I have had an infuriating week. Our nearly 4 month old pup, Bailey is doing really well, still doing puppy things, but he is still a baby! I took him to the vet practice we used for the entire 13 year life of our last lovely lab, for his heartworm vaccination. Bailey did his puppy classes there as well as his first check up. The vet called us in and as he was picking Bailey up my poor pup began to "mouth"him. I thought that's ok he would know what to do. To my horror he grabbed hold of Bailey's muzzle and squeezed while telling me that Bailey was trying to dominate and that he needed to know who was boss. Then he did it again! Through my fury I said, just give him the vaccination and leave him alone. I am now looking for another vet. Then yesterday,while waiting to vote, a lady came over to say how lovely he was and how well behaved. Bailey loves people and he jumped up just a little as I did have him on a lead. I know he shouldn't jump but we are working on it. This lady then tried to give me a lesson on puppy training by putting her knee up to block him, while telling me that she knows dogs and this is what to do! Needless to say I don't think it is. I walked Bailey away before I lost my temper. Why do people think it is ok to do things like this? Bailey is well behaved most of the time. A lot of love and training has gone into his behaviour and while he is still learning he is getting there. What I don't need is uncalled for advice that goes against all of the beliefs I have on force free training. Bailey does not seem to have suffered at all from these experiences. I think I have been more upset than him. Sorry for the long post I hope this week people will leave the puppy training to me.
What an awful thing for your vet to do - I'd be cross and finding a new vet too - and telling the old one why!
Sorry for you bad experiences - what a backwards vet! I'm afraid you will continue to get other people's "expert advice" - they cannot hold themselves back (worse than a jumping puppy IMO). I try to smile and ignore them. Sometimes though, I can't - but it's no good getting into a debate with those stuck firmly in the dark ages, they are not open to other methods of training. You are doing so well with Bailey - he's only 4 months old.
I have no idea! I think some people are trying to be friendly. Who knows. It drives me nuts too, as I have put so much work into her. The one that really annoys me is 'let them play together' from other dog owners, when I have specifically said I'm not letting her off the lead. I don't want her to play with other dogs I don't know, she gets overexcited as it is and playing with an unfamiliar dog, just makes it worse and leads to her getting out of control. In the UK our vet runs a 'yellow ribbon' scheme to indicate the dog isn't to be approached, we got given one to put on her lead following her operation. I don't know how well known it is, but I have left it on the lead in the hope some people might be aware and leave us alone!
I would have walked out and got the heartwork medication somewhere else! Well, perhaps I wouldn't have had the courage The vet I worked for was very gentle with the animals, said they responded better.
Geez, that vet is living in the Dark Ages. You could write them a letter and explain why you have left the practice - you could enclose a copy of this article which explains that the dominance model is wrong: http://www.thelabradorsite.com/is-your-labrador-in-charge/
Thanks to all of you for the support. It means a great deal. I have an appointment with another vet in the morning and I have already asked what the policy of the practice is. I have been assured that they are totally force free. I hope so. My husband agrees that I should contact the practice and explain why I will not be returning. I'm such a "don't make any waves, don't make a fuss" type of person usually but I am quite upset so this time I will try to put together a letter and at least bring this to the attention of the practice. Thanks again.
Much as we would hope they'd stay up to date sometimes they don't or they're so focused on medicine they miss behavioural stuff. They can't do anything about it if you don't tell them and you may prevent other dogs being manhandled in such an inappropriate way
Thanks Barbara, I know you're right but I find this type of thing difficult to do. I don't want any other dog to experience this so I will make sure to contact the practice.
I would definately look for another vet. Harley is very wary of our vets, but this was due to needing emergency surgery when she was 1. My vets are so gentle, reassuring and kind and allow her time to approach them, even if it means we overrun our appointment - they just don't want yo stress her more. As for other people, I'm afraid anyone and everyone will try and tell you how to train your dog. I had one woman raise her knee when Harley went to jump up......I told her very firmly, but politely that I didn't agree with the knee up as it could hurt them and it was aversive......found out she was a local behaviourist!!!
No good trainer, postive reinforcer or obedience, would say grabbing a dog's muzzle is appropriate. Such human behavior can promote aggression in a dog. Very bad idea. The knee in the chest/belly is just plain dumb. More effective training methods even if you choose an aversive one. People who want to tell you how to train your dog should go be told to go get a dog of their own . . . well maybe.
Yuk! I have a really good vet who takes his time, lets Chepi off the lead and really fusses over her. One other young vet is getting to know us and we can have a discussion on equal terms but other vets at the practise are not so good. So making an appointment involves quite a discussion around who is available and when. I just find that I have to be assertive but was encouraged to see, at my dog club's fun day, notices that said: please ask the owner before you touch their dog. Hooray!!!! Anyway, I agree with you being fed up about it. We wouldn't go up to some child and start petting it after all
It's amazing how many people feel entitled to pat your tummy when you're pregnant and touch babies. Young children usually make their feelings known but babies and bumps are fair game apparently
@BevE I feel so angry on your behalf, poor Bailey. What a dreadful experience. I could write a list of the idiotic comments Ive had from so called experts.
Thanks to all. I did wonder if I was making too much of it and then thought well no, I'm not! I don't want Bailey manhandled by just anyone. On a better note I saw a new vet yesterday. She, and the practice, were just lovely. We spent 40 minutes having a chat while she gave Bailey a good examination. She did remark that he shows no sign of being a so called"dominant" dog. He is happy to allow very personal contact and he managed to charm all of the vet nurses. Here's to a positive, caring relationship between myself, Baliey and the Vet practice.
So glad you have found a lovely vet for your Bailey. My Bailey loves all the vets and nurses at our surgery, as they all make a big fuss of him and they give him treats (after asking) while he's being examined.
