Interesting advice from Vet...

CrimsonO2CrimsonO2
edited November 2008 in Shiba Inu (柴犬)
Hi everyone,
Thanks for all your support on Ichi's health (Giardia, diahrrea, etc.). He is much better now and I am happy to report he has no traces of Giardia in his stool as of Saturday (we got to go to Puppy Obedience on Sunday as a result).

Anyways, Ichi still has a fear of strangers and other dogs, this is understandable and I am working on mitigating that. However, the one thing I cannot readily help him in training is his heightened fear of females (all male household and all female staff at vet office).

My vet has suggested that on our next visit for shots, I bring a bag of treats that Ichi loves and leave him at the vet for the day so he can have a bath and the vet and her vet techs can tend to him (spoil him) to make the vet a more comfortable visit for the dog.

However, I've given Ichi baths before (2 now) and he's usually not relaxed when I do it, so I can't imagine a bath being an effective cure for his fear when the objects of his fear is giving him a bath.

*shrug* I'll listen to anyone's thoughts or advice regarding the matter. I'm a bit doubtful to the effectiveness of this rehab suggestion, but again, I've never had to deal with the kinds of dog behavioral issues Ichi's given me. It is all very intense, yet very intriguing at the same time. I'm becoming a more aware dog owner because of it.

Thanks in advance,
Jesse

Comments

  • brandon_wbrandon_w
    edited November -1
    I'm not sold that a day at the vet and a bath would help a Shiba to like anyone. I think a better course of action would be to invite female friends and family members over to your house and have them treat and interact with Ichi positively at your place first. Then maybe at a park. or some other outdoor places. Then possibly on walks ask women strangers if they would like to feed Ichi from treats.
  • KFontaine04KFontaine04
    edited November -1
    I agree with Brandon. In house visits where Ichi is already comfortable will be MUCH more effective for introducing him new new (female) strangers.

    Glad Ichi is feeling better!
  • MommyofNikoMommyofNiko
    edited November -1
    Ditto on above...no bath will woo any shiba!
    If he doesnt mind the vet just take him in for random fun visits with the females for no purpose, have them come to the car and so on. Also agree with the above about people coming to your home. No woman will resist a shiba so you should be able to find many who wont mind gushing all over him. Especially if it is people you know it will help that you have that bond with that persona rather than a stranger to both of you. He will feed off your energy.
  • tsukitsunetsukitsune
    edited November -1
    I agree entirely with above comments.
    Plus, I would never trust my dog with anyone, especially for a crash course 'get friendly' training session. No way.
    Ichi is your dog - your responsibility. It is your job to socialize the dog and make him less 'shibaish' in terms of aloofness to strangers if that is what you and/or your vet desire.

    Instead, have a sister/mother/female friend come over and give treats, massages, talk to the dog, go on a walk with the dog, things you do with him. That will help more over time and consistency than one night taking a bath will.

    I once asked a vet for advice on how to help with food possessiveness and they gave me this antique print out on types of aggression and how to overcome it. Its archaic. I know who trained the dog whisperer now!
    I tend to not take behavior advice from the vet, not that I do not respect them - its just not their expertise. Rather, hire a certified trainer or behaviorist for larger issues than you can handle.

    Plus, going to puppy classes with help further Ichi's social skills.
  • NekopanNekopan
    edited November -1
    Bath would be a bad idea. So would being left by himself with a bunch of strange females. On the other hand, I can see what the vet is trying to say. I would suggest what has been said above - inviting female friends/relatives over to help Ichi. Once he's a little more comfortable with women, take him on trips to the vet and sit in the waiting room with lots of treats and praise. Then ask the techs or receptionists to give him treats and talk to him. Progress to the exam room if they will allow it. If you make a routine of this, Ichi will at least tolerate going to the vet's office, and may even come to enjoy it. Good luck!
  • StaticNfuzzStaticNfuzz
    edited November -1
    Ditto....forget the bath idea as a form of socialization. Shibas are not big on beauty parlor treatments.

    I would find some female friends to invite over. You could also find a female dog walker or trainer who can set up some test folks to help you out? Go visiting at some of the privately owned pet food stores that allow dogs to visit. Treats and positive praise should help you out.

    Good luck
    Snf
  • lindsaytlindsayt
    edited November -1
    I definately agree with tsukitsune. Even though I work for a vet office, unless an actual behaviorist/trainer works for them and gives you the info, I don't like the docs to give behavior advice as their knowledge is limited (it most often is not their specialty or interest). See an in home trainer/behaviorist/go to puppy classes.
    I personally would tell a client to keep their fearful, anxious dogs at the vet as little as possible for procedures (as in, don't leave them there all day with us) because in my experience, the dogs don't relax-they get more anxious and fearful then shut down all together (puppies are ok staying for a little while but then they panic and scream for their parents after they reach their threshold).
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