First Aid Seminar for Performance Dogs - Page 1

The seminar hosted by Cascade Schutzhund Club yesterday was a resounding success. The vet and vet techs really presented a very informative and educational program, complete with a canine version CPR dummy and live dogs for hand-on learning. I hope none of us ever have to actually use what they learned, but at least we now know how to do it. I learned how hard the chest compression work is. Hint: leave that part to a strong guy. We also learned techniques for warming up and cooling down dogs, prior to (and after) hitting the training/trial field. ¶The demo dogs included a Neo that was so laid back, she took a nap as strangers practiced the proper method to apply bandages--repeatedly. ¶Several people asked if the club would repeat the seminar. I think the answer is yes. Club members have already discussed the vet come to observe training and a trial or two for an even more sports-oriented seminar. ¶I would highly recommend that clubs in other parts of the country find a veterinary hospital with the same or similar type of program for seminars. The information is truly invaluable.

 Could you expound on the CPR techniques etc. they taught? What is the rate breath per compressions? What body posture did they teach for a down dog? 

That was another of the great things they taught us. There is such a large range for "normal" respiration and heartbeats that they told us, repeatedly, to check our dogs NOW to learn what the normal rate is for our dogs. The strongly suggested having the down dog elevated, like on a truck tail-gate for the CPR. The technique they taught us is for the power for the chest compression to come from your abdominals, NOT your arms. Still, it is major work. Also, the dog's back should be toward you.

Sounds like a great day for learning.
Always,
Cee

The CPR was very similar to the "old" version of the two person CPR for people.   The main difference is close the dogs mouth and breath through the nose.  Chest compressions, with the dog on its side, is one - two-inches for large breeds.  It was a very informative class.

Found this video and it looks like the description Mystere given above.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJGlsYHI9cU

www.youtube.com/watch

sorry I do not know how to embed the actual video here.

 Very interesting!
I was going to register for a doggy first aid course hosted by my local humane society. The course was/is close to $300 and I was skeptical as to whether it was worth it.  After reading this I think I'll reconsider not signing up. What organization held the clinic? Did you all get "certified"?