Uses Teaching your pet to go to a mat (stationing) can be used to: give him space (a portable safe haven) from visitors and create his own “go to” spot. keep him out of the kitchen during mealtimes or from counter surfing. take the mat to the veterinarian and station him for exams and weighing. station him for medicating at home. station him for grooming.     Setting the environment up for success. Before you even start doing mat work with your pet, make sure the surrounding area is set up for success. Minimize any potential distractions for both of you:

      Courtesy of the Sophia Yin Collection Courtesy of the Sophia Yin Collection TIP 1: Block the view but not the light. “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” There are many different sights and sounds that stimulate barking out the window. Your dog is less likely to bark at what she can’t see. Window film is easy to install, allows light to filter in, and comes in different decorative designs. TIP 2: Reinforce an alternative behavior. Imagine your dog sitting nicely on a mat while you open the door to let guest in, receive a delivery, or just

At some point in many dogs’ lives, they will require eye drops. This might be a one-time event to examine the eye or it may be multiple times per day to treat chronic disease. Regardless of the cause, applying eyedrops need not be a struggle for you or the pet, whether at home or in a clinic setting. The same approach works in both places. Gather everything you need: A comfortable place for you and the pet. For small pets this might be on a table, on a chair, or even on your lap if the pet is comfortable there.

Many dogs don’t enjoy having topical parasite (flea and tick) control medications applied. Even though these medications aren’t painful, like an injection, the dogs may not like the feeling of something wet on their skin or the smell. Some dogs just don’t like having to stay still. The easiest way to get past these obstacles without having to run through the house chasing your dog with a tube of medication in your hand, is to give your dog something else to do while you apply the medication. Ivan is given the choice of a couple of his favorite treats: spray

   Step 2: Bring that mat out every day twice a day and place it in a central location. You can use an elevated surface like a washer, dryer, or counter. We choose the floor because our cat has arthritis.     Step 2    Step 3: Reinforce your cat for choosing to interact with the mat. You can use a clicker for this and a high value treat. You may have to start by clicking and treating your cat when they look at the mat, then when they step on the mat, then when they sit on the mat. If you are

Clear communication is key to a quick, hassle-free walk from the parking lot to the hospital. Clear guidance increases the dog’s confidence as well as increases the dog’s ability to cooperate. A few techniques to improve leash walking when moving patients …