I have owners of aggressive big dogs in here frequently. The owners understand that they are going to be involved in the handling of their animal...especially if I am not around.
It is a very friendly and mutual agreement. I am happy to work with them, and will work with them as long as I can ensure the safety of my wife and the girls who work at the clinic. In turn, I will treat the animals (and owners) with the mutual respect that they deserve, plus a level above (after all, it is a "service" industry).
My wife was a military working dog vet, so she knows her way around big dogs that are prone to bite. Monday was not a provoked response. I was literally playing with and petting that dog 60 seconds before it went off the deep end. No needles, stethoscopes, or other equipment was involved...the dog lunged when she put her hand out for it to smell her.
I think that the dog just needs a dominant owner.
For the little shits that are biters, I frequently wear cat gloves and just manhandle the snot out of them while they try to take chunks out of me. I have yet to find an owner that doesn't find it amusing surprisingly.
I may have to switch Vets in the near future. The Vet that my dog loved sold his practice and moved out of state, so now we need to establish a relationship with the new Vet(s)... or not. I'm less impressed with every visit.
My Akita isn't aggressive with people, but she doesn't like to be handled by people she doesn't know and she does't like needles. She doesn't automatically bite, but she shows teeth, and she
will bite if you don't respect the warning. I understand that Vets and their staff don't always have time to fool around while the dog warms up to them, but there's an easier way that we've successfully explored. While the Vet is supervising, I can administer the routine vaccinations and Shiloh won't even flinch.
For some reason I do not understand, the Vets and staff need to relearn this every single time I need to visit their office. They either never took notes the last time, or they can't be bothered to read those notes. I have Shiloh is muzzled when we come in out of respect for everyone's safety. Shiloh is good about greeting everyone, but that's just her being polite. The staff will suddenly declare that they've got this. I'll get told to sit down, shut up (
Because obviously I'm a fucking idiot and how dare I suggest a course of action to their superior selves.) and wait while they march Shiloh off to the back of the clinic. I've never made it pass the count of 15 before they come back with Shiloh and announce that they've decided to have me give the shots after all.
I went through all this again just a couple of weeks ago. The staff did their little cursory meet and greet, took off with Shiloh, and then came back red-faced 15 seconds later. I had Shiloh sit between my legs while I gave her a few ear scratches to reassure her, and then I gave her 5 shots into the loose skin on her shoulder. 3 on one side and 2 on the other. Shiloh just leaned into my leg for moral support. No fuss. No fighting.
I can understand why Shiloh could be considered a problem dog. I do not understand, or forgive, the Vet blowing off relevant information from Shiloh's owner.
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