Help your veterinarian at Animal Hospitals in Murrieta CA and elsewhere help your dog by taking the time to train your dog to get used to the vet’s office. Each dog learns at his or her own pace. Treat each baby step taken as a triumph.
Dogs That Are Terrified Of Vet’s Parking Lots
If your dog is so scared of the vet that he or she starts shaking and peeing in the car when you pull into the parking lot, you need to take the time to help the dog learn to be calm inside the car. Keep the dog in the car for longer and longer periods of time until the dog calms down. Bring treats and reward calm behavior. Do not let the dog out of the car until he or she is calm. End each training session on a good note and go home when the dog starts to calm down.
Getting Used to the Parking Lot
Dogs like to explore the world with their noses. Take the dog to your veterinarian’s office off hours when there is little traffic. Keep the dog on a leash. If the dog pulls, use a chest harness, so the dog’s neck is not injured. Take the dog out of the car on the leash and let the dog explore the parking lot and all of the parking lot’s smells. Praise and put the dog back in the car and go home.
Visiting the Office
Get your dog to realize that every trip to the vet’s office may not mean a shot or examination. Bring your dog on a leash into the waiting room. Picking up your dog’s medicines or flea prevention treatment is a good time to bring the dog. Have the staff give treats to your dog. Call ahead before you visit SoCal Pet Hospital or the vet of your choice to make sure that the time you want your dog to visit is a time when the office is not busy.
