Acclimate your dog to a stress free veterinary visit with these positive training tips.
- Start practicing basic commands at home such as "watch", "sit", "down" and "come".
- Do not
feed him/her before the visit. Carry some really good treats with you as a
reward for proper behavior.
- Get to
your appointment early so you have plenty of time to check in. If your pet is nervous take a calm walk
around outside to allow some time for adjustment. Allow sniffing and plenty of time for
urination and defecation. Remember
to bring a bag for clean up and ask if stool sample is recommended when
you check in. If your pet is seeing
the veterinarian for a urinary tract problem forgo this as the Doctor may
want a urine sample.
- You
need to be calm and relaxed in order to help your dog have the same
attitude. Think positive and have
the attitude of a leader so he/she feels secure.
- Avoid
rewarding or permitting nervous or aggressive behaviors, redirect to the
appropriate behavior and if necessary go outside to avoid over stimulation.
- If
your dog has a lot of energy, exercise him/her before the appointment to
help burn up the excess. A long
walk or a game of catch or ball will help take the edge off before the
appointment.
- Teach
the commands "on" and "off" to help him/her understand the scale and
table. An example to practice at
home- if you allow your pet on the couch use that as the "table" and have him/her
get "on" and "off" on command. Then
use the same command to get your pet on and off the scale at the
appointment. Use really good treats
when you come to make the reward worthwhile.
- Acclimate
your pet to handling of the ears, feet, mouth so when you come in for an
exam he/she is accustomed to being touched. Touch those areas and use food as a
reward when your dog doesn't object.
You can practice giving a "pill" by opening the mouth and placing a
treat inside.
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