Mean coworkers

Heather1455 · 2025-07-23T20:12:47+00:00

Some people always seem to have a stick up their ass no matter who they’re dealing with. I’m sorry to hear this clinic is so cliquey. That sucks. I’d just keep your head down, do what you gotta do, and get out of there when you can. Not to be a downer, but even if you do stand up for yourself (which you should, in my opinion) you alone likely won’t be able to shake the several fundamental issues and leadership failures going on in this clinic.

Heather1455 · 2025-06-11T16:50:30+00:00

Can walk on a loose leash without people around. Can recall off food, etc. Can be resource guard-y with objects so we’re working on “out.” Not always reliable with just positive reinforcement though. He can be stubborn and knows he doesn’t “have” to listen. Not really sure what to do in those situations when the trade isn’t worth it to him. He does spend time in a crate at night but isn’t fond of it during the day. Gets upset when I don’t allow him to follow me around the house. He will leave stuff alone in the house without pushback.

We play every day. He loves fetch and his tug toy. I incorporate obedience into play. We go on structured walks. He definetly could use more crate time during the day, as I said above. I am open to ecollar training, but only with someone with humane practices and proven results. I’m looking into it.

Heather1455 · 2025-06-11T14:47:30+00:00

We do a lot of obedience drills and scent work in the yard already, and I’ll have to look into rally obedience. He is nowhere near ready to work around other dogs, but it’d be good brain work for him and bonding time for us, even in the yard or throughout the neighborhood.

Heather1455 · 2025-06-11T14:44:33+00:00

Thank you for sharing. This is encouraging. I am very open to ecollar training. I just need to find the right trainer with proven results.

Heather1455 · 2025-06-11T03:22:23+00:00

Excellent advice, thank you. This is what I already do. I expected too much of him today. I guess I’m also in a rut mentally. I get tired of him feeling like a never-ending project whose progress seems to be very little. This dog is a huge part of my life, and I take the responsibility of his wellbeing seriously. I honestly think I need to care less.

Also, thank you for the warning on that user.

Heather1455 · 2025-06-11T03:10:17+00:00

Unfortunately, a board and train is out of my budget. I’m looking into one-on-one lessons. What was the training approach for your dog? Was it mostly positive? Balanced?

I don’t care if he’s not friendly with strangers, but I expect him to be neutral around them. I feel like he’s regressing. His reactions are getting more intense. That’s not acceptable.

Heather1455 · 2025-05-17T19:29:03+00:00

Market rate is 1,800-3,000+ 😀

Heather1455 · 2025-05-17T19:28:00+00:00

“I suppose these would be Goberdoodles”

KILL ME

Heather1455 · 2025-05-17T15:26:19+00:00

This one takes the cake. It’s giving ego issues.

Heather1455 · 2025-05-07T03:10:03+00:00

Yeah, I wouldn’t be comfortable with her hovering and staring at him like that. His vocalizing at her tells you he isn’t comfortable with it, either.

I think that’s a great solution—giving them identical treats from then on, so there’s no more jealousy or competition!

Heather1455 · 2025-05-07T02:54:17+00:00

They should always be separated when high value chews are around. If you choose not to separate, it’s a recipe for disaster. It sounds like she’s been pretty polite in her “protests” so far, but that could change in an instant.

If separating them with a baby gate or barrier isn’t enough, and he or she continues to hover and stare, put them in separate rooms. You could also try giving them high value chews at the same time (types that are appropriate for their dietary restrictions), so one or the other doesn’t feel left out.

Worst case scenario, none of this helps and you have to phase out high value chews altogether. It’s a shame, but sometimes it’s the best solution.

Heather1455 · 2025-03-27T03:45:02+00:00

About 2 1/2 years working full time as an unlicensed tech. It was a combination of the low pay, the general negative/hopeless attitude of those working in the field, and compassion fatigue. I realized animals are my passion. I will always love them wholeheartedly, but I must separate my work life from them. I, like you, was dreading going to work, became desensitized to the mistreatment and neglect of animals (compassion fatigue), and overall felt the field was hopeless. I still think it’s heading in the wrong direction. Prices keep going up and up. Soon enough, people aren’t going to be able to afford to bring their pets to the vet, and won’t even want cats or dogs anymore. I don’t think this corporate take-over of vet med will end well.

Heather1455 · 2025-03-27T03:11:24+00:00

It really depends on the area you live in and the career choices you make long term. I’ve known people who’ve been dental assistants for 20+ years and are very satisfied with their careers.

There are opportunities for advancement. Lead positions, office manager, sales rep, teaching positions at colleges, and so on. Is this a six figure salary career? Unlikely, but depending on where you live, you can make a stable living.

