- Ask your veterinarian if you can bring your puppy by periodically for visits with the front staff without having to undergo any exam. Simply let the staff cuddle with your pup and feed treats for sitting politely. Put your puppy on the scale and feed treats and then head home. Just be sure that you don't let your pup say hello to any dogs waiting in the lobby - they may have a contageous illness! And, bring a towel or mat for your puppy to sit on when greeting the staff and sitting on the scale so that your puppy isn't sitting on surfaces where other dogs have been.
- When going to the vet for an actual examination, take extra special goodies. My favorite is a can of dog food and a small teaspoon. Keep your puppy lapping up the food while the vet examines her and while vaccinations and temperature taking happen.
- While at the vet, don't make a huge deal over any fear your puppy shows. Your puppy will pick up on your cues and become calmer when you remain calm and happy and become more worked up when you let yourself get upset.
- When waiting in the waiting room or examination room, play your puppy's favorite game of tug or with a squeaky toy.
- At home, teach your puppy to handle things like looking in the mouth or ears, rolling your puppy gently onto its back for a tummy exam (don't force this - just rub your puppy's tummy and ease her onto her side or back and do nice little massages for a reward!), and practice hugs, holds, and lifts so your puppy is not spooked by these things during a veterinary exam.
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