RE: Vet Manners Thank You

[plumg...@pon.net]

This message is from: "plumg...@pon.net" 

With clicker trainingalways break things down into teensy, teensy steps 
...and endeavor NEVER to get a flinch or scared look as you "up the anty" each 
time.  Take it really slow.

Usually, things go fast with clicker training anyway, so it probably is not 
going to be a problem...but just in case...be really careful to go slow.

Also, know that having the now-feared vet do it may be harder than your 
stranger neighbor.  If you need to, it might pay to show the vet that the 
neighbor can do it now..by using the clicker.

Sounds like you are on the right track.  The clicker is ideal for these 
situations.

Gail

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Re: Vet Manners Thank You

[Robin Churchill]

This message is from: Robin Churchill 

You shouldn't dread it.  She works for you, not vice versa and if she doesn't 
realize that, get somebody else.  You are not asking her to put herself in 
harm's way, only to work with you.  It sounds like it is her handler that is 
causing the problem, but she is perpetuating it by allowing the behavior.

Robin in SW Florida where it is finally raining after about 3 or 4 months with 
no rain.

---
> I am dreading the "talk with the Vet". 

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Vet Manners Thank You

[Big Horn Forge Daniel Nauman]

This message is from: "Big Horn Forge Daniel Nauman" 

A big thank you to everyone who responded to my post.  I've had time to think, 
read, and respond.


I cannot give my own shots.  I used to but, somewhere along the line, I whimped 
out.  I just can't.  I even have a hard time stepping on a bug!  I do believe 
giving my own shots was the best suggestion, but yours truly doesn't have the 
heart for it anymore.  


Words that echoed my own thoughts were... matter of time before being 
attacked, (The ONLY reason my horse stood was because he decided to.  If the 
handler thought she was keeping him from going anywhere, she was deluded) . 
fight or flight train wreck etc, etc.


Erick has never tried to kick or bite, but he sure has tried to run away.  I 
would hate to see the aftermath of that if he got his own way.


I started clicker training in the last month or so, and Erick loves it.  (So 
does my mustang)  Monday, I took Erick to the round pen and started clicker 
training him to "sharp" objects on his butt.  I used my thumb nail to start.  
Every time I jabbed him, and he stood, I clicked and treated.  (He stood EVERY 
time.)  I went to a ball point pen thinking he needed something that looked 
like a syringe type item.  It didn't bother him at all.  I decided that he 
trusted me too much.   My next move is to use a horse savvy neighbor down the 
road that he doesn't know very well.  Maybe a combination of fake syringe and 
stranger will help.  I'm not hoping to get a bad reaction out of him, but I 
would like to make sure it isn't the needle causing the panic.  Thank you to 
the person who suggested clicker training.  It was way in the back of my mind.  
I'm glad you mentioned it.


I am dreading the "talk with the Vet".  When I set up the appointment for the 
booster shots, I am going to discuss approach, safety, the horse's fear, etc.  
I will also let her know that she needs to take way more time with the horse, 
and I will pay a double barn call fee if need be.  If she is trying to fit too 
many appointments into a day, and will not take the time, I will have to find 
another Vet.  (Actually, I'm already looking in case it comes to that.)


Thank you again for your help and advice.  (My horse thanks you too.)


Toni

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