Remember earlier when I said to cut the treats into small pieces? Now you know why–you will be giving your puppy a lot of treats and you don’t want her to get full to the point of not wanting to eat them. Also, having them cut into small pieces in advance helps you give your pup treats at the right time, because you won’t have to break them into pieces before you feed them.

While the vet is examining your puppy the vet tech will most likely be holding her. When the tech takes her, give your pup a couple of treats. You can continue to occasionally give her treats as long as it does not interfere with the examination. Holding a lot of treats in your hand invites your puppy to try to get to them. Instead, keep the food in your pocket and feed one piece at a time from your hand.   If your puppy is going to get a vaccination, you can be giving her treat after treat after treat while the shot is being given. Praise and treat her as often as you want during the exam, as long as your puppy is calm and you are not interfering with the examination.

Getting Ready To Leave

When your appointment is over, check outside the door to see if there are other dogs around. If the coast is clear, set your puppy down to walk to the front desk, praising and treating her as you go. I usually tell the staff behind the desk that I will be back to pay and then head out to put my puppy in her crate in the car. Doing so allows my puppy to relax in a familiar environment where she is safe and comfortable while I pay the bill, get any needed medications or make another appointment.

If you keep you puppy with you while you are checking out, remember to pay attention to your puppy.   Other clients will be coming and going with their dogs as you take care of the paperwork, so watch to be sure no other dogs approach. As your puppy is by your side, reward her while you are taking care of business. The staff will not only understand but will admire your training your puppy to be patient while you check out. If they are not too busy, they may offer to play with your pup behind the desk. It is, after all, one of the perks of working there! What a great opportunity, so give them some treats to give your puppy and let them have fun while you take care of business!

As your puppy gets older you will use fewer treats at the vet’s office, but always be prepared to reward brilliant behavior! Taking the extra time to be prepared for the early visits to your vet will end up with your puppy thinking the vet’s office is a great place to be!   As you can see, doing what is outlined above is not difficult, but will pay off in spades because it will teach your puppy to love going to the vet!