Crate Training: Making the Trip to the Vet a Pleasant One

Taking your new puppy or dog to the vet for the first time is often stressful for both your dog and yourself. In many cases, it can be downright horrific. Liken your dogs visit to the Vet with your visit to the Dentist. Are you feeling that anxiety building? Is your stomach churning? Now imagine yourself in your dog’s shoes. You’re in a strange place that smells funny, you can’t tell someone if you are in pain and have no idea why a strange man or woman is handling you all over and is stabbing you with a sharp needle. It’s no surprise then that so many dogs go crazy when they approach the Vet’s surgery. However, there is something that can help – crate training.

Crate training is designed to help your dog feel at home in an enclosed space for sleeping, relaxing and safe transportation. It also helps to create a stress free safe-place for him or her, which provides a calming influence if and when needed. Just the sort of effect you want for your dogs when going to the see the Vet!

If your dog ever has to stay in for observation or to have surgery at the Vets they will be kept in a crate, so this is another reason why crate training is extremely important. When dogs are comfortable in crates they are easier to handle and much more prepared to cope with visiting the vet. A little effort to get your dog used to being crated saves a lot of worry for you as well as stress for your dog over the years.