Dog Doctors and the Like
So, we got this adorable new cockapoo, Griffey, and we needed to make some decisions for him. Where should he go to the doctor? Where should he get groomed? All of my decisions in life should be so "important" but nonetheless, it was important to answer these questions. Over time, Griffey became very scared of going to the vet and of getting his hair cut. And, in retrospect, I think it was because we didn't take him enough when he was little and desensitise him. I think it's really important to decide, when a dog is very young, where you want to take him for a haircut and vet care and take him a good deal when he's little. He gets used to it then, and won't give you a hard time later.
In terms of getting a hair cut, it's also important to consider where you want to have this done. We brought someone to our house to cut Griffey's hair in the early days, and it was a big mistake. Dogs can be very territorial and Griffey saw this person as an intruder. She came when I was at work, and Griffey felt like his home turf was being invaded. So, after biting her a few times, the dog groomer quit (I can't blame her!) and Griffey ended up at Petsmart. Petsmart was a great experience for him. It wasn't his "territory" so he didn't feel threatened and he was actually submissive there because he was a bit uncomfortable in the new location.
These are important considerations as you set out with a new pet. Make good decisions and enjoy your animal!
