Pets First Aid Course Brampton

If your dog starts gagging on his Kong, is hit by a car or keeps throwing up, do you know what to do?
Julie Ott does, and she's about to share her knowledge during an upcoming Canine First Aid course in Brampton on April 25.

"As dog lovers, it's the kind of thing we hope we'll never have to use," says Ott, a professional dog trainer and former OSPCA Cruelty Investigator. "But our pets are part of the family, and the more ways we can protect their health, the better."

Julie Ott is the founder and head professional trainer of Canine Foundations, a graduate of Sheridan College’s Animal Care program and a former Animal Control Officer. Her 2-part, full-day course runs the gamut from how to properly approach an injured dog to canine CPR. Participants will learn how to read canine body language, check vital signs, bandage wounds, recognize bloat and treat burns, shock and broken bones. Ott will also teach participants the steps to take when their dog has been poisoned or is having a seizure.

Ott admits that some people laugh when she talks about the canine first aid course, but people who have dogs, or work with dogs, are extremely interested and share her excitement about getting the information out there — especially since you can't call 911 when Fido is in trouble.

"If he's choking, it's most likely going to be up to you to clear the obstruction in his airway."

It's not just about your own dog. People with dogs tend to visit places where there are other people with dogs: Parks, trails, beaches and pet stores, and so there is an increased chance that skills in canine first aid will be required. This 2 part seminar is perfect for pet owners and recommended for animal care providers, such as rescue and shelter volunteers, professional dog walkers, groomers, etc.

The course runs a full seven hours and includes a course manual, hands-on practice with a dog mannequin, assessment and a certificate for completion. The course will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2009 - Part 1 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, and Part 2 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The cost is $69.95 + GST per session OR $115.00 + tax for the full day. All proceeds will go to Southern Ontario Animal Rescue. To register and submit payment, visit S.O.A.R.'s website at www.soar.designimpact.ca or call 905-450-5992.

Formed in 2005, Southern Ontario Animal Rescue (S.O.A.R.) is a registered charitable organization (Charity Registration #85044-6212-RR0001), as well as Ontario not-for-profit (1681405 Ontario Inc.). They are comprised of a small but dedicated group of volunteers who are committed to rescuing all breeds of dogs that have been abused, neglected, abandoned or rejected due to ill health, abnormalities or old age; something most rescue groups are unable or unwilling to do.

Canine Foundations is the brainchild of Julie Ott. Knowing that no two dogs or dog owners are alike, their services are designed to fit particular needs and schedules. Offering a comprehensive individual behaviour assessment to determine personality type and identify the most effective techniques to use for your dog, their services include: Behaviour Consulting (correcting unwanted behaviours), Dog Obedience Training – All levels, Dog Adoption Consultation (Perfect for first-time owners), and Family and Pet Integration.