First Visit to the Vet (long, again - sorry!)

[LakeLover]

Hello again. Thanks to all who've replied to my "New Owner - Need Advice" post, below. Our newly adopted 19 month old guy is slowly settling in to our routine. He's much calmer around the house, and he's pretty much stopped jumping up and mouth me or my husband. We are not leaving him unattended when our four children are around, and things seem to be going well there, too.

Today, I took him to see the vet. I know from the shelter paperwork that his last visit was over the past summer, but it didn't say whether or not he'd be comfortable. He seemd ok when we went in... He was sniffing, checking things out, usual doggie behavior. I had to put him on the scale to get weighed, as the nurse (vet tech) began to lift him onto the scale when he didn't jump up readily, and he turned towards her quickly. I thought, "Uh oh." Then we went into the examining room and the vet came in. He asked a few questions, gave him a pet and then said, "Ok. Let's get him up on the table." I got him onto the table, but when the vet pushed the button to raise it, he spazzed out because of the noise and the movement. He was all friendly again (his usual) after a few treats. After that, the vet said "I can examine him on the floor, but I'll have to call someone in to help." Zeus was jumpy and didn't want the vet to check him out. the vet told me our guy was too "scary." I think he meant it both ways -- dog scared, vet scared. Anyway -- he urged us to bring him in often for a few months so he'd like the place. I also got obedience training info. regarding classes at the vet's place. He said to do all this for a few monhs before trying again.

When I was checking out, the vet came out again and asked how Zeus has been at home. With us. With strangers, etc. I said fine (he has). I told him the truth. The only real fear I've seen is of certain sounds, reflection, and of all things -- culverts on the sides of some streets we've passed on our numerous walks. The vet seemed wary. He told me we'd better keep an eye on it. That we'd better be careful.

Now I'm worried again. I hope all we're doing -- taking him to the bustop, on long walks, welcoming visitors, etc. is good enough. Could he end up a possible fear-aggressive dog? Is using a choke chain the best training collar for this type of dog? He arrived at the shelter with a pronged collar. The vet mentioned a gentle lead collar?

Also behavior related: We don't want him to bark and or intimidate people or strangers who come to our front door or put stuff in our mailbox (postal worker). The problem is, though, our front door is made up of lots of window panes and he lays by the door a lot. I don't know if this is becuase he's being protective or because he wants Dad or the kids ot come home. Again -- I'm keeping the fear related stuff in mind. I did think to ring our doorbell a few times (myself) so he could hear it and see "me" outside, first. Wonder what will happen when someone knocks.

We've had him since only Sunday. I know everything is new to him here, but are these all warning signs?

Sorry so long! I have a feeling this long-winded LakeLover will be back again for all your wise and respected advice.

[frau]

I owuld keep my eye on ANY new dog, for some time. We have had Gypsy sine she was 11 weeks old and I still keep an eye on her. She occasionally does goofy kid stuff (tearing up cardboard) and always barks at strangers.

I know what behavior she will evidence I guess it is more that I watch the environment very closely for things I know SHE responds to.

We have a 8 mo old GWP pup now, here since November. I watch him all the time, too. He is a big softy but some of his behaviors elicit dominance behaviors in Gypsy. If I can avoid overturned drinks and lamps by watching both dogs all the time, then good. At times it even appears that he is provoking her.

I had originally wanted a dog I could take anywhere when I got Gypsy. I have resigned myself to not being able to do that. Even when she is on her best behavior strangers act fearful, rude or ignorant and I am not willing to take the chance that stangers or dogs get hurt.

I wouldn't take me eyes off the new dog for quite some time. Information gathering is valuable no matter what the dog's temperment.

Good Luck,

Frau:D

[Vivianne]

LakeLover,
My past rotty had a bad experience with her first vet. Tried to bite him at 6 months old while he administered a rabies shot. Ever since then, to the day she passed on, when ever we went to the vet I had her muzzled during examination time. She HATED it, but is served two purposes. It told my dog that it was time to be handled and it eased by vets fears so each visit went smooth as silk.
The vet wasn't nervous and did his job quickly and efficiently. If there were no shots involved during the vet visit the muzzle was not used and I insisted that because of her size the vet examine the dog on the floor nd not the table.
I always stood or knelt down in my dogs face. I was in this position to calm and support her during the visits. She was never bad with the vet unless I knew she was in pain or would experience pain once she was there.
Let's face it we can't explain to them "You're just going to feel a little prick and then it will all be over."