Cooperative care training teaches animals to be active participants in their care both at home and at the veterinary office, rather than just tolerating procedures. This training builds trust and reduces stress for both the dog and the handler.
The focus is on positive reinforcement using praise and rewards to encourage animals to participate and have an enjoyable experience. This type of training creates communication with your pet to allow them to be able to let you know when they are willing to opt in or out of certain behaviors. This choice allows the animals to have control over difficult situations and can help to increase their confidence, trust, and willingness to participate. There is no need to force your pet to participate because you can listen to them. This greatly reduces stress for the animal around husbandry and veterinary care. Giving animals choices actually can help to get the desired behavior faster than forcing things and reduces the risk of injury to both the handler and animal.
It works by breaking bigger behaviors down into small steps to make it easier for your pet can learn them more easily. Some examples of cooperative care behaviors are
- Standing still for grooming or examination.
- Offering a paw for nail trims
- Taking medication
- Entering and exiting a carrier easily
- Ear cleaning
- Toothbrushing
Working with pets young can help establish a healthy, happy, and stress free relationship with veterinary care and husbandry. Creature Comforts offers both kitten and puppy cooperative care training and has partnered with Chimacum Valley Vet and Pet Townsend to create positive experiences in a veterinary setting. Call 360-643-1323 to get your pet started on the right paw.