12 week corso tried to bite vet

[kroamium]

I have a 12 week female Corso, Xena. She has been doing really well with people and dogs, showing no fear or aggression to this point. The first time at the vet at 8 weeks went really well and she was happy. I have been taking her to other people's houses that have kids and dogs and again no issues, except for some fear of bigger dogs but no aggression, just kinda sitting between my feet until she is confident enough to greet the dogs. Well, I took her in for her second set of shots and she would not let the vet even come close to touching her. Serious growl, the vet attempted to touch her and Xena snapped at her. She was muzzled at that point, her mood did not change until we left the vet office. I took her over to a friends house afterward just to see if she would repeat the behavior there but she didn't she was happy, playing and greeting everyone. Is there something I am missing. I have not taken her to dog parks as she has not had all her shots so I'm pretty limited. She will be starting obedience classes as soon as she has her next set of shots in a month, but I really do not want to get kicked out of class because of aggression if that is what she is showing. Any advice on what may be going on or how to further work with her without exposing her to too many illnesses before her shots would be greatly appreciated.

 

[2nd Chance]

Id change your vet.
Your pup is smart, that's the bastard that stuck needles in him last time!
Just change vet. No memories. and go visit lots, so its just another place to go for pup. Build positive associations at new vets, saves having to retrain at current vet. Faster results.
Muzzling is a bit harsh for vet visit. Different kettle of fish, if you muzzled it at home, and then took it for a walk, or fed it, or something positive. But vet muzzles him, and then sticks a sharp metal object into his neck, squirts crap up his nose, and sticks a stick up its arse. Wouldnt you growl?

 

[cinnamon roll]

I would suggest taking your dog to the vet every week just to get him weighed and visit the staff. That way he doesn't always associate the vet with "bad" things. It has worked wonders for me and not to mention a little extra socialization

 

[kroamium]

Thank you both for the suggestions. I was leaning in the direction that it was specifically the vet she has issues with. I am going to try taking her to the vet just to hang out, with lots of praise and treats. Hopefully this helps her overcome her fear. She is such a sweet heart and this was just so unlike her.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

When the only association that they have with the vet office is being poked and prodded they are not going to be happy about going back. Take her as often as you can and they will allow (call ahead to make sure that there are no emergencies going on) have her weighed, let them give her treats and stuff. Make it a good place to visit, the only problem you have now is that she might not be happy to deal with that vet again so if they have another one try and get in to see the other one after you have exposed her to everything so that it is like a clean slate for them both.

Dog parks are for us a no-go, too many people just go there to take the lazy way out from exercising their dogs. Small play groups with people I know and their dogs or even some mastiff meet up groups that get together for walks is great. Socializing and exposure from an early age regardless of vaccines you just have to be a little more careful, carry blankets with you everywhere and just put it down for your puppy to sit on, wash in hot water when you take it home. We start puppy classes before their needles are done but limit a lot of interaction with the other dogs, until the vaccines are done.

 

[Cody]

I used to take my dogs to their vets office pretty much weekly. I start as puppies to ensure that they have good associations with the clinic, my vet and the support staff. Is a short walk from my house and it gets them used to it, they get love treats and think that it is a fantastic place to hang out. Now that I am working there they come spend the day with me at work. I suggest to everyone to start doing this as puppies, for both the dog and the staff. I am lucky that the staff at my vet is very familiar with the breed as they have quite a few CC clients. But for those that don't it will make the experiences more comfortable for every one.