As puppies grow older, as part of their training they should be taught to get used to routine handling.
I may have to take back some things that I've said about puppy’s life being great.
In their search to be the best puppy parents ever - not that an award already exists - my parents read they should get me used to being handled. What is the point of being handled if I dislike it? How is it even possible? They said it would help me be more relaxed when I go to the vet -- I asked if I could use my veto card.
To try and convince me they used the common, though efficient, weapon: treats. You know me well. The will to be “a good boy” and my love for treats were stronger than anything else. I can't put up a fight against treats; I am a dog, remember?
Luckily, my parents received good advice. They started by checking my ears. They waited for me to be relaxed first, gave me lots of fuss and attention. After they could check my ears, they said “good boy”, and then gave me the treat. My dad was confused from time to time: should he have given me the treat first, or the praise? Or both at the same time? Well, I don't mind...as long as I get both! But my mom reminded him the marker word has to come first, and then the treat for a better association. When I had enough, they didn't push it, and let me go.
It took me some time to fully accept the handling, but I'm a good boy, according to my parents.
If the handling and grooming weren't enough, my parents took it to another level … they showered me! Then they took a photo. Please be indulgent, I'm not at my best...
Getting used to handling and grooming was not that bad after all. I am calmer at the vet, more confident with my parents, and in addition, I smell nice. I even got more handsome after the shower! I am fur-ociously cute. Deal with it.