Whenever we write about training techniques for your dog, we stress the importance of beginning the training in a safe, familiar area. Taking dogs into a new location without acclimating them can cause anxiety in some pups and make the whole process more complicated than it has to be. Some dogs may never end up loving a trip to the vet or groomer, but making the experience as stress-free as possible for your pet should be high on the priority list for every dog owner. Today, we will discuss ways to decrease anxiety in a dog that dreads trips to the groomer and veterinarian.
Get Them Used To Being Handled
The vet and groomer both involve strange people (from your dog’s perspective) touching, moving, and picking up your dog. If your pup is not acclimated and used to you picking them up and handling them at home, their levels of anxiety and fear when it happens in a new, strange location will be exacerbated. Try to mimic some of the actions that the groomer or vet will take; holding and lifting their paws, pushing and feeling on their stomach or abdomen, picking up their ears, running a hand through their fur, etc. The more comfortable your dog becomes with these feelings, the less likely it will become anxious when the veterinarian or groomer has to do them as well.
Improve The Car Experience
The simple act of loading a dog into a car is often enough for them to shut down and become extremely worried. Some feel ill as you drive, while others associate the car with being taken to unpleasant places, like the kennel. If they are only treated to bad experiences after a car ride, they will begin to associate the car with only those experiences. Try to bring your dog to new parks and fun areas while reassuring and calming down your pup. Family members can sit in the back and keep your dog company during the entire ride as you begin teaching them not to fear car rides.
Schedule A Fun First Meeting with the Veterinarian or Groomer
One of the best ways to help your dog overcome their anxiety of visiting a scary place like the vet or groomer is to not allow that anxiety to form in the first place! Many locations will allow you to schedule a ‘trial run’ first meeting, where no medical procedures or grooming takes place. You and your dog can visit the location and get a feel for the room and people, and your dog can receive many treats and reassurances in order to build a positive association with the vet or groomer. They will also have the chance to encounter all the sounds and smells, such as blow dryers, hoses, shears, and other grooming or medical equipment. You can practice lifting them onto the grooming or vet inspection table and attach them to the harness for washing and drying without introducing the entire experience. Even if a simple procedure at the vet is unlikely to cause traumatic anxiety in your dog, the effects might be unpleasant and lead to negative associations. Scheduling an appointment where no medication is given or procedures are conducted is a perfect way to acclimate your pup to the experience.
Like people, dogs have personalities, and some are more confident than others. If your dog needs more training to help make them comfortable and happy, we are here to help. Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training is located in Bradenton, Florida, and offers courses for puppies up to mature dogs.
