How To Make The Vets Less Scary For Your Dog.
The Vet doesn't need to be a frightening place. In fact, it can be great fun!
Twyla had her jabs today. The vet commented on what a happy girl she is, while Twyla wiggled around the vet’s room with a Bonio hanging out of her mouth, like Churchill’s cigar.
She let her do all of her examination without any worries at all, and even allowed her to squirt the parvo puff up her snoot.
Twyla is a lot of dog, and has her moments. She pulls like a train and is very easily hyper-aroused and excited. But, in the vets, she is a star.
Why?
Because I made a point of teaching her to be, by turning the vets into a fun day out rather than a place to be feared. Ever since she has been with me, we have periodically had a social visit to the vets.
I walk her around the housing estate nearby, and along the little green by the vet’s entrance to have a good sniff and a wee.
Sometimes we go into reception, other times we don’t.
In reception, she has learned to sit on the scales nicely for a treat.
She is allowed to sniff around all the toys for sale, and sometimes gets one.
We sit and have a chew or three in the reception room.
She is allowed to say “hello” to any friendly dogs there. Of course, we always check first and watch the other dog for signs that they are not happy to do so.
She is allowed to explore the waiting area if it is not busy, and we practise some of her tricks and cues while we are there.
Always, she gets to sneak behind the receptionist’s desk for a fuss.
On rare occasions, we see the vet, who plays with her and also gives her treats.
On very rare occasions, something like jabs might happen - but these are immediately followed up with more play in the vet’s room, and more treats and a few minutes back in the reception so her lasting impression is that of a blip in the midst of a great afternoon out.
After the vet visit, whether we see the vet or not, I will often take her to the pet shop to choose some “sweeties”. This helps to shift her brain towards happier thoughts ASAP and minimise any trauma. (Some dogs might prefer a walk somewhere nice, or a treat and a ride in the car … or whatever else they find enjoyable)
My darling Moo, may he RIP, had so many health problems that being at the vets made him shake with fear. Once he was a healthy boy, I made it a mission to get him over that fear, and he did so well. Right from the start of having Twyla, I recognised the importance of the dog's comfort and well-being at the Vet. To me, it was essential to educate Twyla that the Vets is a GREAT place to hang out.
Your dogs can easily be taught the same! The key is to make regular, social and fun visits where good things happen. Tailor the experience to what your dog enjoys. Then, they are far more likely to forgive the odd bad thing. Especially if the bad thing is sandwiched between two good things.
If they are afraid of the Vet already, or the groomer, or anywhere else, do think about joining our Fun Not Fear® Club by becoming a paid subscriber and I will talk you through some ways of making it even easier on them still!