
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.

I had the good fortune and pleasure to take the Foundation Program at Cowichan K9 this winter
with my lab cross puppy Cody. Cody just turned 8 months when we graduated with distinction from this awesome training experience. Bev, Karen, and Glenda were terrific and facilitated our learning with clear instruction, helpful tips, and much kindness and caring.
I've worked with dogs all my life and was amazed at how much I learned participating in this program and now Cody and I get to benefit daily from our indelible experience with you. Training with such positive reinforcement, small class size, and expert facilitation enhanced our relationship beyond measure and will continue to do so now that we have the tools and understanding.
Cody travels on rounds with me and is continually being complimented on his fine manners and keen willingness to please. I am so proud of him! Attending our classes at Cowichan Canine was the highlight of each week and will continue to be as we begin agility classes and scent games.
I can't thank you enough for how your program has enriched our relationship and daily life together.
I recommend all my clients take their dogs to Cowichan Canine. Every one can benefit!
p.s. Your Christmas party was the highlight of the season, hands down! Class act: so many happy, well behaved dogs and their people, games and prizes, Santa and presents, incredibly delicious appies and meatballs galore for all. That was the best Christmas function I've ever attended!
Thank you again -
Dr Brenda Bernhardt
Cowichan Veterinary HouseCall Services
I have taken my Pembroke Welsh Corgi through Puppy Classes, The Foundation Programme, Starters Agility and we are now in Advanced Agility. The overall results have been excellent. Reba is now competing at Agility Trials and will soon move from Starters there to Advanced. Lisbeth, Bev, and Karen helped immensely along the way, but Reba's Agility success is solely due to Jody. She is amazing in so many ways - knowledgeable, patient, able to adapt her communication to different clients at different levels beautifully, and so much more. She is encouraging and Reba runs to see her when we attend class. A big Paws Up to Jody and CC.
Brenda Burch
Duncan, BC