Hi all As I've mentioned previously Winnie is a nervous dog with people she doesn't know that lunge towards her. So today whilst she was laid on her back and I tickled her tummy I found a splinter of wood about 2.5 cm embedded in her inside thigh. So off to the vets we went, I knew it was going to be a challenge! She didn't bark which is an improvement but did growel and it was clear even with treats the vet wasn't going to get close. So we were offered 2 options, muzzle and pin her down ( clearly not an option as we've worked so hard with her nervousness) or a quick reverse sedation. So after a quick jab, off to sleep the wood was removed. The vet asked me to muzzle train her for when she has to visit the vets, so that everyone can be a bit more relaxed! So any thoughts and how do I go about doing this in the best way that allows Winnie to be confident. Thanks in advance.
Training her to be ok with a muzzle is a very good idea (more on that below). I'd try very hard to avoid using restraint (as in holding her down) though as this won't solve any problems - she will just start to fear the vet more and will struggle and resist. I'd chat to the vet about continuing to use sedation for potentially painful procedures, instead of restraint. With muzzle training the first thing is to choose a muzzle that still allows her to pant and open her mouth normally but not bite. I know some people here have used the Baskerville rubber muzzles (sort of like a rubber cage). Once you've chosen a muzzle and got the right size the next step is to very slowly and in very tiny increments get her used to having it put on and wearing it. Here's a good article all about using and choosing muzzles and muzzle training: http://www.clickertraining.com/node/3948 As well as the muzzle I'd start a program of training at home (using food and a clicker) to help her to get used to a range of vet procedures (injections using an empty syringe, ear checks, teeth checks, temp taking etc etc). You can also visit the vet for treats without having anything unpleasant done at all.
@Oberon Thank you that's really helpful, I agree I don't want the vet to be restraining her for painful procedures so we'll discuss sedation. I've ordered a muzzle and I'll start the training process with her when it arrives. Winnie does let us touch her all over, check her ears, open her mouth, lift her paws etc. Her nervousness comes with people she doesn't know getting close. The article was really helpful and as we are looking to holiday abroad with her I think muzzle training will be important, as she will need to see a vet before she can enter back into the UK. Thank you.
Who was it who had problems with the vets and did muzzle training? Someone with two dogs? Was it Debsie? Or Debs? I had a search but it didn't click who it was......
I think it was Jen (moderator) with Scout & Scott who had terrible anxiety issues with her vet. Jen doesn't use the forum any more which is a terrible shame x
Ah yes, you are so right, well remembered Helen x Shame they are not still here. There are a lot of previous members that I miss too.
We don't need a muzzle for Cooper, but perhaps a doggy straight jacket. She will struggle mightily if she is restrained, unless she wants to be.
