How to train dog it's ok to see the vet

Crazie.Eddie · 03-20-2008, 02:53 AM

I have a new Eskie, who is apprehensive when meeting new people (see thread (Dog is very aprihensive in meeting people)). I still have to bring her to the vet. I'm concerned that she will bark at the people there. I was wondering what would be the best way to introduce so that she will be comfortable meeting people at the vet? I would have to think that since it's a vet, there maybe different employees, so it would be difficult for her not seeing the same staff. Should I use a muzzle?

Patt · 03-20-2008, 03:54 AM

I would make several trips to the vets so she gets use to going there. Sit in the waiting room for 5-10 mins let her get comfortable. After the time is up and she has been good, give her a treat and leave. This way she will enjoy going to the vets office. Meet the vet and techs later.

Crazie.Eddie · 03-20-2008, 04:30 AM

Thanks. That's a good idea. But the main problem is the people. Misty (1.5 year old, female, eskie) is very apprehensive when it comes to meeting strangers. She shows a nervous, aggressive behaviour when she meets people. If I carry to a towards a stranger, she will bark and struggle to break free. So I'm afraid of how Misty will react. I already have a Gentle Leader and a muzzle.

pamperedpups · 03-20-2008, 11:50 AM

Why would you carry the dog if she has a Gendle Leader? Being carried is likely making her fears worse as she cannot flee from the situation, so the only option left is to fight. I would also suggest many short visits to the office for nothing more than training. If all she can handle is approaching the office from a distance, reward and leave it at that to build on. I'd also recommend that before you begin working with this dog you read a few training manuals specifically for this problem, like "Cautious Canine" and "Scaredy Dog!"

Patt · 03-20-2008, 12:43 PM

I know this is a difficult time for you and your dog and you want to do the right thing. Since there is no such thing as a quick fix, time, patience and a lot of commitment on your part will be necessary for success. Keep in mind that in order to prevent other problems, you have to be sure you are providing the right training in the correct way. Therefore, the best recommendation I can give you is to hire a certified professional behaviorist. They will work with you and your dog to accomplish the desired results.

Find a behaviorist in your area
http://www.iaabc.org/consultant_locator_dogs.htm

For more reading, I also highly recommend "Help for your Shy Dog" by Deborah Wood.

p.s. I forgot to add..... I suggest you not carry her any time, this could make the problem(s) worse.

Love's_Sophie · 03-20-2008, 06:41 PM

Carrying her could compound the problem, and could get you bitten in the face.

Just start taking her to many different places, rewarding her heavily for even just stepping out of the car and remaining calm; ask more of her as she gets used to going places and seeing people from a distance...including the vets office.

Then when you feel she can 'handle' more pressure, start taking her into the office, and have someone just toss her treats from a distance that your dog is comfortable. Have the person 'disappear', then come back out, toss treats and leave, until your dog starts 'looking foward to seeing' the person.

Annamarie · 03-20-2008, 09:21 PM

my dog as a puppy was so scared of new people that he would bite, pee, poo, screach, anything to get away. unfortunately the 2nd day we owned him we had to take him to the vet for a skin infection

what helped us was that I put him on the table and handed him to the vet backwards while I kept his face pointed at me with treats. he was still nervous, but at least the vet was able to handle him and look at his skin without him freaking right out.

terryjeanne · 03-21-2008, 09:37 AM

I took my sheltie to the vets for no reason and just sat for a few minutes giving her treats. Sometimes I went in and sat her on the scales so I could check her weight, gave her a treat then leave. The employees were great when I explained why I was there. I could give them a couple of treats to toss to her.

I took my dog to a behaviourist that was on the list someone just posted. I was doing alot of things wrong but we are now progressing

Well worth the money!

borzoimom · 03-21-2008, 11:28 AM

Well a vet would be use to a barking dog.. lol..
Seriously- what I do is I take the dogs into a vet, one on one, just walk in, sit for a while, uh maybe weigh the dog, sit for a while again, then leave. Its important to not pet the dog when the dog is acting nervious and try to ignore bad behavior works well with my breed. My vet would let someone come in and just sit with the dog. When the dog calms down, petting and calm praise, then leave.
also go earlier in the day. Remember another dog that is scared will secrete a musk that another dog can smell. Going earlier in the day, when the office has " aired out" over night really helps versing going late in the day when the vets office has had all day of anxious dogs.

Crazie.Eddie · 03-24-2008, 01:39 PM

I brought her into the vet today. There's no issue with her being in new places, like a vet. The issue is with her seeing new people. I put a muzzle on her, but before doing so, I got her used to wearing one when I bought it. That way, she will not associate muzzle with vet. She did try to take it out, but if I carried her, she was fine.

I carried her in. I expected to try to jump out of my hold as soon as she saw people. Surprisingly, she was calm. She did growl a bit, when a staff member walked by, but I gave the Ceasar Milan "Chht" sound with slight tug on her collar, and she quieted down. I expected worse, when were going to be in the room with the Dr. and when she's getting her shots. What made it easier for her was for a staff member to hold her, while I stood in front of her, holding her collar, so she wouldn't turn around. She's was very calm, even when they took a blood sample and also with the rabies and distemper shots.

I guess the worse was over. The next step was going there again to get her spayed.