The old saw about old dogs and new tricks only applies to certain people.

Daniel Pinkwater

Basic obedience is a must for every dog. There are classes offered in most locales now and some even start with puppy kindergarden for pups of 10 weeks of age or so. Go visit and watch a couple of different classes first to be sure you like the teacher and the methods used and then sign up.

Once your dog knows sit, stay, and even down, life gets much easier for everyone. I now want you to start doing some special things that will make your canine more comfortable during a veterinary exam. It is easiest if you start right out doing these things with a puppy, but even an older dog can learn. Have treats handy if you need them to keep it fun and nonscary for your dog.

I try almost every day to feel my dog’s ears and peek down inside. On dogs with drop ears, pick those ears up and take a sniff. Rub around your dog’s eyes. Lift up the lips and check the teeth, maybe even rub the gums or use a soft children’s toothbrush to brush gently. If your dog is agreeable, occasionally even open the mouth. If your dog feels all of this is just routine, he will be less frightened and threatened when your veterinarian goes to do these things. I offer a dog biscuit sometimes after I do these checks to make the whole thing even more positive.

Touch something against your dog’s chest to simulate a stethoscope - a large metal spoon will do nicely. Just hold it against your dog for a second or two, then tell them how wonderful they are. Rub the belly and feel down each leg. Have your dog sit and pick up each paw, putting a little pressure on the toes. This will help both YOU and your veterinarian when it comes time to clip toe nails. Pick up the tail gently and if you have an intact male, gently palpate the scrotum ( no cold hands please!)

I would also occasionally hug your dog and have someone else hold his paw - simulating a blood drawing . Having a dog who is crate trained means much less stress if your pet has to stay at the clinic and be in a cage.

Simple exercises like these make a veterinary visit much less stressful for your pet and therefore for you. Less stress means faster healing from disease or injuries. And I can promise you, your veterinarian will put a gold star on your record if your dog is well behaved and well socialised!

Dr. Debbie Eldredge, DVM Consultant - Bubba