The veterinary office is usually a place most dogs like to avoid.
From the second they walk into the lobby, they’re met with many unknowns, such as if they’ll have to encounter a dog that barks or lunges at them, or perhaps, getting pricked by a needle.
As with all dog training, it’s always best if you can practice building a dog’s confidence in a non-distracting environment first, and then work them up to more distracting environments over time.
Here are some tips below to help increase your dog’s comfortability with vet visits to help alleviate the common stressors and anxieties that build over time:
Reducing Your Dog’s Vet Anxiety Begins at Home
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure you have treats that your dog loves, as well as a treat pouch to be able to deliver those treats quickly. Then, bring your dog into a quiet room in the home, with as little distractions as possible.
The main goal of this exercise is to get your dog used to being touched in sensitive areas (i.e. their paws, ears, mouth/gums, etc.) and by doing so, helping to build their confidence when your vet has to do the same during their examinations.
Start with short durations, i.e. a second or two, and then reward. So, for example, grab their paw, release, and reward. Rinse and repeat slowly increasing the duration to which you hold their paw. If your dog pulls away or begins to nibble at you, slow down, or take a break.
The areas of a dog’s body that your vet will inspect can vary depending on the reason for your visit but typically paws, ears, eyes, mouth, tail, snout, and underbelly are most common during a routine examination.
Take caution in wanting to tackle all areas of their body in one day, or especially one exercise, so focus on one area of the body at a time until you feel like your dog has grown accustomed to you inspecting it.
Need an example? Check out this video!
From the Home to The Car
If your dog is stressed at the vet, it is likely they could also be stressed during car rides as well leading up to the impending visit. Car anxieties can be a difficult situation to remedy depending on how long your dog has been feeling those emotions, however, you would want to approach similarly to the above, with some slight nuances. Be sure to:
Take care rides with your dog to other places aside from the vet (if the only place your dog goes when they’re in the car is to the vet, then they’re going to create a negative association to car rides in general)
Practice your dog’s training in the backseat, i.e. jumping up and going into a “Down”, for example. This will help alleviate a lot of the pacing, whining, and twirling around that dogs typically do en route to their destination.
Explore using a crate instead, which may help your dog feel more secure, safe, and comfortable.
Last but not least, discuss with your vet if the underlying cause of your dog’s anxieties is tied to previous experiences, or perhaps another driver, such as motion sickness which can be possible and may be remedied with the help of medication.
Entering into The Vet’s Office
When you’re waiting for the vet to call their name, you want to make sure you’re avoiding the following:
Speaking softly to your dog and saying “It’s OK…” (this will create more anxiety in them because this behavior from us reinforces their fear)
Petting them, or picking them up and putting them on your lap. (similar to the above, this will reinforce how they feel, only increasing their anxiety during the next vet visit)
Instead…
Walk in, sit down, and ask your dog to either “Sit” or “Down” beside you. Reward them for doing so!
Reward also for any dog that barks at them, or if a loud noise occurs. For noises or things that may trigger your dog, simply say “Yes!” after the occurrence, and follow up with a high-value treat. Your dog should start to recover better in situations that are similar in the future.
If your dog isn’t food or treat-motivated, you would simply use the leash as a form of accountability and have them remain in a “Sit” or “Down” until the vet arrives. This accountability, believe it or not, improves your dog’s confidence because the lack thereof will lead to pacing, whining, jumping, and behaviors that will only make them feel more anxious.
In Closing
While the vet can be a scary place for your dog, if you diligently follow the above steps and exercises, you will absolutely see an increased level of confidence in them during future visits.
Remember, progress, not perfection!
Happy Training 🐕✨
Nicolas Angione is the founder and head dog trainer at Hope Gables Canine, based in Fairfield County, CT. Inspired by his own dog's reactive journey and rehabilitation, he left his career behind to become a dog trainer. After years of shadowing other dog trainers in the industry, he started his own practice, which has successfully helped hundreds of dog owners, both domestic and abroad, regain peace and harmony with their dogs. Many of these success stories, dog training tips, and more can be found on their Instagram and YouTube pages.
