On a daily basis , perform a mini-examination on your dog:
1. Touch all 4 paws
2. Check inside his ears
3. Look inside his mouth
4. Lift his tail
5. Run your hands gently over his body
If your dog shows signs of discomfort, move very slowly, speak to him in a slow, quiet, calm tone of voice and use high-value treats to show him that being touched is a pleasant experience. It may take weeks (or even months) before he stands quietly without any protest while you examine him
Accustoming him to being handled in this manner will make veterinary visits more pleasant as well as alerting you to any changes in your dog's physiology at a very early stage, not to mention giving you a leg up on "Appearance and Grooming" when taking the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.
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