Download SAFE Inc. Procedure 001 * Approaching and Moving Dogs

SAFE Inc. Procedure
001 – Approaching
and Moving Dogs
Never corner any animal and allow it time to get used to your presence and scent. Offer the back of the hand
with your fingers curled under. If this is accepted than an animal carer can stroke the dog and accustom it to
their voice.
Approach gently and calmly.
Lifting and moving the dog should only commence if the dog has accepted the handler. Always approach a dog
slowly and talk to the animal as you approach it. If the animal is on the ground it is a good idea to crouch down
to its level so that you are not towering over the dog. The use of enticement, most commonly food treats is an
excellent method of allowing capture.
Always ensure that the animal is given the treat to positively reinforce the approach. In this case an animal may
be captured simply by calling the animal to the handler or by offering some form of enticement such as a toy or
treat. A lead can then be slipped over the head or the animal transferred to a crate or box.
This method can prove difficult when dealing with a litter of animals as the other animals can be distracting or
obstructive either intentionally or unintentionally in allowing the handler to capture single animals. In this case,
an assistant is usually required to distract the others.
Alternatively a physical barrier can be helpful in separating an animal from a group. Remember though that this
can prove stressful for an animal, especially a young one. Other methods of capture / restraint need only be
considered when the animal is fearful, aggressive, injured or unused to human contact and we will cover these
later in this section.
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SAFE Inc. Procedure
001 – Approaching
and Moving Dogs
MANUAL LIFTING
Dogs under approximately 15kg may be lifted by one person (assuming that person has no injuries or condition
that precludes this). Small dogs that are struggling should be restrained by wrapping in a towel and consider
using two people to lift. Sudden jerking movements to the handler’s back can contribute to back injuries.
Larger dogs should be lifted by two or more people. Lifting aids such as stretchers and hydraulic lifting tables
should be used when available.
ALWAYS ensure that you use your knees to stand up when holding a dog and NOT your back.
The animal should be grasped from side on with one arm across the chest (in front of the shoulders) and the
other arm across the hindquarters (around the bottom with the tail down).
The dog should be held close to your chest so it is secure.
COLLAR AND LEAD
A collar and lead are a great way to move dogs. They are generally used to being handled in this way and usually
happily comply. Ensure that the collar is secure on the dog and cannot slip off over the head. Always check this
– never assume that a collar already on a dog will be secure. If possible, use a slip lead to prevent the animal
from escaping. It is often better to use 2 leads to ensure security.
The lead should be wrapped around the handlers arm with the hand looped through the handle to prevent the
lead from being pulled out of the hand. Always use a short lead to move an animal to give you maximum control
over the dog’s movements.
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SAFE Inc. Procedure
001 – Approaching
and Moving Dogs
AGGRESSIVE DOGS
Unfortunately, we can sometimes encounter very scared and aggressive dogs. Approaching and handling these
patients must be performed with personal safety in mind. In these extreme cases tools such as dog catchers can
be used. The dog catcher is basically a pole with a retractable loop on the end. It enables the patient to be
restrained so, for example, chemical restraint may then be implemented.
LASSOING
Lassoing can be helpful when dealing with an aggressive small dog or cat. The animal should be in a cage or some
other confined area to avoid a ‘chasing’ situation from developing.
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A slip lead is used with a loop at one end.
The loop is introduced over the animal head and behind the ears. If possible, loop a front leg through
as well to reduce the chance of injury.
In the case of some dogs, they will become calmer once on a lead and easier to handle. Some will even
walk normally.
Care must be taken not to asphyxiate the animal!!
USING A DOG CATCHING POLE
The dog in this case should be backed into a corner and the loop enlarged so it can be placed over the dog’s
head. Note that this can be very dangerous with a truly aggressive animal as being cornered can cause a dog to
charge. Not always straightforward and dogs will turn their head to avoid the loop. The loop must be around the
narrow part of the neck – i.e. behind the ears. The loop should then be pulled tight so that the handler has
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SAFE Inc. Procedure
001 – Approaching
and Moving Dogs
control over the animal without the risk of the dog’s head being able to come close to the body. It is the rigid
pole that prevents the dog from being able to approach the handler.
Keep the animal moving smoothly to keep the time on the pole to a minimum.
MUZZLES
It is always better to ‘be safe than sorry’! If a dog is showing any signs of aggression or you are concerned they
may bite – use a muzzle! It is important that the muzzle is the correct size and ready for application. To familiarise
yourself with muzzles, try putting them on friendly dogs. This will assist with understanding the appropriate size
required and the actual placement of the muzzle.
Several different types of muzzles are available.
The nylon muzzle is soft and conforms to the face. It restrains the animal from biting yet it may still be possible to administer
oral medications. This muzzle also inhibits barking. Choose muzzle of correct size. It should permit animal to open its mouth
about 1cm – enough to poke its tongue out but not enough that it can get a grip on your finger and bite.
Note: this style of muzzle prevents the animal from panting. Use with caution in hot environments.
The rigid-box style muzzle sits loosely around the animal’s face. The structure prevents the dog’s teeth from
engaging your flesh. Slots in the top and end allow passage of air. Even so they will limit the animal’s capacity to
cool itself by panting since they restrict some flow of air. Use with caution in hot environments.
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SAFE Inc. Procedure
001 – Approaching
and Moving Dogs
The cage style muzzle can be made from plastic or wire. They sit loosely around the face and provide reasonable
protection against biting. The open structure allows free air passage and does not inhibit panting significantly. If
an animal needs to wear a muzzle for prolonged periods, particularly in hot weather, then this is the preferred
style.
When fitting, ensure muzzle fits snugly over patient’s nose and the muzzle clasps are firmly fitted at the
back of the head behind the ears. Dogs will use their paws to try and pull the muzzle over their heads.
All muzzles should be disinfected between patients.
Temporary muzzles can also be made from bandaging material, in the following way:
 Use conforming bandage & cut a large strip.
 Form a loop by crossing the two ends of the bandage.
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SAFE Inc. Procedure
001 – Approaching
and Moving Dogs
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Slip the loop over the dog’s muzzle.
Tighten firmly & double over muzzle.
Tie behind ears.
This method can take practice but is good to use when you cannot get close enough to the patient to place a
nylon muzzle.
TIP: small dogs that are very aggressive often respond to having their head covered gently with a towel.
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