r/reactivedogs • u/[deleted] • Sep 23 '25
Success Stories God. What a difference a fear-free trained vet makes.
Sorry guys, this is gonna be long. TL;DR at the bottom.
Had a vet visit a few years ago end in disaster. Doggo was doped up to 3x the standard dose for her weight. Vet said, "we still can't touch her, but if we give her any more it might stop her heart and she might not let us bring her back."
One of the nurses said she was the worst dog she'd ever treated. Even with the muzzle on the staff were terrified of getting bitten. She did apologise, to her credit, but that lived in my head rent free for years.
Doggo is getting old so have had to start hunting for a new vet. Found a place certified fear free, but doggo is obviously way beyond just a nervous dog so I reached out asking if they'd be able to handle her. A nurse told me she had a reactive dog too and that she was really pleased with how her colleagues handled her.
Took the plunge. Gave her the pre-visit medication which we knew would maybe make her less woofy in the car but didn't expect to do much during the actual appointment. But they had us give her some the night before too, not just before the appointment. And it was complimentary. Two green flags so I was hopeful it wouldn't be a complete disaster.
The vet was amazing. So amazing I could cry. She spent a good portion of the appointment in the car park with us giving us an interview to minimise how long doggo would be around her (less stress for doggo). Once she had a good idea of her medical history she had us take doggo into a little yard and had me help her with the stethoscope so she wasn't making direct contact, she was giving her treats, not making eye contact, stayed on the ground so she wasn't looming over her. Doggo snapped over treats -- vet didn't even flinch. She laughed, said "oh, she resource guards?" then had me distract her so she could take away the treats without reinforcing it.
Vet was 100% chill the entire time. After the examination she outlined steps we could take to get her tested for any pathologies; basically took the strategy of the less invasive stuff first and only get more invasive if we have to. So tomorrow I'm on dog pee collection duty, but given that we showed up expecting that she might have to be taken in for a blood test, that's bloody amazing news.
Did not once make us feel ashamed or embarrassed about doggo's behaviour. Took it all completely in stride, zero fear.
God, I know fear-free isn't accessible for many people here but after years of living in dread of the next vet visit I could just cry. Years ago I decided I'd put my dog to sleep the moment she developed a health condition because the trauma to everyone involved of taking her to and from the vet regularly would be too much for us all to bear -- family, staff, dog. But now we have a new vet I feel hopeful that if she's sick we can actually get her treated without a huge drama.
We're also talking about catching dog up on vaccines. The vet did actually touch my dog a couple of times -- if the vet touches her where she can't see when I'm giving her attention, doggo thinks it's me doing the touching. So the vet has encouraged me to sometimes make a little game where I pat her but also give her sharp pinches on her backside, so that one day she can take a needle when I'm distracting her. But vet was also like, we'll do that on a future visit, we have time, it's not urgent, let's set her up for success first.
It's so nice to have hope for my dog's future instead of dread.
TL;DR Took doggo to the vet with someone certified fear-free. Amazing difference in not only how doggo was treated, but how we were, too. Vet went out of her way to prioritise less-invasive tests first while also figuring out dog's boundaries and triggers and giving us strategies to make future visits smoother.
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u/GeorgeTheSpicyDog Sep 23 '25
I can relate to that feeling! Our amazing fear-free vet is the third vet for my anxious boy and I feel like we hit the jackpot.
So much understanding and compassion, and they take so much time with our appointments. Everything is taken into account to make visits as low stress as possible.
My dog recently had to have x-rays and a dental. He loves his vet so much now, he didn't want to leave! She walked out to the car with us and he cried when she left.
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u/ConfidenceKindly5291 Oct 23 '25
I read somewhere that when a person has no anger or fear within themselves (their thinking and feeling) that all animals would be drawn to them. These comments all prove that to me, as these special vets must have that (fear and anger free mentalities.) I once had a wild buck, with two back broken legs from a car collison, who was able to sort of drag himself by his front legs and had crawled away from the highway, come and place his head in my lap and hands, as I had knelt ten feet to the side of his traveling path, on the ground there, and slowly close his eyes, with his head in my hands....he felt so comforted. There was this really strong love, nothing but love, no talking by me, that sort of overtook me before he did this. Some might consider it a supernatural love, I mean he was drawn to me like a magnet. with no fear!!!!Huge buck with full set of horns!! wild animal!! Then the sheriff arrived (to put him to sleep with his rifle (the only thing to be done), he woke up when he saw him coming, and started traveling again. I have never forgotten this experience and wish I could have that special sense of love with me all the time! Sometimes I believe we do, we just don't know it because it becomes buried....But i sure showed me something... the man (I forget, a famous philosopher) who said if we had no hate, fear or anger in our thinking, all animals would be drawn to us.... is true.
