align body posture, use hand signals, offer treats, introduce towels or tools slowly, and know when to halt if the dog's fear intensifies.
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 using secure positioning on table or floor, firm head and body control, and precise needle angle and depth. Work with assistants to manage sudden movements and safeguard 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, alongside stress scoring and medical history to forecast handling risks and select the most secure restraint approach.
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 movementConduct a detailed cephalic blood draw from positioning and vein identification 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 stabilizationTube filling, release, and needle withdrawalManaging hematoma or failed attemptsLesson 10Personnel roles and communication: assigning handler, recorder, veterinarian; clear commands and escape-route awarenessAssign distinct roles for team members like primary handler, venipuncturist, and recorder. Use clear verbal instructions, confirm the plan, and stay mindful of exits and alternatives if the dog turns 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 serene, functional clinic area with secure room arrangement, reliable surfaces, and suitable lighting. Include non-slip mats, pheromone aids, and a full kit of restraint and venipuncture tools before entering with 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
