Is it normal for vets to push training when I ask about calming my dog?

[Anonymous]

I was trying to get something to help my dog calm down for nail trims and the vet or whatever I was talking to went off about how If this won't work that I should get a trainer to work with him to try and get him trained to clip his nails. She was giving advice on how to do it but if I am not able to get a trainer involved.

Is this normal they give advice like this?

Updates

3 mo

I was on the phone with them. I don't know maybe I took it too close to heart.

[Massageman]

We had three courses with our BT and while she will mind us, she still acts- alternately- as a wild spaz and a couch potato.

[Asker]

LOL awwww 😂 my dog thinks I am trying to play with him. That's funny, how did you get her to stay still?

[Massageman]

Most Bostons have very energetic periods, followed by very mellow periods: it's just part of their basic nature. Ours usually has a morning spaz time and an evening spaz time. In between, she is the proverbial coach potato. Ours will usually calm down and get still if we just totally ignore her, or if we slowly and gently rub her back. Our courses were the Basic and Intermediate (repeated 2x) classes at our local Pet Smart, and we did it on our own - - - a vet did not push the training. We just figured she needed it, and the courses at Pet Smart best fit our schedule of availability. We were impressed by the focus of the trainer, more than the store itself.

[andreasderjuengere]

It's a consumerist idea: your vet was "trained" to make pet care a business.
If your dog does not like nail trim (same with my own two buddies), you can think of extended walks (and playtime) on hard ground. Works well, and 'bonds' at the same time.

[Asker]

I will try going on longer walks but he's got fur around his paw pads that I would like to trim to give gim more traction but maybe the fur is protecting his pads?

[andreasderjuengere]

I would expect that any excessive hair will just wear off. Also: a dog's coat regulates its body temperature. Unless yours is from a non primitive breed (such as couch pillows, sausages with legs, ...)(where 'primitive' is used to categorize dogs who are close to their original ancestor) To 'position' them is against their natural character. If you must trim, then probably a short and playful surprise action during a comfortable cuddle session works well. Try to make him like the situation, or at least let him be indifferent.

[In_Trance]

It's normal for them to push it if they receive a kickback