It’s not too hard to teach your dog to accept annoying human behaviors such as brushing his teeth (the dog’s, I mean), putting in ear drops, and even giving shots. The basic idea is to go slow and pair every aspect of the procedure with a tiny, deluxe treat.
On Day 1, you might just show your dog a toothbrush and then immediately give him a bit of roast chicken. A dozen reps later, he’ll be looking for that chicken every time he sees the toothbrush. On Day 2, you might bring the toothbrush close to his mouth a dozen times, and give him chicken each time. And so on, step by step, till you’re brushing away and your dog is perfectly happy about it.
What if you don't have time to throw chicken at the problem? Photo: Wikimedia Commons
But, uh-oh, suppose you haven’t taught your dog that ear drops = chicken, and now he’s got an ear infection and needs drops put in 5 times a day? Suppose he needs daily allergy shots? Suppose he needs a bandage changed? What do you do then? Continue reading ‘How to Use Warning Cues’
