July 19, 2021
My working line puppy barked excessively at the receptionist at the vet’s office when she kneeled down to pet her. How should I proceed so we don’t repeat this barking event in the future?
Full Question:
Hello,I have a question regarding a 15-week-old female working line GSD.
We are currently working on engagement on a leash, distraction-free. Although there is a slight glimmer of progress, shes got a ways to go concerning behavior on the leash, in public places.
Next week she goes into Vet for her puppy shots.
The last vet visit two weeks ago didn't go so well. She barked excessively at the receptionist as she kneeled to pet her. (let's see, the comment I got was, " what do your German shepherd people say about that”?( behavior). Insert eye roll here. :(
Pretty sure it was a training mistake to let the receptionist pet her.
As for the Vet, she was fine except a bit anxious-looking. Who wouldn't be I say? Lol.
How should we proceed and hopefully not repeat the barking event of two weeks ago? Don't want to undo any headway in the training we have so far.
I have a number of DVDs on training including Tyler Muto leash reactivity, Forrest Micke engagement skills.
Thank you.
Cindy's Answer:
I don't allow people from outside my family or circle of dog training friends to pet my dogs. The general population (that can include front desk employees at the vet's office) don't typically know how to read canine body language.
I don't put my puppies in situations like this in case they feel unsure or worried about the interactions. I leave my dogs in the car and when it's my turn I run out and bring them straight into the room. I don't let anyone talk to or pet my dogs and I carry them if they're small enough. I make sure to have food on me so I can feed the puppy while we’re in with the vet.
At my vet's office, if the appointment is just for something very routine they will even come out to my car so my dogs don't have to deal with the chaos of the waiting room. I'd rather be overly protective when my dogs are young so their worldview isn't tarnished by thinking that new places are scary.
I don't put my puppies in situations like this in case they feel unsure or worried about the interactions. I leave my dogs in the car and when it's my turn I run out and bring them straight into the room. I don't let anyone talk to or pet my dogs and I carry them if they're small enough. I make sure to have food on me so I can feed the puppy while we’re in with the vet.
At my vet's office, if the appointment is just for something very routine they will even come out to my car so my dogs don't have to deal with the chaos of the waiting room. I'd rather be overly protective when my dogs are young so their worldview isn't tarnished by thinking that new places are scary.
User Response:
Thank you, for your advice!Honestly I never quite know how to respond to people (friends, family) who don’t understand this concept of training. I always get the “that’s not normal- my puppy loves everyone and goes everywhere and sleeps with us not in a crate”. So tired of that. I remind my sis that GSDs are not wired the same as her 20# sheltie.
Thanks again.
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