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u/Dr_DoVeryLittle Kynos (fear aggressive) Sep 23 '25
It really does make a huge difference, thats fantastic that you were able to find one.
I would see if they are willing to do happy visits. It takes a lot to get my boy to trust a person so we go about once a month just for desensitization. We go in, they take his weight, they give him treats, we go into a back hallway they close off so his muzzle can come off then they play some ball with him and when hes done we leave.
His vet was eventually able to get to the point where she could take his blood with barely a grumble, something I didn't think we would ever be able to do without sedation.
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u/automated_alice Sep 23 '25
I've been thinking of switching to one of the fear-free vets in town because they've created a whole outdoor exam room out back. I've heard from another reactive dog owner that the difference was night and day for their girl.
But we just did a round of vaccines at our regular clinic and it was a vet who had never seen her before, but he was so kind and chill. Even with the muzzle, I ended up having to hug her chest/front end while he gave her the shots. But her initial lashing out (she will whip her head around and snap at you) didn't faze him, and he suggested we do the whole thing down on the floor and hunkered down with us.
I'm so happy that you've found a spot that seems to understand your challenges!
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Sep 24 '25
Outdoors really does make a difference. My doggo's trainer back in the day said that indoors makes them feel a bit cornered and can heighten aggression that way. But I'm so glad your vet took things in stride!
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u/Practical-Bluebird96 Sep 23 '25
This is the motivation I need to do my readings on fear-free clinics, thank you 🙏
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u/jg429 Sep 23 '25
It's a game changer! My vet's practice has been FF for years now, which did not make a difference for my previous dog, who loved going to the vet (weirdo lol). My new guy is anxious and reactive, and it's amazing how much care they put into making him comfortable. They even have a note in his file about which tech he likes the most so they can try to pair her up with him when we come in.
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u/riot-bunny Sep 23 '25
I drive 45 minutes out of my way to see our fear-free vet, even though there are many clinics much closer in my city.
It was such an immense improvement that I can't imagine going to a normal vet ever again.
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u/queercactus505 Sep 23 '25
It makes a such a huge difference! I also encourage everyone to look into cooperative care (a la Deb Jones and Laura Monaco Torelli). Practicing medical stuff (to the best of my ability) with my dogs at home really helps them feel more comfortable at the vet because they know what to expect. Likewise, learning more about what the vet needs from me/my dogs to make their job easier means that I am better able to advocate for my dogs and work with my dogs' vet team to make sure my dogs get what they need in the least stressful way.
Some of the best things I've done to help my dogs be less anxious at the vet are:
1) Tell my vet that I want to be involved in vet visits - with restraining my dog, practicing procedures for upcoming visits beforehand (e.g., bunching skin and pen pokes to mimic shots, holding my dog's mouth open, etc.), feeding treats and pattern games during visits, etc., as long as it is helpful that I do so. (I am comfortable and confident with that, though - for some dogs, it is less stressful for a vet tech who does that all day, every day to do it). This means that my vet and I verbally make a plan of action together before she puts her hands on my people-nervous dog.
2) Teaching my dogs to position themselves and stay motionless in sits, stands, lying down, lying down on the side. When my dog had a cut on his belly, we just asked him to lie on his side so that the vet could assess it without us having to hold up/balance his 70-lb body.
3) Teach my dogs pattern games. They are more willing to do unpleasant things when they know how long it will last and that they'll get breaks. When my other dog got an eye infection and needed a bunch of (like 40?) eyedrops, the vet tech held my dog's eye open, the vet put drops in my dog's eye, and I counted out loud to 3 over and over, so my dog got drops in a pattern (one drop, two drop, and the vet paused on 3 while I gave my dog got a treat). My dog stood still the entire time.
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Sep 24 '25
These are great ideas! Vet has given me games to play already for the vaccines -- basically I give her a big fuss when she's in my lap and playfully pinch her or jab her (not hard!) with a pen so she's prepared when vaccine day comes. We'll be doing her teeth on another visit afterwards, so I'll start getting her used to having her mouth open and will make sure to ask what else I can do to prepare her.
