how to train a dog like a veterinarian

For most dogs, the vet isn’t particularly fun. pecked, poked, and often leave youSome dogs are Anxiety and fear of going to the veterinarian, others become protective and reactive. My dog ​​looks for escape routes as soon as we enter the office, digging through brick walls if possible.

of our pets less stressful We’ll manage it, but with a little effort, it’s there.”We hope that vet visits don’t turn out to be the worst experience of their lives. ).

Go for a short vet visit for “fun”

One Most Commonly Recommended Strategy Changing your dog’s mind about visiting the vet is essentially a form of exposure therapy. Make it a treat-filled experience.

The key is to start small. Stop for a few minutes at a time. Depending on what you are trying to train, reward the dog for being calm or excited before leaving. Sit in the waiting room for a few minutes, then sit in an empty exam room. Please give me a lot of snacks. Give your staff treats too. Don’t stay longer than your dog can tolerate, even if it only lasts a minute or two.

Over time, you can walk your dog through the routine of the actual visit, from entering the building to being weighed to hanging out in the lab to checkout and exit. Veterinary staff are familiar with this process and will likely be more than happy to accommodate you, but it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask when it’s good (Calm, quiet) time will stop by.

Retraining your dog to see the veterinarian as a happy and safe place takes time and effort, but if it reduces stress for you, them, and the veterinary staff during the actual visit, it may be worth it. Hmm.

accustom your dog to handling

During most veterinary visits, dogs obviously have to touch a lot.Feeling stressed or scared or angry when treated. Practice a similar form of touch at home: Look into your ears, lift your lips, massage your feet, treat your belly and tail. Again, use treats, especially when being touched relaxes you. Your dog will likely be more receptive to you handling them than a veterinarian or technician, but at least they’ll get used to certain types of touch. Having your dog’s nails cut by a groomer is another low-risk way to desensitize your dog to being handled.

Take advantage of your dog’s discipline

As with handling, certain Basic actions can prove useful At the vet visit, they offer your dog the chance to reward him for following commands.

Get in touch with your veterinarian and advocate for your dog

One possible problem is that your dog is encountering an unfamiliar situation at the veterinarian. restrained, Or boxed. Talk to your veterinarian or veterinary technician about their process and what you can do at home to make these things less scary. We encourage you to discuss your options, as there are times when it is better to do so.

Another way to advocate for your dog is to make the visit work for you. Ask to move to the examination room.

You should also talk about your dog’s general anxiety and observe how your dog reacts to the veterinarian. Some vets may be more patient and better equipped to manage anxiety.When don’t be afraid to change vets If you don’t hear your voice or feel that their relationship hasn’t improved over time.

Your Dog Recognizes Your Own Anxiety

Your feeling of calmness doesn’t necessarily translate into calmness in your dog, but your anxiety certainly does. Try to relax and stay positive.

If veterinary visits remain a truly impossible experience, home services may be considered, although some dogs find this even more difficult and may become defensive and reactive. .