Training Tips from Gizzy (and Cherie): Issue 10

🐾 Training Tips from Gizzy: Vet Visits Don’t Have to Be Scary! 🐾

Hey guys… I’m not going to lie—it’s been a ruff week around here.

You see, my Auntie Gemini got really sick—and I mean, really sick. It was super gross, and Cherie was really worried. She said this has happened before, but this time it was extra bad. Gemini had to go to the HOSPITAL, and I haven’t gotten to play with her all week.

But here’s the good news—she’s going to be okay! Even with all the worries, the hospital transfers, and surgery number SEVEN (seriously, how does one dog have SEVEN surgeries?!), Gemini is coming home! And guess what? She’s coming home on her BIRTHDAY! That’s right—she’s turning 12 years old, and we are going to have the biggest paw-ty ever to celebrate!

But all of this got me thinking… Cherie told me that a lot of dogs wouldn’t have made it through what Gemini has been through—not because they aren’t tough, but because they get too scared at the hospital.

Why Being Comfortable with Handling Matters

Cherie explained that when dogs are sick or hurt, the Dog Doc (she said a big word like veterinarian, but that’s too fancy for me) and their Helpers have to touch them a lot—checking, poking, sometimes even putting in tubes and stitches. And when dogs aren’t used to being handled like that, they can get really scared.

And you know what scared dogs sometimes do? They show their teeth. Not because they’re bad, but because they’re afraid. And when that happens, it can be really hard for the Dog Doc to help them.

But Gemini? She’s a pro. She lets the Helpers do what they need to do, which means they can give her the best care possible—and that’s why she’s made it through so many tough times.

Gizzy’s Training Tip: Handling Practice = A Healthier, Safer Dog!

Cherie says that’s why she’s always touching me—holding me firm, feeling every lump and bump on my body (I thought all dogs got these awesome massages??). She checks between my toes, looks in my ears, peeks in my mouth, and runs her hands up and down my legs, spine, and belly.

At first, I was a little squirmy—but now? I love it! And she says that if I ever get sick like Gemini (which won’t happen because I’m invincible, obviously), the Dog Doc will be able to help me without me freaking out.

How to Make Vet Handling a Normal (and Even Fun!) Part of Life

🐾 Daily Touch Time – Gently run your hands over your pup every single day—touch their paws, ears, mouth, belly, and tail. Start with short sessions and reward them for staying relaxed!

🐾 Practice the Vet Exam – Occasionally lift a lip, check an ear, or feel around like a vet would. Give treats and praise after!

🐾 Make Restraint a Positive Thing – Hold your pup in a gentle but firm way, like a vet might during an exam. Reward calm behavior so they learn that being still = good things!

🐾 Get Them Used to Strange Environments – Take field trips to the vet clinic just to get some treats and love—no scary stuff needed!

🐾 Use Treats & Toys to Build Comfort – If your dog gets nervous about being handled, go slow and make it fun with their favorite rewards.

Cherie says that if all dogs practiced this, fewer would be scared at the vet and more would get the care they need!

So tell me, friends—do you do handling practice at home? Have you helped your dog get more comfortable with vet visits? Share your tips and experiences in the Facebook Group—let’s all help our pups feel safe and confident, no matter what!

Until next time, keep wagging, stay healthy, and send Gemini some birthday love! 🎉🐾

Love,
Gizzy