Initial class on Animal Handling Skills.

Prior to my initial animal handling demonstration, I felt excited yet daunted as I have not had professional experience working with either equine or canine. I was looking forward to learning about different aspects of health, management and safety. Perhaps I would be thrown in the deep end, surrounded by unfamiliar equipment and a lack of support. I also had the initial panic that unfamiliar terminology would be used, deterring me from asking questions. However, I was soon to realise I would feel very different.

During the demonstration the information was well communicated. Getting to know the dog and ensuring a safe environment made me feel comfortable. During the canine practical I found myself using a number of hand gestures and movements asking the dog to sit, in the future I must ensure my body language is consistent and well-paced for effective communication (Miller, 2008). It was also evident that some dogs are excitable and/or anxious and so it is best practice to take some time to relax the dog by showing affection (Arden, 2007). Reading, research and volunteering will help me to increase my knowledge of canine equipment for future practice as I was unsure of the fit of a number of harnesses.

During the equine introduction I was paired up with a helpful classmate, putting me at ease. On leading the horse ‘trotting up’ I was holding the reigns too tightly, however, after receiving direction I understood that I had to lead with a loose reign to allow for free movement as if I led with a tight reign I would not be able to see the natural head movements (Aspinall, 2011). Forelimb lameness is evident on seeing greater head-drop and a louder hoof while weight bearing on the sound limb (McGowan & Goff, 2016).

Receiving feedback has motivated me to learn more (Hattie & Anderman, 2013). I feel a great amount of self-directed study of anatomy and livestock equipment will have to be completed for me to become competent. Practical work will improve my confidence and self awareness in handling. I would like to have practiced these animal handling skills prior to my next practical in order to receive further direction on areas of improvement.

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Reference List

Arden, A., 2007. Dog-friendly dog training. 2nd ed. Wiley Publishing. New Jersey Aspinall, V., 2011. The Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing2: The Complete Textbook of Veterinary Nursing. 2nd ed. Elsevier Health Sciences. Hattie, J. and Anderman, E.M. eds., 2013. International guide to student achievement. Routledge. McGowan, C. and Goff, L. 2016. Animal physiotherapy: assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of animals. 2nd ed. John Wiley & Sons. Miller, P., 2008.The Power of Positive Dog Training. 2nd ed. Wiley Publishing.