What is one thing you wish that dog parents knew more about?

Husbandry skills! It’s so important to get your dogs prepared for the vet or groomer, and that’s something that I can help you do as a preventative measure or if your dog already has icky feelings associated with the vet or groomer.

Helpful skills for the vet or groomer:

Chin rest - Having your dog rest their chin to a target like your hand or your lap can be helpful for getting vaccines because it gives your dog a job to do and gives them an opportunity to consent when getting their shots. 

Stand - Being able to ask your dog to stay standing can help with looking at your dogs stomach when necessary at the vet, or grooming their undercarriage at the groomer’s.

“Dead dog” - Having your dog lay completely on their side with their head down can help give your dog agency for their nail trim. If they pull their head up, the nail trim stops. 

Happy Muzzle - Getting your dog comfortable and happy to wear a muzzle is a great preventative measure that puts veterinary staff and groomers at ease when they need to perform stressful procedures. 

The last thing I want to mention isn’t necessarily a skill, but more of a tip. Go to the vet for Happy Visits, so that the vet doesn’t always mean scary invasive things are happening to your dog. Show up, give your dog treats, and then leave! When they’re comfy with that, show up, have the staff give them treats and then leave. Some vets' offices will even let you borrow an exam room during their lunch hour and you can do some Fun Easy Behaviors that your dog knows, and practice the above skills like a dress rehearsal without actually having to get their vaccines or nails trimmed. For grooming, you can do the same thing visiting their lobby. If your dog gets groomed here at Fetch, I am happy to work with your dog during their normal daycare day or we can do a lesson together getting comfortable in the grooming salon. 

“How do I get scheduled?”

First, we’ll start with a free 30 minute consultation to discuss your lifestyle, and goals for your dog and make sure that the Board and Train is a good fit for you and your pup.

I can’t wait to meet you and your baby!

Clara

Amarillo Fetch Trainer

For more information on how you can get your dog started with training, call us at (806) 680-5557,  or e-mail our trainer directly at amafetchtraining@gmail.com