Quote:
Originally Posted by QuickSilver  I must admit, I don't understand why you wouldn't take some time to train your doggie not to fear something he has to endure regularly? I understand if you are short on time, sometimes it just has to be done. If it's something you will do many times, it's quicker and easier for everyone involved if you take the time up front to teach your dog that what you are doing is unpleasant, but not terrifying. |
I completely agree. Always work on desensitizing your pups to things that will undoubtedly have to be done before it comes up. Dogs need their ears cleaned, teeth brushed, nails clipped, anal glands emptied (sometimes), eye drops put in, etc. These are pretty foreseeable events. So start when they are young and it isn't too important that things go right.
I rarely use a muzzle and never for things like this just because it's not needed for my dogs. They know I'll xyz if they like it or not. IMO, forcing the issue comes in when a dog hasn't been desensitized for whatever reason or resists it for whatever reason. I know if it's impossible for me to do what I need to do, the vet is just going to have techs pile on my dogs so it gets done. So I'd rather just force the issue myself if my dogs aren't cooperating.