Stokeshire Designer Doodles · Internal Use

Staff Training Manual

This Staff Training Manual establishes the knowledge, skills, expectations, and documented training required for all individuals who handle, house, whelp, socialize, or transport dogs under Stokeshire Designer Doodles.

This manual aligns with:

  • Purdue Canine Care Certified™ (CCC) — Caretaker Expectations & Behavioral Health Pillars
  • USDA/APHIS — Contingency Plan Training & Animal Handling Requirements
  • Wisconsin ATCP 16 — Personnel competency & care standards
  • Stokeshire internal welfare, safety, and client-experience expectations

1. Orientation & Onboarding

All new staff, interns, volunteers, and family helpers must complete onboarding before working independently.

  • Overview of Stokeshire culture:
    • Kindness, responsibility, consistency
    • Premium, ethical breeding model
    • Reputation for health, transparency, and client trust
  • Tour & systems overview:
    • Whelping rooms
    • Nursery & enrichment areas
    • Cleaning supply zones
    • Emergency exits & equipment
  • Review of all relevant SOPs:
    • Breeding Life SOP
    • Physical Health Protocol (PVC)
    • Facility Environment SOP
    • Behavioral Wellness Plan
    • Biosecurity Policy
    • Transport SOP
    • Emergency & Contingency Plan
  • Digital login access:
    • Glide Compliance Console
    • Stokeshire Method App (for puppy curriculum)
    • Google Workspace (limited-access folders)

2. Core Competencies Required

All staff must be trained to demonstrate competence in the following areas:

2.1 Low-Stress Handling

  • Recognize canine stress signals (lip licking, yawning, tucked tail, avoidance, pacing).
  • Use positive reinforcement for all handling.
  • Avoid scruffing, dragging, yelling, or physical corrections.
  • Support puppies properly: belly support + chest support.
  • Use slow movements around nursing dams and new litters.

2.2 Biosecurity Practices

  • Handwashing before/after handling puppies.
  • Shoe disinfectant or coverings in nursery & whelping rooms.
  • No outside dog contact prior to arrival onsite.
  • Follow “clean → less clean” traffic sequence.

2.3 Puppy Curriculum Execution

  • Administering ENS/ESI (if certified).
  • Following BAB / Stokeshire Method protocols inside Glide.
  • Recording daily weights, exposures, and temperament notes.
  • Introducing crate, sound, and novelty exercises with calm predictability.

2.4 Cleaning & Sanitation

  • Daily spot-cleaning procedures.
  • Weekly deep-cleaning checklist.
  • Proper use of disinfectants (Contec, Rescue, chlorhexidine — bleach-free).
  • Safe handling of urine/organic waste.

2.5 Health Recognition & Escalation

  • Recognizing early illness: diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, lethargy, weight plateau.
  • Flagging mastitis, retained placenta, or abnormal discharge (post-whelp care).
  • Reporting concerns immediately to breeder or Dr. Matt Moodie’s clinic.
  • Logging symptoms in the Health Event Log (Glide).

2.6 Transport Handling

  • Crate placement & securement in vehicles.
  • Temperature monitoring & safe breaks.
  • Preparing travel kits (wipes, pads, records, CVI, puppy bag).

2.7 Emergency Procedures

Training includes:

  • Fire evacuation route
  • Tornado shelter location
  • Power outage protocol for nursery
  • How to move litters safely in emergency
  • When to activate veterinary emergency care

3. Training Modules (with Documentation)

All training is logged in the Glide “Staff Training Log” for USDA/CCC compliance.

  • Module A: Stokeshire Culture & Welfare Philosophy
  • Module B: Low-Stress Handling Foundations
  • Module C: Whelping Room Protocols
  • Module D: Puppy Socialization & Curriculum (BAB + Stokeshire Method)
  • Module E: Cleaning & Sanitation Practices
  • Module F: Biosecurity & Visitor Procedures
  • Module G: Emergency Response (USDA-required)
  • Module H: Transport Preparation & Safety

Each module includes: ✓ Demonstration ✓ Shadowing ✓ Independent practice ✓ Supervisor sign-off

4. Continuing Education Requirements

  • Annual refresher training for all animal handlers (USDA requirement).
  • Behavior updates based on CCC guidelines.
  • Quarterly review of new genetic, health, or care research.
  • Optional attendance at:
    • Breeder education seminars
    • Puppy culture workshops
    • Canine CPR/First Aid training

5. Staff Behavior & Ethics Expectations

  • Dogs are treated with kindness and patience at all times.
  • No rough handling, raised voices, or punitive training.
  • Confidentiality with client and program information.
  • Immediate reporting of safety, welfare, or ethical concerns.

6. Competency Verification & Documentation

  • Each staff member must have:
    • Training Checklist
    • Competency Sign-Off
    • Annual Review
  • All documentation stored in:
    • Glide Compliance Console
    • Stokeshire Google Drive → “Staff Training Records”

Last Updated

November 21, 2025

This manual is reviewed annually and after any change in laws, CCC standards, or internal policies.