Prepare for the Unexpected and Unavoidable: Three Essential Steps for Every Dog Owner
As a dog owner, you’ve likely encountered moments when things take a turn—whether it’s a health emergency, a sudden behavioral issue, or just an everyday struggle like nail trimming.
Last weekend, as I browsed a Facebook group called Pet Vet Corner, I came across stories that got me thinking about how easily these situations could have been avoided with a little preparation.
Here are three stories that stood out:
- A 140-pound female dog got sideswiped by a truck. Even after medical care, she growled at her family while they tried to help her.
- A couple argued about whether to put down their 10-year-old dog who had been dog- and people aggressive most of her entire life. The wife was done with the dog. The husband loves the dog but never addressed the aggressive behavior.
- A senior dog suffered from painfully long nails (the owner wrote, “longer than I care to admit”), but he was too sensitive about his paws to allow trimming.
These stories are heartbreaking because so many of these situations were preventable with early attention, training and desensitization. Many people wait too long to address behavioral issues, and then feel stuck, left with sedation or euthanasia as their only options.
Here are three things you can do now to avoid finding yourself in these situations:
1. Build Trust
Trust is like a savings account—you make small deposits every day, and over time, it builds up. Train your dog consistently to reinforce your leadership and provide them with security. Meet their needs through daily walks, rewarding good behavior, and calmly correcting unwanted actions.
2. Desensitization
Help your dog feel comfortable with touch, especially in sensitive areas. After a long walk, when your dog is tired, gently massage different parts of their body. Start small, and work up to touching their paws, belly, and even inside their mouth. If they show discomfort, relax, talk calmly, and proceed slowly, building their trust over time.
3. Muzzle Training
Muzzles can be lifesavers. They prevent accidents and make situations like nail trimming or vet visits easier for everyone. Teaching your dog to wear a muzzle doesn’t mean they’re aggressive—it’s about creating a safe and calm environment for handling. My own dog, Deno, used to hate having his nails trimmed, but after using a muzzle and gradually desensitizing him, we can now trim his nails while he snoozes.
The key is to be proactive—don’t wait until you’re faced with an emergency to find out your dog can’t be handled. Start building trust and working on these skills now, and your future self (and your dog) will thank you!
If you have questions or want support with these practices, join our next Dog Owner Support Group on Wednesday, October 2nd at 11:30 am ET. It’s a great space to share ideas, ask questions, and learn how to create a harmonious life with your dog. Register here.
Let’s work together to keep our dogs and ourselves happier, healthier, and better prepared!