As dog owners, we all want our pups to feel safe, confident, and comfortable in every aspect of life - including during vet visits, grooming sessions, and basic health checks. That’s where cooperative care comes in.

Cooperative care is a training approach that teaches dogs to not just tolerate handling, but to actively participate in their own care. It’s a way to reduce stress and anxiety, build trust, and create smoother, safer experiences for both dogs and their humans.

Instead of forcing your dog to comply during nail trims or vet visits, cooperative care exercises invite your dog into the process, giving them the ability to say “yes” or “not yet” through body language. Think of it as partnership-based handling.

Why it matters: dogs will need regular handling throughout their lives—at home, the vet, or the groomer. Without preparation, these experiences can be stressful or even traumatic.

Cooperative care builds trust between dog and handler, reduces fear and reactivity during medical care, increases your dog’s confidence, makes necessary care (like brushing teeth or trimming nails) safer and easier, and prepares your dog for emergencies.

Where to Start: Key Cooperative Care Exercises

The goal is to start in a low-pressure environment (your home) and build slowly over time. Here are foundational skills to teach:

1. Chin Rest

This is a game-changer. Teaching your dog to rest their chin in your hand (or on a towel or platform) becomes a way for them to say “I’m ready.” It’s used for:

• Nail trims

• Ear checks

• Eye drops

• Muzzle desensitization

• Vaccinations 

When teaching the head rest we often do this by shaping the behavior. When you shape a behavior you wait until your dog offers up the behavior you are looking for, then mark and reward it. Continue to increase the duration of them holding their chin on your hand and then marking them to leave it. You can then add in touching their body to mimic what they will experience at the vet. When your dog lifts their head or pulls away, that’s their way of saying, “I need a break.” Wait until they go back into position and you may need to take a step back from expectations before taking a break.

2. Handling Paws, Ears, and Mouth

Start with gentle, positive touch and pair with treats and praise

• Lift and touch each paw

• Gently fold back ears

• Briefly open the mouth

Gradually work toward longer durations, introducing tools like clippers or toothbrushes only when your dog is ready.

3. Mock Vet Exams

Create a routine where your dog gets “pretend” checkups:

• Check eyes, ears, teeth

• Touch belly, joints, tail

• Practice lifting them (if safe to do so)

• Take mock temperatures (use a pen or thermometer cover near the tail for practice)

Keep it short, positive, and always end with a reward.

Tips for Success

• Go slow. Respect your dog’s body language.

• Use high-value rewards and lots of praise.

• Keep sessions short - 5 minutes is great!

• Practice regularly in calm settings.

• Work with a trainer if you’re unsure how to start.

Cooperative care turns routine handling into a relationship-deepening experience. Your dog learns they have a voice, you become a more confident handler, and future vet visits and grooming appointments become less stressful for everyone.

Ready to get started? We can help. Whether you're brushing your dog's teeth for the first time or preparing for a vet visit, teaching your pup to partner with you is one of the most powerful things you can do. Check out our training programs and online courses! No matter your dog's age, breed, or temperament, we can help you live an optimal life together.