Getting Your Puppy Used to Check-ups and Grooming

Getting Your Puppy Used to Check-ups and Grooming

Good habits start at home! Why does this matter? Many dogs are afraid of vet exams: having their jaw opened, their paws touched, their tail pulled.

19.07.2025

Good habits start at home!
Why does this matter?
Many dogs are afraid of vet exams:
  • having their jaw opened
  • having their paws touched
  • having their tail pulled
That makes exams harder and can even require anesthesia for routine procedures.

The fix for getting your puppy used to vet visits is simple — start early!

Once your puppy is home, use play to simulate situations it will face at the vet or the groomer.
Practical tips:
  • Gently open its jaw and run your fingers over its teeth, with praise and a calm tone.
  • Touch its paws and tail while playing or petting.
  • Gradually get it used to lying on its back – hold that position for a couple of minutes if it lets you.
Patience builds trust!
If your puppy lets you hold it lying down without resistance, that is a sign of real trust.
A relationship like that isn't built overnight, but it pays off for its whole life.
Habituation = love + trust + patience
Help your pet feel safe in every situation