04/09/2026
🐾 The importance of training handling and co-operative care…
Until a few weeks ago, my last major surgeries were in 1997 and 2005 and as I have discovered, things are very different now. Not just because of the huge advances in medical knowledge & technology but also because of attitude.
Everybody who cared for me, consultants, surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses took time not only to ensure I understood exactly what was happening or what might happen and why but also that I was “comfortable” with all necessary procedures before and after surgery. It was made clear that I could ask for something to be stopped at any time or for an alternative to be considered where available.
Alongside my general anaesthetic, I was also given a spinal epidural. I happily admit to being quite apprehensive about this but even as the local anaesthetic was going into my spine in preparation, one of anaesthetists said I could still stop the procedure at any time. I didn’t, but I may have squeezed his hand quite hard!
🐾 The benefit of having a sense of control over unpleasant events applies not only to humans but also to animals. Allowing an animal to have some control during handling & care activities has been widely shown to decrease stress and increase tolerance & confidence.
🐕🦺 Preparing our puppies for a lifetime of handling and co-operative care is an essential part of being responsible for and improving puppy’s welfare alongside making handling easier and safer.
It’s about training puppy not only to tolerate procedures but also to be an active, more willing participant, whether those experiences are centred around walking equipment going on / off, everyday grooming / groomer visits, bathing / drying, cleaning ears/eyes/teeth, nail clipping, administering medication or vet visits.
🐾 Canine handling & co-operative care are the training methods that focus on how we approach, touch, move & restrain alongside an understanding of body language which in turn allows puppy to communicate when they are ready, when they might need to pause or when they want to stop.
🐕🦺 Good, consistent, well-practised, positive training introduced in gradual stages results in a puppy that will become a more willing participant rather than a puppy that has to be forced or manhandled.
🐾 That training should begin with the breeder and it’s one of many key questions that would be on my list to ask when looking for a puppy.
Unfortunately, it is not something that the majority of “breeders” undertake and a question not often asked by potential owners but that’s a completely different post!
🐕🦺 Never assume that puppy is going to be ok with something.
🐾 Why should they be?
🐕🦺 Always introduce any experience that directly involves handling in any capacity with time, patience, sensitivity and of course, plenty of rewards.
🐾 Teaching puppy the names of their body parts is a great start.
I taught Kermit using the song “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes - substituting toes for paws of course!
Now, before any procedure, I support him by telling him what I’m going to be touching.
When he had a bout of puppy conjunctivitis at 6 months and required drops in his eyes several times a day, it made a huge difference.
I’d also made use of a children’s pretend veterinary kit so he was well used to hearing “eyes” and having something come towards him.
🐕🦺 It’s been quite a week here at home.
The arrival of wet weather, has seen the drying mitts and robes back in action and Ruby, bless her, has had a little infection in her tail which has meant a daily medicated bath.
Whilst ultimately, Kermit & Ruby may not voluntarily choose the handling involved, they do actively, willingly participate and that’s a win for us and a whole load of venison sausage for them 😋🐾😂🩵
