Canine First Aid Course by DogSafe
Instructor: Michelle Sevigny (founder of DOGSAFE)
Saturday (DogSafe 101)
This course is designed to teach you the knowledge and skills to deal with a sick or injured dog until veterinary care is available. The topics are covered in-depth so that students have a thorough understanding of the principles of canine first aid. Since this is a very comprehensive course, we need your full attention and dogs do not come to class.
You'll Learn How to:
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Training techniques
Our training techniques include:
- instruction
- demonstration
- hands-on learning
- discussion
- question & answer
- and videos
Training tools
- canine resuscitation manikins
- plush demonstration dogs
- bandages
- first aid kits
- even fake guts, eyeballs and more!
Sunday (DogSafe 201)
You'll Learn How to:
- conduct a head to tail assessment
- monitor canine body language
- muzzle your dog with commercial and improvised muzzles
- restrain your dog in a standing and sitting position
- transport your dog with a stretcher
- take your dog's vital signs
- assess three critical health tests
- practice proper positioning for artificial respiration (AR)
- practice proper positioning for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- practice proper positioning for obstructed airway (choking)
- practice wound management, including bandaging eyes, ears and paws
This is all about hands-on practice with live dogs while under the supervision of Dogsafe Instructor Michelle Sevigny (founder of DOGSAFE), but we do not force the dogs and offer lots of intermissions and bathroom breaks.
Louie and I just completed the Puppy Start Right program with Stef at Cowichan Canine, and what a fabulous experience. PSR covers all the basics, with carefully curated play sessions, exposure to various sounds and things from our human world, training tips, and lots of practical advice. Stef is kind and very experienced and has helped me to remember that these crazy first months of puppyhood - with the constant vigilance, all the peeing and biting, and the early wakeup calls - will pass, and is just part of the journey to a well-trained socialized dog. I will always remember how Louie passed out in the car on the way home from class: happy, tired and snoring ever so slightly. Thanks Stef, I cannot imagine doing this without Cowichan Canine.
Theresa and Louie
Duncan
My little dog, Tilly and I have completed our Foundations course and I would be remiss if I did not express how wonderful the experience has been. I was so impressed with the organization of the programme and Lisbeth’s knowledgeable and friendly staff. I particularly liked the fact that you could book class times online when they suited you. I adopted Tilly at 5 months and knew that she had had very little socialization and training. For consistency I chose to stay with one instructor, Paula. One can tell that she is very passionate and knowledgeable about her job. I found Paula to be excellent at demonstrating and explaining the tasks at hand and she showed patience and understanding with me as Tilly and I learned together. It also helped that Paula had a good sense of humour and gave us positive feedback and praise when it was often needed. Sadly, there were no “treats” for owners but I would take another course with Cowichan Canine in a heartbeat!
Deb Tustin
Cowichan Bay

