[3GSD4IPO]

A growl is a warning. Considering that you do not ever WANT a dog to bite, I would simply use a soft muzzle on him at the vet. You can train that at home and have him learn to accept it.

The LAST place you want to train it (for the first time especially) is at the Vet where he is anticipating less than ideal things happening to begin with.

Prevention is most of the cure. Muzzle him at the vet. You don't want a bite history.

Meanwhile continue your work at home. YOU touching him all over is a lot different than a stranger touching him. He may never accept strangers touching him in even the best of circumstances.

That is OK. I don't know why strangers want to pet a strange dog. If they want to pet a dog they should get their own dog to pet.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

I *NEVER* let my dog greet people. Period. Especially at the vet office.

Here is the thing. What if Joe Stranger is there with a sick dog and your dog catches it? What if Joe Stranger just dropped off a dog with an illness yours can get?

At most places it is "No you cannot pet my dog" and the dog stays next to me in a sit or a down or is in a crate if it's a little dog or puppy.

At the vet there is no "greeting" people or dogs. The place is filled with germs, sick dogs and people and dogs in a state of some anxiety. It is simply not safe. Sure.. your dog is fine.. but that other dog at the vet may not be and that other dog owner may not be either.