The
following will add to the challenge of helping to lower your pet's stress:
•
Lack of socialization - Socialized
animals who have "been there done that" are less likely to freak out, or if
they do, it's to a lesser degree. Get your dog out more, attend an obedience
class, visit friend's houses. Socialization is a maintenance agreement with
your dog - if you slack off, so will his social skills.
• Fear
imprint periods -
During critical social development periods, dogs show
a heightened fear response, are less trusting. Most importantly, a traumatic
experience during a fear imprint period will likely stay with the dog for
life. In the wild, this could save the life of a wolf pup who is startled
suddenly by a rattle snake, creating an extreme avoidance of anything similar
in the future. This natural learning phase could backfire if a traumatic veterinary
experience happens to an 8 week old pup or a 7 month old adolescent. The resulting
extreme avoidance of the vet clinic could make visiting for routine care a
lifetime problem.
The first time you visit the vet for vaccinations will be during a fear imprint
period. The age most dogs are routinely spayed or neutered is also a fear
imprint period. Keep the trip as calm, matter of fact, and low stress as possible.
• Previous
trauma -
Dogs learn in pictures, they make scent associations.
How the veterinarian looks, smells and the body language he or she uses can
trigger a self-defense response if it brings up a previous association. We
have to change the association to a positive one. Visit the vet on "non-appointment"
days, just to say 'hi' and eat biscuits in the waiting room. Maybe walk in
and out of an empty exam room and feed him biscuits. Have the staff feed your
dog and let him show off a few tricks.
• Owner
anxiety -
Yes, it feeds right down the leash. Worried owners
make worried pets. Your words may be telling the dog that everything's ok,
but your tone of voice and body language are saying anything but. Frantic
stroking, coddling and baby talk convince the animal that the person they
trust most is falling apart - so who is going to protect them if they need
it?
•
Lack of previous handling/training -
A dog or cat who has never been physically hugged
or restrained will naturally struggle against being held, even at home where
it feels safe and is not on a scary metal table off the ground. This adds
to the animal's stress. It might lash out, feeling cornered and scared with
nowhere to go. Handle your dog daily. Hug, restrain, lift, lie him down, roll
him over, check ears, mouth, feet. Massage sessions are especially helpful
to desensitize handling issues and are a great way to relax the dog while
at the vet clinic.
Need
more help?
Diamonds in the Ruff
offers classes to help you build a better relationship with your dog:
The "Leadership Class" will
help you establish yourself as your dog's leader. Learn why and what to do
about aggressive displays toward other people and animals and help you learn
how to recognize subtle changes in canine body language. This 2-hour class
for owners only is held once per month.
The "Social Skills Class will
help you and your dog learn to relax and build confidence. Techniques to help
shy dogs feel more comfortable in new situations, socialization issues, desensitization
techniques for helping nervous dogs gain confidence with people and other
animals. Addresses the importance of being a confident leader your dog can
trust.
Go to our schedule
for dates and times
