Study Tips

This section may seem overwhelming, but you can learn it a little at a time and please, don’t try to memorize all of it. Of course, if you already know the human anatomy, it will go faster, but even if you are learning it for the first time, you will succeed. Just be patient and persistent!

We include specific suggestions for studying on the following pages that are unique to this section, which involves so much technical and detailed information. These suggestions are designed to support a variety of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

The expected time for initial study of this chapter and completion of the learning activities and assessments is three weeks. 

You will be reviewing material in this chapter throughout the course.

Tips for Studying Muscles

The study of anatomy is best accomplished through repetition and by learning small sections of material at a time. Frequent review and the use of all study tools will help you cover the considerable amount of information in less time with greater retention. We do not recommend trying to learn more than four muscles per day. You are only responsible for learning those muscles described in the Canine Anatomy Guide and on your DVD. Study the muscles using the following steps:

1. Read the name, attachment, and actions of the muscle in your canine anatomy guide.
2. Find the muscle in your anatomy guide. Look at the shape and location of the muscle and compare the location on your DVD.
3. Color the muscles in your book if you like.
4. Palpate the location and shape of the muscle on a stuffed animal.
5. Palpate the location and shape of the muscle on a willing animal. Be sure not to use too much pressure or to poke the animal as you palpate.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for the next three muscles.

When you begin the next set of muscles on another day, take time to first review the muscles you have already learned. If you do this each time, you will feel very familiar with the muscles when you reach the end of the list.

The Resources links on chapter pages, and Resources library on the sidebar include diagrams and figures from your anatomy workbook for your convenience when studying.

Other Study Tips

• Read this section thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the material.
• Try answering the sample quiz questions without using your notes or textbook.
• Carefully review the “Practicum Readiness” paragraph above and check yourself on all points covered.
• Discuss the information presented here with small animal owners and guardians you know.
• Observe small animals, especially interacting with other small animals or people.
• Magazines: Many magazines such as Dog World, Bark, or Animal Wellness have good articles on canine or feline activities.
• Library: Libraries often have videos for rent. This can be an enjoyable, affordable way to expand your knowledge.
• Books: For further development, there are many books available, including those recommended on our website. We search for the lowest prices we can find and donate a portion of the proceeds.

From Your Instructor: For this section, we hope the majority of the information is already familiar to you, or quickly becoming familiar to you as you pursue your own experience and instruction in small animal handling. If it is not primarily review at this point, you can expect this part of the preparation to take extra time. If this material is not new to you, we ask that you still read the entire section, paying attention to reasons and explanations for the “whys,” and make sure you are clear on differences that may exist between your routines and our expectations for the practicum.

Study Tips

This chapter may seem overwhelming, but you can learn it a little at a time and please, DON’T MEMORIZE. Of course, if you already know the human anatomy, it will go faster, but even if you are learning it on horses first, you will succeed. Just be patient and persistent!

We include specific suggestions for studying that are unique to this section, which involves so much technical and detailed information. These suggestions are designed to support a variety of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.

It is up to you to decide how many and which of the suggested learning activities will be most helpful for you. We do not expect you to use all of the suggestions; however, you must complete four suggested activities to support at least two different learning styles. Most of us have a dominant style, but all of us learn best if we learn new information using more than one style.

Before you begin, look over the suggested exercises (learning activities) on the following page. Notice that some involve making copies of pages before writing or coloring in your book. This will give you more opportunities to learn and practice, and quiz yourself on the information you are studying.

The Resources links on chapter pages, and Resources library on the sidebar include diagrams and figures from your anatomy workbook for your convenience when studying.

The expected time for initial study of this chapter and completion of the learning activities and assessments is three weeks. 

You will be reviewing material in this chapter throughout the course.