All Things Dog Blog

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 12:57 PM PDT

(c) by Carrie Boyko

How does your dog manage visits to the vet? Is he nervous and fearful, or calm and friendly? Often your dog's acceptance of a veterinarian is related to your own body language and communication style with the staff and vet. Your dog is always watching you for cues that a new environment is safe and 'friendly'. If your demeanor says 'I'm comfortable and confident here', then your dog is likely to follow suit, especially if you employ this method from day one.

Here's one other strategy you might employ to assure you dog's vet visits are as smooth as possible. Many vets offer early drop off and late pickup for dogs of owners who work all day. This is, indeed, a convenient service for the owner, but sometimes we forget the dog's part in this equation.

A pup that is confined to a crate in the back of a vet's office for an entire day may become nervous, stressed or even fearful. Of course, this is likely not the veterinarian's fault; let's be clear on that. The problem generally stems from the unfamiliar environment, the dog's inability to explore and become comfortable with it, and the noise factor.

We've all heard the barking dogs in the crates of a vet's office. Hearing a bunch of nervous cats and dogs barking and meowing all day could certainly rev up your dogs nerves. I'd bark too if I knew there were busy people all around whom I hoped would stop and give me some attention. It's just not an ideal situation for the dogs, even though it works great for us and the vets.

If getting your dog to the vet is urgent, and cannot wait until their Saturday hours, then by all means, drop him off for his needed care. If he comes home with an uneasy attitude and takes a while to pull himself together, you'll know why. Whenever possible, consider scheduling non-emergency check ups and tests on a day off from work. Your pup will feel more confident in your presence, and you'll have a happier companion at home.

Related Reading:

Preparing your Puppy for a Lifetime of Happy Vet Visits

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Fetching Contest Time: How Many Balls Can Your Dog Hold at Once?

Posted: 28 Jun 2010 09:59 AM PDT

(c) Carrie Boyko

Tanner's Best is 3 Toys

But I Missed the Photo Op :(

One beautiful summer day Tanner managed to collect 3 toys and return them to me at one time. That was his personal best Fetch. One toy was a ring shaped floater that he managed to peg on a long, tubular-shaped toy. What a happy boy he was to return 3 toys in one jump from the poolside.

Another day Tanner collected a Frisbee-type ring along with a ball and a tube toy. These opportunities are few and far between. And my camera has yet to capture one. I'll keep trying.

What about your pup? Can anyone out there do better than 3? I'll give a fetch toy prize to the first reader who can capture a fetch of more than 3 toys. It doesn't have to be a pool fetch; ground balls or Frisbees will do just fine.

If I get multiple shots, we'll give a grand prize to the dog who collects the largest toys. Get those cameras rolling and send your photos to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com. Who's first?