09/22/2026
What do you do when the Co-operative Care plan doesn't work in the "real" moment?
Find the least stressful approach that does work and offer a special treat directly after the stressful moment.
Cricket and I worked towards her co-operation with getting a needle.
She had a hard time allowing the person behind her and a hard time offering a chin rest. When we finally had her allowing these behaviours the Vet Tech prepared her for the needle just as we practiced but Cricket screamed and moved away before the needle even touched her.
I decided to not continue trying this plan as it would bring more stress to her and become a rehearsed behaviour in this situation.
Our new plan is twice a week for 4 weeks, we go in for her medication, I pick her up in my arms, give her kisses on the head as she gets the injection and right after, we cheer for her and the Vet Tech gives her pieces of bread that I bring along.
The bread is something Cricket finds delicious and only gets this at these appointments. This makes it a pretty big treat for her.
We just finished our 4th injection and Cricket is walking into the clinic and into the exam room. She is also happy to say hello and get pets from the Vet Tech afterwards which is improvement for her. Does she walk in looking happy..... no but she is still walking in on her own rather then putting on the breaks and me needing to carry her in.
Each dog will be different but for Cricket these little wins are a big improvement and feel proud of her for being so brave in a scary situation.
Thank you Peninsula Veterinary Hospital for being so kind and having patience for my sensitive girl.
Follow along to see how I adjust our training sessions for this particular Co-operative Care plan.
