Jake hates the vet

[LorriF]

Ever since we got him as a puppy, Jake has hated the vet. He needs to be muzzled for everyone's safety while he is there, and today (he was there all day) they didn't even take him out to pee b/c he behaves so aggressively/scared there.

He seriously doesn't like people touching him (strangers, anyway) and the vet is just about his worst nightmare.

Is there any hope for him? Andrew and I have talked about switching vets b/c they have really labelled him as an aggressive dog--every time I go in there they are making a big deal about "is he good with the kids" "has he attacked anyone" etc. HE IS FINE WITH US AND PEOPLE HE KNOWS!!! Arghhhhh!

Any advice on making trips to the vet less stressful for everyone?

 

[Gempress]

EAndrew and I have talked about switching vets b/c they have really labelled him as an aggressive dog--every time I go in there they are making a big deal about "is he good with the kids" "has he attacked anyone" etc. HE IS FINE WITH US AND PEOPLE HE KNOWS!!! Arghhhhh!

The vet has reason to be concerned and asking those questions. I was in the exact same situation as you with my last dog, Odin. He didn't like strangers, but was a doll with people he knew. As he got older, all that changed. His started becoming aggressive to everyone, including me. I'm not saying that's going to happen with Jake, but it is a possibility. Keep close watch on his behavior.

It sounds like fear-based aggression to me. Jake needs better socialization overall. Try slowly introducing him to one person at a time. Have the visitor offer treats, speak quietly, or mabye even get down to Jake's level. But if Jake shows any aggression towards the new person, call an experienced behaviorist. Fear can be overcome at home, but I don't think aggression is something you should deal with on your own.

 

[showpug]

Even though it probably drives you nuts to hear someone label your dog aggressive you must understand that to the people at the vet clinic, he is. The only side they have seen of him is his not so nice one. The last post was correct in saying that it probably is fear based. When he goes to bite or act aggressively do you tell him that it's okay and comfort him, or do you give him a firm "NO!" I hope you do the second option! If you comfort him, it only makes it worse because in his mind he feels like you are reinforcing that there is something to be afraid of and act aggressively towards. My advice would be to start out in basic obedience and when you are home practice brushing him, clipping nails, looking in his ears and checking his mouth - daily. It is very important that puppies are introduced to touch at a very young age. They must be taught to tolerate the vet so in a life threatening situation the vet can attempt to help them. Vet-aggressive dogs usually loose vital minutes in an emergency because the staff has to protect themselves first and that takes time.

I am sure your dog is a great dog at home and around familiar people. Just put time and effort into socializing more and it may help. You may have to change vets in the long run though because of the negative feelings he may have towards his current vet.

 

[Doberluv]

When did you get this pup...at what age? He sounds as if he is clearly not socialized and afraid. Don't punish him if he acts up. I would seriously find yourself a reputable, certified behaviorist who uses positive methods. How old is your dog now? It may be very difficult, if not impossible to socialize him now if he's too old. It's really, really hard, once their little personalities are developed. The brain pathways are set. I have heard of rare instances where a dog can be brought around, at least a little bit. Please try getting some help for this poor dog. I'm so sorry you're having this difficulty. Let us know.

 

[Renee750il]

Here is possibly an easier 'fix' for this problem. It WILL involve starting with another vet; you need to start fresh. Find a vet who you feel is very at ease with large dogs. Tell him that Jake is fearful when going to the vet and ask if the office will be amenable to "social visits" at no charge. If they are, you've probably found your vet. Start taking Jake in once a week for nothing more than being introduced to the staff and the vets and letting them pet him and give him treats and just generally making him feel like the spoiled prince we all know he is. When those visits are going well, graduate to getting him weighed as well as being doted on. As he gets more comfortable and starts actually looking forward to seeing these wonderful friends who appreciate him and give him wonderful treats and belly rubs you can cut the visits back gradually to every other week, then once every three weeks, once a month, etc.

Dr. P. is thrilled to do that with mine and actually is grateful that I was willing to take the time to do that with The Grrrrls, as he's familiar with Filas and absolutely wants to be thought of as a friend! We have no problems going to the vet now, other than the mad dash to get inside the door, lol!

 

[Doberluv]

That was part of my socialization program....to stop at the vets about once a week for a little attention from the staff and some cookies, maybe get his weight....took 5 minutes and we were onto the next stop.

But this poor dog sounds like he's so afraid of strangers and will bite out of defensiveness. Some planned step by step desensatization probably needs to take place. If he's not ready for a high level stimulation (fear of the vet) then I wouldn't thrust him into that until and if he's better with a lower level fear inducer, maybe a good friend that he is better with and then another person he kind of knows. There's a good time to reward and time when not to. There are ways to do things that are probably not something that can be done on the Internet, depending on how serious this is. It sounds pretty difficult.

I think it sounds serious and really recommend some good professional help.

 

[Renee750il]

Ah, Dober . . . five minutes, hmmm? I can never get mine out that quickly. Everyone wants to see them (they either like The Grrrls or just want to see a rare breed), and Dr. P alone will spend that much time with them, lol, and probably feeds Shiva three or four dollars worth of treats Kharma won't take treats until she gives them to me, and even then she's a bit more finicky about what she'll eat (won't touch McDonald's food, lol).

There's a good chance that getting Jake settled down and more comfortable going to the vet will carry over some into other situations. And any way Jake's confidence can be bolstered will help - a confident, self-assured dog lets go of a lot of fear behaviours.

 

[LorriF]

When did you get this pup...at what age? He sounds as if he is clearly not socialized and afraid. Don't punish him if he acts up. I would seriously find yourself a reputable, certified behaviorist who uses positive methods. How old is your dog now? It may be very difficult, if not impossible to socialize him now if he's too old. It's really, really hard, once their little personalities are developed. The brain pathways are set. I have heard of rare instances where a dog can be brought around, at least a little bit. Please try getting some help for this poor dog. I'm so sorry you're having this difficulty. Let us know.

We got Jake at 8 weeks, and he was like this from the very beginning. He is part ACD, which according to everything I've read they are very nervous of strangers. He is now 10 months old.

The vet is willing to have him come and get treats there as often as I would like to bring him. I think I will start doing that. He is okay with family members coming over (he LOVES my parents!), and is also okay with the daycare parents who he only sort of knows. He doesn't like people on the street trying to touch him, but is okay if they just walk past KWIM? He completely hates having people *do* stuff to him--hence the hatred of the vet. But muzzled there yesterday, they were able to do a skin scraping and nail trim etc without sedation--something which really surprised me.

I have talked to Andrew, and I think we will look into a behaviourist though. I love Jake, and he is a joy to have here, but he is not the dog I thought I would have, to be honest.

 

[Doberluv]

Oh...I see. Well, I bet he can make some gradual improvements. You could even practice with the people he loves, "doing stuff" with him, going over him with their hands, cleaning out his ears gently, looking at his teeth, praising and treating him as you go...stuff like that. Good luck. Let us know how he does.