The majority of people turn to their veterinary team not only for the physical health of their new pup but for guidance on behavior, training and nutrition as well. How much of an impact do veterinary technicians have on a puppy’s future? They can play a significant role in determining what kind of early education people and their pups receive.  They are trusted professionals and can have a critical influence on the decisions their clients make.

Puppies need an enriching, positive socialization program during their critical period of learning and social development, which is birth to 16 weeks. Puppies also need a thoughtful prevention strategy to help stop the development of natural, but undesirable behaviors like separation anxiety, resource guarding and stress around being handled. These are two time sensitive goals for all puppies.

Opportunity

And that’s where veterinary technicians come in. They are in a prime position to enrich their clinic’s wellness program. Helping their clients make positive choices by guiding them to the resources needed to achieve these goals. Getting puppies started in a wellness program and into a well-run class is in everyone’s interest.

The Tools

If you decide to help people get a good start, then we’ve just added tools to make the job easier. Consolidated in one spot under FOR DOG PROS is a new section of resources for professionals. We’re committed to helping provide support materials to puppy wellness programs in clinics, as good clinics really do influence the way a dog is reared.

Benefits

In addition to the obvious benefits of raising a pup that lives a long and happy life, the clinic stands to benefit as well. Here’s how…

• Client retention: Dogs that receive this kind of early work live long, healthy lives and tend to die of old age rather than being surrendered. Clients are happier and are likely to remain with the clinic for life.
• Dogs that are made comfortable with being handled are less likely to bite the clinic staff.
• Happier staff means less (staff) turnover and retraining costs for the vet clinic.
• A reduction in behavioral problems (aggression, separation anxiety, destruction of property, to name a few) means less dogs will be surrendered or euthanized.
• Fewer staff and less time is required to treat calm dogs. Keeping the clinic on schedule and cost effective.
• When you help make your clients successful with their dogs, they will credit you with their success and tell all their friends.
• You’ll distinguish yourselves from the competition as proactive and puppy friendly. What’s cooler than that?

Win-win-win

Not that long ago the main focus on puppy-rearing’s was house training. Thankfully and happily folks are beginning to recognizing the important aspects of a dedicated socialization and prevention strategy. These components of early puppy education are pivotal to the health and well-being of a dog. The veterinary community is becoming proactive in this area and it’s the veterinary technician that’s leading the way.

Well run clinics that take a positive approach to puppy education are less likely to see adolescent dogs surrendered. Given the obvious benefits to the dog, the client and the clinic isn’t this a win-win solution?

---

It’s National Vet Tech week and we wanted to highlight all the veterinarian technicians that make a difference in this key area. You ROCK!