Poodle (Detailed Introduction)

　　Dog owners all know that dogs inevitably get sick and need to see a doctor. Even if they are healthy, they still require regular vaccines, deworming, check-ups, grooming, and so on. However, for dogs, having a stranger hold a thermometer near their anus, repeatedly touching them up and down, and even suddenly giving a few injections, is truly frightening. So how can we help dogs not be afraid of veterinarians and groomers?
　　1. First, place a table or desk at home pretending it is an instrument station. Meanwhile, ask a few of your friends to pretend to be veterinarians or groomers.
　　2. Let your friends enter the house, then gently and slowly place your dog on the table, giving it some time to adapt to being at a height. Remember that the tabletop should not be too smooth as slipping will increase the dog’s fear. Also, if it’s winter and the surface is cold, it’s best to put a small mat for the dog to reduce discomfort.
　　3. Have your friends gather around and pretend to examine the dog. At this time, the owner should continuously stroke the dog’s body to provide a sense of security, and also provide the dog some food as a reward.
　　4. Practice frequently to let the dog gradually get used to and eventually be calm while on the table, allowing everyone to handle its ears, eyes, mouth, paws, and rear. If the dog shows signs of fear (such as lip licking, scratching, opening the mouth wide, or panting), you need to help soothe its emotions; if the dog quietly accepts the checkup from your friends, let them give it some food as a reward.
　　Precautions:
　　After the dog is gradually accustomed at home, try to find more different people and practice with your dog in different places. The best result is when it can accept being handled anywhere. If your dog is easily excited, call its name from time to time during checkups or grooming to calm it, and some dogs are timid with strength and thus you can also be a bit stern with it to ensure your own safety.