Building positive associations with veterinary visits from puppyhood prevents the fear and stress that reduces both welfare and care quality for many dogs throughout their lives.
Veterinary fear is learned and can be prevented through early positive association building. Puppies that visit veterinary practices for positive non-procedure experiences develop neutral or positive associations that persist throughout their lives. Fear-free handling techniques including using food, non-threatening posture, and avoiding forced restraint reduce fear in animals that have already developed negative associations. Investment in positive veterinary experience is a lifetime welfare benefit.