Vets specializing in GS

Just my 2c

When looking for a vet, I couldn't care less about that person's skill with regards to training and behavior. That is what trainers are for, not what a vet is for.

I would judge whether or not to continue to use a vet based upon their medical expertise and ability to diagnose and deal with medical issues. Other factors, such as price, willingness to say when the do *not* know something and refer to another vet or specialist, location, availability of 24hr emergency service, etc.. would also factor into the decision.

If the vet met all of my criteria with regards to why I'm seeing a vet to begin with (medical), I would not let their opinions on training significantly influence my use of the vet for purposes of medical issues.

I think you will be sorely disappointed and frustrated if you place priority on finding a vet who in addition to being a good vet is also well versed in training and behavior. This just isn't what vets do, and it has no bearing on their ability to be a good vet. It's like picking a pediatrician for the kids not based on their medical ability, but on their knowledge of early childhood education.

Find one who is a good VET and that you feel comfortable with in that regard. If they're clueless about training and behavior, as most vets are, ignore them. Training and behavior issues aren't why you're seeing a vet, and searching for one who is well versed in those areas means your probably going to be walking away from an excellent vet.

I'd rather use a vet who spends his free time keeping up on the latest medical research about dogs, not one who spends his free time learning about behavior and training. That's what trainers and behaviorsits are for.

You know...I'll tell you.

I brought my kids to this one pediatrician for several years. She was super nice and the kids loved her. I guess I should have, but I didn't "interview" her....she was the only lady ped. in town, and my daughter wanted a lady .

Well, when my 3rd. child was an infant, this doctor got pregnant. At my baby's well-checks, the doc started quizzing me on baby care (yep, the same lady who was giving ME child-care advice for several years) asked me about using cloth diapers, how I liked breastfeeding, when I introduced solid foods, etc...

Granted, my kids are very healthy and they're not in there once a month with ear-infections like many of the kids. I can see why she asked me questions....but I was well disturbed by the fact that for many years, she was giving groundless advice to parents who probably believed her.

What I learned from this was to not take advice from people who only have book knowledge....or to take the advice with a grain of salt.

I know for myself, reading about dog behavior (or kid behavior!)...understanding the principles and concepts is way different than doing it yourself on an individual that doesn't follow the textbook behaviors.

In my experience...vets are busy people who rarely have time or opportunity to get out and spend a significant amount of time training dogs.

I asked my vet questions about Corgi behavior (when my son came home with one) and body structure and she told me to call the AKC because she didn't know. I appreciated her honesty..but it shows that Vet school probably doesn't address this kind of thing.

So, yeah...if you have a toothache, call a dentist, not a mechanic.

It WOULD be nice to have breed-specific vets, though, wouldn't it!!!