Tips for a Calm and Positive Experience
In this interview, BEVS referral manager Amy sits down with Jocelyn Meilleur, a professional dog trainer, to discuss essential tips and strategies for preparing your dog for a vet visit. Whether it’s your dog’s first check-up or a routine visit, Jocelyn shares expert advice on how to reduce anxiety, make the experience more positive, and ensure both you and your furry friend feel confident and calm when heading to the vet.
Taking your dog to the vet can be a stressful experience—for both you and your pup. However, with preparation, training, and the right mindset, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and even enjoy their visits. Here’s how to set your furry friend up for a stress-free vet appointment.
Stay Calm and Lead with Confidence
Your dog looks to you for guidance, especially in unfamiliar or stressful situations. If you project calm and confidence, your dog is more likely to mirror your energy. Emotional regulation on your part is essential—approach the visit with curiosity and positivity rather than apprehension. Your steady presence can provide reassurance, helping your dog trust the process.
Practice Counter-Conditioning and Touch Training
Counter-conditioning is key to preparing your dog for vet visits. This involves gradually exposing them to the tools, touches, and environments they might encounter during an appointment. For example:
- Practice veterinary holds and gentle handling at home to build familiarity.
- Play a game involving “touch” to desensitize them to being handled, especially by strangers.
- Introduce them to grooming tools like nail clippers or a dremel in a slow, rewarding manner.
These activities build trust and create positive associations, making the actual appointment feel less overwhelming.
Pre-Visit Preparation: Burn Off Energy and Create Balance
Before heading to the vet, spend time exercising and bonding with your dog. A pre-visit routine might look like this:
- Play a game of tug: Tug engages your dog’s mind, encourages teamwork, and boosts serotonin, leaving them happy and relaxed.
- Go for a long walk: A 30-45 minute walk stabilizes your dog into a balanced state, reducing overexcitement and promoting social drive.
This combination of play and exercise lowers stress hormones (like cortisol) and prepares your dog for a more neutral, cooperative state during the visit.
Post-Visit Rituals: End on a Positive Note
After the appointment, repeat the play-social cycle to help your dog decompress. This reinforces positive associations with the vet visit, making future appointments less daunting. Whether it’s another round of tug in the parking lot or a favorite game at home, ending on a fun note helps balance their stress response and leaves a lasting, happy impression.
Build Positive Associations with the Vet Office
Between appointments, visit your vet’s office just to create good memories. Arrange a time to stop by when there’s no pressure—play games, practice tricks, or reward your dog for simply being in the veterinary office. This helps your dog associate the vet with fun and rewards, not just exams.
Jocelyn shares how her retired demo dog, Eppy, loves performing tricks while waiting for staff. The applause and attention reinforce Eppy’s positive feelings about the vet. Pay attention to what lights your dog up and use those rewards to make the vet a happier place for them.
Well, that’s a wrap on our chat with Jocelyn! It’s clear that preparation is key to keeping things calm and cool. With a little patience, some treats, and maybe a squeaky toy or two, your dog can go from nervous wreck to vet visit pro in no time. Thanks for the paws-itive tips, Jocelyn, and remember, a happy pup means a less stressed you—so here’s to smoother, tail-wagging vet trips ahead!
Just A Quick Disclaimer: while we’re sharing some fantastic tips from Jocelyn, our friendly dog trainer extraordinaire, we’re not saying she’s the only dog trainer out there (though we do think she’s pretty awesome). These are just helpful insights to make your vet visits less stressful for both you and your dog no endorsements, no sponsorships, just good old-fashioned advice! So, take it with a grain of kibble and do what works best for you and your pup!
For more advice, you can reach out to Jocelyn through her Facebook page or visit Apex VT dog Training.