Once your pup is calmly accepting of brief, gentle touches, it’s time to start working on helping them to enjoy handling which more closely resembles a veterinary exam or grooming session.
Not only will this endear you to the pet professionals who assist you in supporting your pup’s well-being, but these daily exercises will make life with your dog safer and more enjoyable for family and friends.
Here are a few tips for preparing your puppy for handling at the vet and groomer.
Touch & Reward
Practice gently manipulating your pup’s paws, ears, and mouth in exchange for their food.
Lift an ear flap, offer a treat. Pick up a paw and gently examine in between the paw pads, offer a treat. Lift up your pup’s lips and offer a treat.
Gradually increase the length of time you spend on each body part prior to offering the treat when your pup’s body remains relaxed and their demeanor calm.
Add The Brush Into The Mix
Introduce your pup to their brush by letting them sniff it, and then offer a treat. Gently touch them on their least sensitive area — usually chest or side flank — and offer another treat.
Make a gentle stroke with the brush and — you guessed it — treat. Repeat in brief sessions of no more than three to five minutes.
These mini-grooming sessions set the stage for future calm, safe, and stress-free sessions, and they also provide vital bonding between you and your dog.
Bring In The Table
Practice these exercises in different areas of your home, and consider purchasing a rubber bath mat which can be placed on an elevated surface.
Start with a low table and gradually increase the height off the ground while making sure your pup is safely restrained. This will help your pup become comfortable with veterinary and grooming tables.
Additionally, be sure to make plenty of visits to both professionals for the sole purpose of giving your pup an opportunity to become familiar with these environments while being rewarded with treats, praise, and play.
Have you trained your puppy to feel more comfortable at the vet or groomer? What tips do you have for other pet parents? Let us know in the comments below!
Andrea Arden is an animal behavior counselor, rescuer, author, speaker, and pet expert. For more information, check out her website, AndreaArden.com.
