Hi Everybody,
So I posted about my dog getting hit by a car but I wanted to start a new thread about my dog's anxiety at the vet's office...he is such a baby! He is normally very friendly and at ease at other people's homes. We take him with us to my parent's house, my in-laws, on trips, etc. Pretty well socialized I'd say.

However, he's always had anxiety at the groomers & the vets office, but I've never noticed how bad it can be! When I came to pick him up after getting some x-rays at a new vet's office, he was just carrying on in the back whining and screeching like crazy! He was whining the whole way up to the front! He calmed down a little when he saw me but when he started to get worked up again, I quickly correctly his behavior with a firm snap & 'shhhht'. The receptionist said he would whine any time somebody LOOKED at him in the kennel! What the heck??? The groomer has always said he's a bit touchy & she just has to go slow with him....and she does have to muzzle him sometimes....and so did the vet I guess. But I don't know how this started.

How do I correct this behavior when all the vets & groomers say they don't want me around? I'm firm with him & can calm him down but vets & groomers always think it's better w/o the owner in the room. I don't coddle his nervous behavior, I correct it. So am I doing something wrong? What more can I do? Or is it just how it's going to be and I just gotta get used to it? Any help would be great.

TIA!
-Amy

Are you sure the dog's behavior isn't justified?

Well, he's always been this way...even before the accident. The only thing that maybe sent him into this fit was that it was a new vet clinic. (I got very upset with my current vet for not fitting me in to an appt after I explained the accident).

So I went to a different vet that came highly recommended by a friend. So I guess the new environment could have made him extra nervous. But he's had vet anxiety even at my old vet clinic. The only nice thing there was, that vet let me correct his anxious behavior and he wasn't able to escalate. Whereas, obviously this vet let my dog's anxiety escalate to a level 10 and it's tough to get them down from that.

 Quote: amy_daws

But I don't know how this started.

This is why I encourage people to STAY with their animals at the Vets, and the groomers.

Any number of negative experiences could occur, that you will forever be unaware of, that can cause anxiety.

I would start by acompanying your dog, and observing the apparent triggers of the anxiety, so that you can formulate a plan to desensitize him to his triggers.

I really agree with you...but have you ever found a groomer that is WILLING to let you sit in on the whole grooming process??? ....impossible I think. I've been thinking about getting some clippers & learning how to groom my pup myself and I think that might just be my best option at this point. Rather then fight somebody about it. My mutt is perfectly comfortable with me cutting around his face, so I think I'd be okay at it.

How much does the groomer want your money?

Granted, grooming for my dog consists of bathing, blowing and brushing out the coat. I don't let other people trim my dog's nails, so I don't even have that done.

Must less involved that a full-groom and clip.

However, I would ask.
I had this same question previously (there is a thread around here somewhere, LOL). We have a couple of professional groomers on Leerburg- their advice was that it is totally acceptable to request that you be permitted to stay.
In the end, it actually makes it easier on the groomer, ESPECIALLY if your dog has anxiety issues.

Just try to book your appointment at a low-volume time.