When You Train Your Dog To Be Examined

Many dogs radically change their temperament when they must be handled. Visits to the vet become a disorder for the owner and pet. But if you train your dog to be examined, these complications will end.

Dogs are usually the most affectionate animals around. That is why millions of people invest in the company of these pets. But some dogs can show defensive behavior in case they are touched.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not so difficult to improve the behavior of an animal. The solution is simple when you train your dog for a harmonious coexistence with others.

Why do dogs get aggressive when they need to be tested?

There are many causes for aggressive behavior in a dog. Typically, you need to find out the context in which the animal was violent. This will understand what caused this behavior.

The most frequent cause of aggressiveness is the feeling of possession over its owner and / or its territory. This explains why many dogs can develop aggressive behaviors when another pet or other member is included in the family structure.

It is true that some races are more territorial. But it is a myth that some races are doomed to be aggressive, while others are never violent. Every dog ​​can react according to the stimuli to which it is exposed.

Innate character, race

It should be noted that a moderate dose of aggressiveness is part of the instinct of dogs. Dogs are descended from wolves. For them, ensuring the safety of their pack in a wild world is critical. And that is achieved by securing the territory and the food around it.

But the case of not being examined by the veterinarian or being restless when being bathed or touched is different. What happens is that the dog considers this threatening situation and seeks its self protection.

Every animal, even humans, is afraid of the unknown. Dogs are no exception. If the visit to the veterinarian and the handling environment make them fearful, the dog may react aggressively or try to escape in its own defense.

There are factors that can make the feeling of fear worse. The first is the breed and the particular character of each dog. Some breeds are more suspicious and attentive to external stimuli. This is something that can be changed or improved with the socialization process.

Another important factor is the first time the animal is handled. It is important to prepare him for the first visit to the vet. Exposing a dog to a radical change of environment can cause aggressive reactions or subsequent trauma.

How to do if you train your dog?

Going to the vet, or to a dog hotel, will require your dog to share the territory and experience new experiences. It is essential to prepare it before to avoid any discomfort.

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 interact peacefully with other animals and people. It considerably reduces the risk of aggressive behavior and the response to external stimuli.

The ideal is to socialize while it is still a puppy, between the first 6-7 months of its life. But it is also possible to socialize an adult dog by exposing it to contact with other dogs. It is important to start by introducing it to a single furry in a controlled environment. Afterwards, it can be gradually inserted into coexistence with other dogs.

Gradual exposure and adaptation

All adaptation is a process. Your dog needs to get used to the new stimuli. Before taking it directly to the vet, it is advisable to adapt it before going outside and seeing other people and animals.

Before being examined or handled, it is important that the dog has adapted to the new environment of the veterinary clinic. Therefore, it is recommended to take him to know the place and present it in a positive way.

Gradually, the environment will become familiar, and the anxiety or fear will lessen.

Never force your dog to go up to the analysis table. That can make fear worse or cause trauma. It is recommended to sharpen his curiosity in relation to the veterinarian, encouraging him to play or giving him a treat. Thus, the dog will associate going to the vet with something fun, and not with suffering.

Good practices

It is important to trust pet sitting establishments. It is always necessary to ensure that the practices are appropriate and respect the welfare of the animals.

It is recommended to find a trusted vet and carefully choose where to bathe and treat your best friend.

Main image source: Cristina Fernández and Romero