Insanity at the Vet (Jaia) - 4iC

My dog had this problem after she had elbow surgery thank goodness my vet and all of their support staff were willing to help they let me bring her in and even take her into an exam room where she just go lots of treats and attention but no procedures. she loves going again now and they all still greet her with a great big "LILY" and treats

After reading the updates and some answers, I get a better picture of what happened. For whatever reason, J'aia had a fear response and the VA accidently rewarded it by comforting, rather than not make a deal out of it. So, J'aia developed the idea that this was the new way to be if it led to attention, which can be a reward.

As for your difference in attitude, I think that the heart of it was "this will not be a big deal. It will be as mundane as getting a drink of water and who gets in a snit over that?" By not making it a big deal, the behavior will extinguish, especially in the presence of rewards for behavior that is the opposite of the fearfulness. And compliance from the VA in this will be paramount.

Rockonwhichyabadself.

 Yeah!

ron2

Rockonwhichyabadself.

Today's Update.
Monday, Oct. 8 

I stopped by McBriber's because I forgot to get chicken out of the freezer. We got to the vet and I went inside and explained to the receptionist and assistants what I was doing and they were all very supportive and understanding. I went out and got Jaia out of the car and led him up to the door as we had done on Saturday and he was FINE! I walked to the far end of the walk and gave a few small bites of burger, praising the whole time. On our way back toward the door, I adopted the calm, assertive attitude and got 'in the zone'. I opened the door and we walked in!

LOL It was great! Jaia just walked in with me like it was something we do all the time. I went over and sat down and he sat and I praised and fed burger. A few people went in and out and Jaia tried to leave with them, but it's important to leave or move toward the door ONLY when he's calm, so leaving was a LOT more work than getting in. We sat there and then got up and moved further into the office, trying out several different benches. He sniffed around and every once in a while he panicked a little, but I  soon distracted him with either burger or a firm tone.

After about 10 minutes, we started to go back outside. When he started pulling, I stopped and told him to sit and wait until he calmed down, then said, "OK" and moved on a step or 2. I made him wait at the door as I opened it and then we exited. MUCH PRAISE!!!

After we walked around outside some more, we entered again! Yay! Same scenario, except this time a VA (the vet's wife) came over and petted and praised Jaia. He was uncomfortable and shaking, but she was happy and praising, not comforting and coddling, so I was fine with that. She tried to feed him burger, but he didn't take it. That's how I know he was over the edge of his comfort zone.

After she left us, we sat for a few minutes, then left as before. The second time we left, it didn't take as long. Once we got in the car, I fed him the rest of the hamburger.

Very successful trip!  

 Great news Four!!!!!! well done!

This is ME, Billy the 'venturn Engl.cocker spanYELL

Ms. Four ... just where IS this McBriber's place?  couldja tell my mom PUH-LEEESE??? (yeah, and she took MY pitchur out of her profile ... sheesh).  It reely sounds like sumplace she needs ta no about???  I'd 'preshee-ate it a BUNCH.  thanks!!!  Love and snuggles Billy!!

hay billy! jaia heer.

my mom taykes mee to micbrybrs to git wut shee calls a playn cheezburgr. yoo wuld luv it! I jes no it! its got sumthin lyke meet an sumthin lyke cheez surounded by sumthin lyke bred. its warm an moyst an it all stix tagether. Man! its gud! Anywayz, ware ever yu see theez big yello bumps lyke 2 humps of yello? thats it. Start barkin!

gud luk! An if yer mom tayks ya, dont bark at the man insyde. that way, he myte give ya an extra treet! Im jes sayin...

yer fren, jaia 

Oh man -- YOU MEEN "tha Golden Rainbow Room"????? That's what R Mom calls it. 

An don't let em fool ya -- when that box talks to yur MOm - there's some liddle guy INSIDE it -- he must be reel liddle but then when ya get to tha window just have  Mom tell em you're there ta take care of their HOLE trash problem!!!!! 

Wednesday, Oct. 10.

Arriving at the vet and getting out of the car was a breeze. There was some hesitation at the door and Jaia pulled a little and tried to go back out but I told him to "come on" and he did. We sat down for a while and one of the assistants came over and tried to make friends but he was having no part of it. She spoke to him in a high voice (important discovery was made today) . He shook. 

I had to go up to the counter to pick us some meds for Mia and the vet came out. When I told him what I was doing there, he picked up a syringe and came out from behind the counter and in his manly voice, said hello to Jaia and gave him a few manly pats on his side, making sure that Jaia could see the syringe. This is but one reason why I love my vet! Jaia didn't even shake! He didn't fumble or try to exit. He just stood there taking in the pets.

So, now I am fairly sure that it's the high-pitched voice and the energy put across by the more "timid" female assistants and receptionist that's got him torqued. So, from now on, I'm going to ask them to be silent and see if that helps.

It's getting better all the ti-i-ime. Better... better... bet-ter!