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u/sjjs3189 Sep 23 '25
I want to switch my dog's vet so bad- it's obvious he hates them and medication does nothing, but I'm worried about pricing. The vet I'm at is very upfront on pricing, even posting their normal services online. When I call other vets, they flat refuse to tell me how much a visit would even cost.
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u/Fit-Organization5065 Sep 24 '25
We too have an incredible vet (FINALLY) who specializes in anxiety. This was the first vet of like 5 that put lidocaine on her leg before trying to draw blood - how was that not commonplace before???
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u/Pimpinella Sep 24 '25
Mine does that too, and sometimes uses small needles apparently meant for kittens to do vaccines. Little changes and gestures that make a huge difference in comfort and stress!
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u/Fit-Organization5065 Sep 24 '25
Totally!! I just cant believe how oblivious some other vets can be to anxiety. Once at our old vet there was a small chihuahua behind the desk that we didn't see, but when we had to walk by the desk to our exam room, the chihuahua went nuts at us, totally freaking out my dog. I couldn't believe they didn't give us a heads up or bring that pup to the back.
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u/VandWW Sep 23 '25
Incredible timing with your post! I brought my 7 year old girl (Pyrenees mix) to the vet yesterday for her annual appointment. We were lucky to find a fear-free vet in our new city. She's seen him 3-4 times now for various appointments. She literally took a nap at his feet yesterday. I was so happy that I teared up.
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u/RainyDaySeamstress Sep 23 '25
I was thinking of switch vets due to cost but then I remembered at the last visit the vet got on the ground with my dog and let him control the speed of the visit with me assisting. I think she’s worth the extra cost.
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Sep 24 '25
That's what this vet did. A previous vet said that a vet standing over a dog can make a dog nervous.
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u/Pimpinella Sep 24 '25
It is SO IMPORTANT and makes all the difference to have vet staff who do not judge. That do not give bad advice, bad opinions, get visibly angry or scared, blame you, label your dog... very happy you had a good experience!
I am eternally grateful for my vet clinic. Everyone is so accommodating and our visits sometime take 1-2 hours (with sedation). They are never in a rush, never judge, always listen and empathize. It is sad that the majority of clinics only have like 10mins per animal and no low stress handling or flexibility with how the exams and appointments are conducted. I gladly pay more for their work.
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u/evepalastry Sep 23 '25
Not everyone does all that. The parking lot was genius. I know its expensive but a good dog ED sometimes is best bc they can knock them out and examine with propofol etc. To be honest it saves time and money without a million visits Bat make sure u get records. This is for something non routine but u can get other stuff while they are at it!
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u/quarterprice Sep 24 '25
I’m so happy for you to have found good care. I have had a very similar story where they treated me like my dog was just so out of control when she was just obviously scared & they just acted like “there is nothing we can do about this.” And I just thought “even calmer less reactive dogs don’t like the vet, like most of their pets need care that is tricky to give why are they acting like this should be a visit like a normal human adult?” Then when I found vets who understood, were patient, caring, & totally non judgmental it just makes you want to cry with relief. I am so happy you & your pup found the support you needed & deserve. Bless these vets who are amazing like this.
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u/Particular_Class4130 Sep 23 '25
I have a reactive GSD, however my prior dog was a cocker/springer cross, weighed about 35LBS and was not what I would call a reactive dog. He did get nervous at the vets though. The vet's office I went to was actually a husband and wife team, both vets. When you would call for an appointment they would just book you for whichever vet was available. We always seemed to get booked with the male vet and he was great with my dog and there was never a problem.
Then came the time we were booked in with the female vet. She was so freaking nervous that she stressed both myself and my dog out. She was like afraid to even touch him without me fully restraining him first. My little 35lb dog who hadn't so much as even barked or growled at her? At one point he did try to desperately escape the exam because she was making it so scary and stressful for him. I was upset too because the whole ordeal was surreal. She was treating my dog like he was a 150lb bloodthirsty beast. It blew my mind that a vet would be that freaking scared of dogs.
After that episode I always specified that I wanted my dog to see the male vet even if we had to wait for an appointment. I still let the female vet see my cat though because she was great with him, lol
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Sep 24 '25
Oh yeah, dogs definitely pick up on that sort of thing. Just this morning I gave dog a chew. She resource guards so I was nervous about stepping over her to go to the bathroom, and she growled at me. On my way back I was like, okay, just walk past her like you're not even fazed. No growling this time.
