Vet Visit Dog Training?

How does your dog do going to the Veterinarian Hospital? Unfortunately most dogs view going to the vet as a stressful experience, and it makes it difficult for them, dog owners, and the staff at the hospital. In some severe cases it makes it almost impossible for veterinary staff to give the dog the thorough proper checkup they need because of the dog’s behavior. Did you know you can help your dog have a better vet visit? Let’s start by focusing on these changes. 


First and foremost, Say It Once Dog Training offers classes at certain veterinary hospitals throughout Pittsburgh! Be sure to tag your vet, vet techs and see if we can run classes at your veterinary hospital to make dog’s more comfortable going to hospital! 

1. Watch your dogs arousal levels. Arousal , or excitement” is not good at the vet’s office and often turns into nervousness really quick. Your goal is to keep a calm, happy dog! 
2. Walk your dog before you go! Get them in the training zone, as well as to keep them calmer for the visit.
3. If you have a dog that has a bite history, you should be the one putting the muzzle on, not the veterinarian! Also, if the only time you put the muzzle on is for the vet, your dog will eventually put 2 and 2 together and associate muzzle equals bad. This cannot happen! You need to muzzle train frequently, and all dogs would benefit from being able to have a muzzle put on without stress.
4. Don’t put them  in the car only for the vet. The car shouldn’t come in a negative association or anywhere you go will be stressful for your dog. Same as muzzle, it should equal vet, it should equal a calm place to chill out inside of. More car training in your driveway!
5. Get to the vet early. When you arrive, open up your car door and let your dog chill out without being able to exit the car for a few minutes. Release your dog from the car and train for 2 minutes. Go through a pattern of behaviors that your dog knows. Heel walk, sit, down, treat etc. Get your dog an early win so they are seeking food. (If your vet has a big grassy area, release your dog from heel and let them investigate the grassy area.
6. When you go into the vet’s office, stay cool calm and collected, and walk your dog up to the scale that every vet office has in the building. Make sure people don’t go crazy and shower your dog with affection. Remember, we are trying to keep our dog calm and happy, not excited and freaked out. Put them in a sit, and tell them to “place” onto the scale. Reward the dog and repeat. 
7. Walk over to the waiting station, and put your dog into a down. (You need to be practicing the behaviors at your house, with the leash on. Replicate by walking your dog from place, to the hardwood floor or tile floor of your kitchen and put your dog into a down on the hard floor.) 
8. Advocate for your dog’s space!!! Do not let any other dog’s intrude into your personal space, and be sure to put your dog in a position they aren’t getting bombarded by people coming in. 
9. When they bring you back into the room, I personally train. I place my dog on the bench in the office, reward, back onto the scale in the room, reward, and then back into a down. You don’t want to keep them so busy that you are adding more stress than necessary, but I want them to get rewarded enough that they are eager to continue. Don’t use a boring reward here, use the big boy if needed. 
10. Now the exam begins. This also serves as another reminder to follow @sayitoncerescueleague and to ask/tag your vet below to host Say It Once classes at their office! 
11. Have you ever thought about giving your dog fake exams at your house? Put your dog on the leash, walk them into your laundry room, and calmly give them a exam and massage. Check your dog’s ears while massaging their head, lift up your dog’s legs, put your finger in their butt (joking, just making sure you are still reading) inspect their teeth and nails! 

Personally, I would take multiple trips to the vet’s office without actually getting an exam. I would ask my vet if it’s okay to come weigh my dog on a non busy hour, practice place on the scale, and downs in the waiting room!


Love your Vet? I’d like to hear any recommendations below ⬇️ 


Thank you!