Train A Dog To Be Visited

Train a dog to be examined

Many dogs radically change their behavior if they are examined. Going to the vet becomes a problem for both the animal and the owner. If, on the other hand, you train your dog to be examined, there will be no more complications.

Normally, dogs are the most affectionate animals in existence. For this reason, thousands of people choose them as their company. However, some can get defensive if they are touched.

Contrary to what one might think,  it is not that difficult to improve a dog’s behavior. The solution is simple if you train your pet to live in harmony with others.

Why Do Dogs Get Aggressive When Visited?

A dog can be aggressive for various reasons. It is necessary to find out in what situation it becomes.

aggressive dog pulling on a leash

The most frequent cause of aggression is the feeling of possessiveness towards one’s owner and / or the territory. This is why a dog is violent when a new pet or another member of the family arrives.

It is true that some breeds are more territorial,  but it is a myth that some have the reputation of always being aggressive while others never. All dogs react based on the external stimuli to which they are exposed.

Inborn character, typical of the breed

A moderate dose of aggression is part of the instinct of dogs,  as they are descended from wolves. For them, it is essential to ensure the safety of their pack in wild territory. And this is achieved by controlling the environment that surrounds them and the possible prey that are part of it.

On the other hand, the fact that a dog does not allow himself to be touched by the vet, or that he appears restless while being bathed or touched, is different. The animal considers these situations a threat, and tries to protect itself.

All animals, including people, are afraid of what they don’t know. If a visit to the vet intimidates a dog, the dog may react aggressively or may try to escape.

There are factors that can make the feeling of fear worse. The first is the breed and character of each dog. Some breeds are more wary of external stimuli.

The second factor is the first time the animal is brought to be examined. It is important to prepare him for his first check-up at the vet. Exposing a dog to a radical change in the environment can provoke aggressive reactions  or trauma.

What to do if you decide to train your dog?

Going to the vet or to a dog boarding house means that your 4-legged friend shares the environment with other animals, and that he has new experiences. It is essential to prepare it to avoid any problems.

Preventive socialization if you train your dog

The first step in training your dog is to socialize him. The socialization process teaches your pet to relate peacefully with others. Considerably decreases the risk of aggressive behavior and the response to external stimuli.

The ideal is to start this process from when it is a puppy,  between 6 and 7 months of life. However, it is possible to socialize an adult dog by putting him in contact with other animals. Initially introduce him to only one dog in a controlled environment. After that, increase the number.

Gradual exposure and adaptation

A dog must get used to the new stimuli. Before taking him directly to the vet, it is recommended that he get used to going out on the street and meeting people and animals.

Before visiting him,  we advise you to introduce him to the environment of the veterinary clinic. 

mistress tries to train beagle with snacks

Gradually, the place will feel familiar, and fear and anxiety will lessen.

Don’t force your dog to get on the table to be examined. This can worsen the fear and cause trauma. Try to make the vet curious by encouraging him to play with it or by giving him snacks. In this way he will associate everything with something fun.

Adequate practices

It is important to trust the facilities you bring your furry friend to. It is important that they respect the welfare of the animals.

Source of the main image: Cristina Fernández y Romero

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