I couldn’t sleep the night before last, worrying.
Yesterday I took Gus to the vets for his annual check and booster. Gus is now eight (where does time go?) and he’s nervous but usually OK at the vets, thanks to me doing a fair bit of work taking him there just for play and treats, but due to the virus, we hadn’t been to the vets since February. Previously I’ve always been with him, feeding yummy treats.
This year it’s different.
I was told to phone to say I’d arrived, then the vet would come out to take Gus with him into the building.
I had imagined all sorts of scenarios during my disturbed night: Gus refusing to walk in with the vet (he can put the brakes on big time when he doesn’t want to go somewhere), a barking cacophony, or Gus getting so fearful he snapped at and bit one of the vet staff.
I got there five minutes early and phoned to announce my arrival. The rather handsome young Irish vet came out to ask me if there were any problems. My carefully planned response flew out of the window due to my distraction with wondering what exactly was under the mask and scrubs and I just muttered that there wasn’t anything new.
He took the lead and Gus trotted off quite happily with him, with not even one backwards glance. I sat in the car and after what seemed an age but was only a few minutes, back they both came.
No problems at all.
I was happy that none of my doomsday scenarios had occurred and delighted that Gus had behaved so well – but also slightly miffed that he clearly wasn’t bothered whether I was there or not.
I know rationally that I’d done (and keep refreshing) all the training to teach Gus to be happy being handled and having injections, but it didn’t stop me worrying. I’m only human after all (there’s an ear worm for today!).
Do you worry about how your dog will behave in certain situations? I think most of us do.
That‘s why I include so much “human end of the lead” stuff in my teaching. I understand just how anxious you can become when you care about your dog and how much that worry can take over your life if your dog has problems.
Even though we can’t meet in person for the next couple of weeks, we’ve got two live online courses for you.
If you want to help your dog be happier when left home alone, join our Serene Separation course: Wednesday 2nd and 9th Dec 7 – 8.15pm.
If you want your puppy to grow up a confident, happy dog who can cope with this crazy world, join our Socialisation at a Distance: Tuesday 8th, Wednesday 9th and Thursday 10th December 10-11.15am.
I want you to enjoy life with your dog and to be confident in your dog’s ability to cope with what life throws at you.
On my online courses you not only get the benefit of our effective, tried and tested training, but you can ask about anything you want.
I hate not being able to sleep well for worrying and I’d love to help you avoid dog worries.
Keep believing and stay safe,
Carol
PS If you prefer to study in your own time, browse our range of self-study online courses here.