How to get better with strange dogs

Because of my experience volunteering at animal shelters and dog walking, voc rehab thinks I’d be a good vet assistant. I’d love to work with animals, but I do get kinda scared around dogs I’m not familiar with especially if they’re excited or acting aggressive and I feel I don’t always have the greatest response. I was mounted by a St Bernard when I was a toddler lol so maybe that carries over into a bit of the trepidation.

I’ve only walked dogs I knew and never any of the breeds typically associated with aggression or danger (the wildest dog I walked was a husky, but he wasn’t bad just stubborn and energetic and had the most experienced owner. I loved how this HUSKY’s name was Chili. Chili dog haha). There are certain dogs I run into on trail (these dogs I’m usually warned about by other hikers if it’s a busy day) that tend to throw me off—the ones running around off leash nipping at people/other dogs, barking, looking like they’re so wound up they’re gonna fall off a cliff without knowing it at some point, etc. These guys (their owners or past owners maybe really, I can tell usually the dog isn’t used to being around as many other people/animals as, say, Franconia ridge loop on a weekend. Hate seeing dogs in areas like the Northern Prezis without something on their paws though, that’s rough rock!) are the only reason I’m second guessing my ability for this job. The pet rescue center I volunteered at was cats only and they were all great, and when I was at the humane society I mostly did community activities. I know here as a vet assistant I won’t always get so lucky though. I’m told my duties are going to be stuff like feeding, walking, grooming, medicating, and assisting during certain procedures.

I’m gonna do a lot of reading, but let’s king for advice here too.

MuddyBoots, could your voc rehab counselor arrange for you to shadow a vet assistant for a day? Or if not shadow meet with one to discuss their job. That way you would get information directly from someone doing the job.

I’m a dog lover from way back and have had two dogs and three cats. Because I was always poor I only had one at a time. Volunteered at animal shelters too. Mostly cats. But I say caution with certain breeds is very good. When I was young there wasn’t any pits like there is now. And bad dog owners are the worse. Working for a vet you’ll have all kinds of experience and you’ll get more confidence as you gain experience. But I think most dogs at the vet will have good owners. Those you are encountering on the trail sound like they best be avoided.

Best of luck in your new career. Sounds like vocational rehabilitation is listening to you. I have a cousin who’s a vet tech she loves her job and has been doing it for ohhh 20 yrs or so.

They’re gonna try to get me in volunteering with the Humane Society first to get more comfortabl, gain more experience, and maybe make some connections.

That sounds good MuddyBoots!