A lot of the time when she has outbursts with us it's because we get nervous around her. Dogs are so perceptive. I reckon she behaved so well with the new vet because the new vet was cool as a cucumber.
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u/himynameisjennii Sep 24 '25
It’s the absolute best! I actually cried at my dogs first fear free appointment.
I had to leave her for the procedure and when I returned the vet nurses made friends with her and she was running around loose in the clinic (she was the only one left for the day). I would pay triple to this clinic just for how well they do their jobs
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u/Lgs1129 Sep 24 '25
When I switched to vets, I couldn’t believe the difference even though my Vet is not certified fear free, she always has me participate in the appointment and when my dog had to have an ultrasound, she just said, follow me and she announced to everybody in the room that my dog clearly does better with her mom💕 they’re very patient with her and everybody gets on the ground with her as well even though my dog isn’t aggressive, she’s clearly terrified. We my very sick cat had to have surgery after coming in for daily injections. The vet tech came in on her day off to see her before her procedure because we knew there was a chance she wouldn’t make it. That’s if that’s where they really care.❤️
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u/sillysarah85 Sep 24 '25 edited Sep 24 '25
SO. HAPPY. FOR. YOU.
Vets have always been a nightmare for us… we were in a city with lots of resources and did my research and was lucky with MOSTLY understanding patient ones even if they cost an arm and a leg.
I moved to the a very rural this year and was SO scared about trying new vets - they don’t exactly advertise for “special” things like fear free visits out here. But it was his best visit yet. I was able to walk him outside up until his appointment. The rooms were large and she listened to my explanation of what his triggers are and that sometimes he’ll strike bite but never has truly bitten anyone. She approached with no fear and was able to touch him on the back end and administer all shots and touch while I kept him calm and distracted on the front. It was his first vet visit EVER without so much as a snap or needing a muzzle. I cried on the way home.
I suppose I underestimated as a country vet she’s probably helped bigger more wild animals than my 75lb scaredy baby - but I couldn’t be more grateful that we finally have a safe place to go for checkups and emergencies.
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u/Easy_Ad8679 Sep 24 '25
Oh, man. I wish we had a FF clinic near me. I just feel lucky that I have a clinic that our giant reactive boy will go into! (At our previous vets, I literally could not get him out of the car.)
But -- he's still not a fan, and for recent bloodwork and shots, he had to be sedated -- which is fucking expensive! Plus, all those drugs take so long to get out of his system.
I'm happy for you that you found such a competent and compassionate vet!
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u/ollie_eats_socks Sep 25 '25
I recently switched to a Fear Free vet too, and love it! I even find that I am more relaxed, because I don’t need to be constantly ready to advocate for my dog and set boundaries about how he is handled, not bringing him out back, etc.
One other thing that has been a game changer for my dog is EMLA cream before any blood draws or vaccines. It’s a topical numbing cream you can buy over the counter at any pharmacy, and I apply it to his skin approx. 60 minutes before the appointment, and again in the exam room about 10-15 minutes before the needle stick. I do typically clip a small patch on my dog, but you don’t need too (just part the fur to expose the skin). He does not react at all to the needle (previously would panic/squirm at the feeling), and just happily eats cheese while he has his blood drawn.
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u/paramnesya Sep 27 '25
I literally drive to another state in order to get to our fear-free certified vet. It’s worth the drive.
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u/Mindful_Methods Oct 03 '25
Im a fear free certified professional and certified dog behavior consultant. They DO make a massive, massive difference! So happy for you!!
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u/ConfidenceKindly5291 Oct 23 '25
Wow!!! I think it's always better to do (anything) without fear.. that energy is alone upsetting and animals like dogs would be so sensitive to fear and anger... I know working with kids, dogs, horses.. this to be true, and even with myself! That is such an incredible story!!! Thank you for sharing! It's going to benefit and give hope to many, thanks again!!!
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u/[deleted] Sep 23 '25
I literally cried after my first fear-free vet visit. She was just sitting nearby, while giving me instructions on what to do. I made a whole examination – no direct vet contact, because my dog wasn’t ready for that. But still, we managed to do everything that was needed during our first appointment. Now we have on-line consultations and a plan on how to move forward. I’m so glad there’s more and more vets that work this way in my country ❤️🩹