Social Visits at the Vet

We have been doing weekly social visits at our animal hospital and Bo is becoming quite comfortable with not only the space but also the humans and dogs. On a recent visit, he decided he wanted to sit on the bench and not the floor. I guess that's to be expected from a dog that's allowed on furniture.  I couldn't resist snapping this photo of him. 


On our visit today, he didn't know what to make of a mop bucket on wheels. A member of the staff was cleaning the lobby floor when we arrived but didn't bring the bucket out until we had taken a seat. Upon seeing and hearing the bucket, he barked. I opted to use it as a training opportunity. The staff was wonderful and patient as I worked him from a distance at first and then gradually decreased the distance between him and the bucket. It didn't take him very long to realize there was nothing to fear. We are so fortunate to be at a veterinary practice where everyone from the front office staff, to the techs and doctors are supportive of our efforts to train Bo for Austin.