My 7 year old red heeler "Duke" is a very bad patient. I have had him since he was 5 months old and he already had his personality established. He is a good dog, but, is not really playful. He is very protective of both himself and me. When I take him to the vet, he does not easily "make up" with the vet. He does not let them even touch him (although he is not really a lap dog or needs to be petted a lot). It is hard for them to do a check up on him and extremely hard for them to give him a vaccination of any kind. The last vet even tried prescribing him xanex before his appointment to calm him. Naw.. not my Duke! The excitement of all the smells and other critters just got him all hyped up and he went on the defensive. He does not like muzzles (as they have tried), being sneaked up on. However, he will gladly go with them to another room. She (the vet) and her technician actually put his leash through the door as to be able to hold him still to give him his vaccination.

It is time for another vaccination and I was just wondering if there was anyway to make this visit easier. As previously stated, it is hard for them to even pet him when he is "on guard." He knows where he is and what is about to happen, so he anticipates every move from every one. I stay very calm with him, but to be so attuned (as the vet said) to me, he does not stay calm.

Please help.. any and all suggestions are welcome.

How does he react when you take him other places like the park or out on walks? Is he nervous around everyone else or is it just a behavior that he shows a the vet's office?

At what point does he go 'on guard'? The car, the parking lot, waiting room, the exam room, etc.

If he is okay in the parking lot, would the vet be willing to come outside to give him his shots? Would you be willing to learn how to administer them? Can schedule the visit to where it is as at a quiet time for them (few patients to cause him to stress out) such as very early morning?

You might want to talk to your vet or breeders/humane society/rescue organizations about behavior modification training. She may know of some trainers in your area who could help you teach him and you to relax. She might also be willing to help you desensitize him to vet visits. It is part of what the trainer would be helping with.

Essentially, what it sounds like you need to do is change his perception of visits to the vet. Desensitizing him to the sights, sounds, smells, etc. through repeated exposure. At first just approaching the office but not going in. Praising him when he is relaxed and not on-alert. When he is comfortable with that, taking him inside and right back out. Gradually increasing the time inside as he remains calm. Going farther as he learns that vet visits don't have to be stressful for you or him.

Instead of a muzzle, get a gentle leader. It controls his head and you can handle him a lot better.

Instead of a confined muzzle, purchase a cage muzzle. It won't stress him out because his only form of defense is locked down. That alone, will make some dogs feel more vulnerable.

Does he act like this everywhere you take him? Or just the vet? If its everywhere you take him, then it's a case of being under socialized. Socializing an older dog can be difficult, but it can be done. Does he trust you? If he trusts you and sees you as pack leader, then start small, take him to parks (not dog parks) and work on him just relaxing in the presence of other people. I wouldn't advise to let other people touch him yet, but just have him chill out in front of people.

I'm not a fan of tranquilzing animals for vet visits. It just makes the experience worse because now they don't like the vet, but now they feel disoriented. I know vets do it to protect themselves and their staff, but if you could make their jobs easier by working with him around people the vet and staff will probably love you!

If its just a vet thing, then maybe just bring him in to be weighed every once in awhile. Take away the anxiety of bad things happening to him. Give lots of treats and love.. Maybe ask the docs to come out give him a treat and that's it. If your dog is as naughty as he sounds, they just might do that so that way they can get a relationship with your dog.

I think its just a case of getting out there and doing it.

And.. he just might be a dog that doesn't like the doctors office. In which case, I would recommend the gentle leader. Its by premier and about $30. It works just like a horse halter with a built in muzzle (not really, just the noose around the nose can be adjustable).