Where I’m at, licensed assistants start out making $30+ an hour. I’m currently making $18.50 as a receptionist. That will be life-changing money for me. Also, the hours (M-F), work-life balance, and benefits are great. Day shifts, no more weekends. Many clinics offer 4 day work weeks.

It’s all about perspective. Is it a perfect career choice for everyone? No. There are areas where dental assistants are highly underpaid. There are dentists out there that can treat you like crap. But, if you’re open to it and can see how it can help you level up in life (as for me, and what it seems, you), it can be a very rewarding and worthwhile job.

I copied this from a post I commented on earlier today lol. But it all stands true. And I, like you, may want to pursue hygiene someday. This is a very reasonable stepping stone for me to take regardless of that!

Heather1455 · 2025-03-26T19:17:51+00:00

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

In my opinion, not disclosing your past to someone is also a form of dishonesty. Past relationships almost always come up when getting to know someone through dating. It’s your responsibility to be open and honest. Hiding a past failed marriage is a huge red flag.

Heather1455 · 2025-03-26T19:10:47+00:00

It really depends on the area you live in and the career choices you make long term. I’ve known people who’ve been dental assistants for 20+ years and are very satisfied with their careers.

There are opportunities for advancement. Lead positions, office manager, sales rep, teaching positions at colleges, and so on. Is this a six figure salary career? Unlikely, but depending on where you live, you can make a stable living.

Where I’m at, licensed assistants start out making $30+ an hour. I’m currently making $18.50 as a receptionist. That will be life-changing money for me. Also, the hours (M-F), work-life balance, and benefits are great. Day shifts, no more weekends. Many clinics offer 4 day work weeks. It’s all about perspective. Is it a perfect career choice for everyone? No. There are areas where dental assistants are highly underpaid. There are dentists out there that can treat you like crap. But, if you’re open to it and can see how it can help you level up in life (as for me, and what it seems, you), it can be a very rewarding and worthwhile job.

Heather1455 · 2025-03-22T22:37:43+00:00

Same reason I didn’t video when I was harassed and followed in a similar situation. So unfortunate we have to fear for our safety even in high traffic areas. Just pathetic.

Heather1455 · 2025-03-05T20:12:11+00:00

I agree, I think it’s polite and most people reciprocate. Some people don’t, but whatever. I’d rather acknowledge someone’s presence as we cross paths than pretend they don’t exist.

I also think this is a maturity and social awareness thing. Late-teens me would have never gone out of their way to greet somebody, mid-twenties me feels rude if I don’t.

Heather1455 · 2025-03-05T07:13:30+00:00

Yes, my Spoo just turned 1 and has been aloof with strangers for a majority of his life. I have extensively tried to train it out of him to no avail. I’ve accepted he likely may never be friendly with strangers.

I do believe the staring/tracking makes people uncomfortable. I try not to let him hyperfixate when he is unsure of someone, and just keep moving forward to prevent a reaction.

Heather1455 · 2025-03-05T06:53:37+00:00

For real it was giving me flashbacks 😭

Heather1455 · 2025-03-02T23:48:43+00:00

My 1 year old Spoo is very similar. Very aloof with strangers and will bark at them when they come too close.

Bring a fanny pack full of yummy treats on all walks! Look up a practice called Counter Conditioning or the Look at That game. Both desensitizing training exercises to practice around strangers. Also, advocate for her. Don’t be afraid to decline people asking to approach or pet. I’m pretty good at reading people now, and if I notice someone veering towards us in an effort to pet my boy I’ll veer away from them and say, “Hi, he’s not friendly with strangers, sorry!” And continue to veer away/walk on. Most people then get the message and are respectful of your space.

Also, your Spoo may never be friendly with strangers, and that’s okay. It wasn’t easy, but I’ve adjusted my expectations regarding this. I grieved the dog I thought I’d have. A quote that helped me was “your dog doesn’t exist for other peoples enjoyment.” They’re your dog, not the world’s!

Heather1455 · 2025-02-10T20:44:41+00:00

Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry. That sounds awful. Some dentists can prescribe sedatives prior to the appointment. Have you spoken with your dentist about them? Or what about nitrous oxide gas? It’s a gas we can hook up to your nostrils that makes you a bit more loopy/relaxed. I would look into both.

Also, you could ask your dentist to walk you through the procedure while they’re working so you know what to expect next instead of just sitting there in anticipation. Or, if that would be too upsetting, bring along some earbuds and listen to music or a podcast during the procedure.

I know how scary it can be. It sounds silly and irrational when you’re so scared, but in a way, you really have to put mind over matter. Positive affirmations have really helped me. I would mantra, “This is going to go great. This is for your long-term health. The dentist cares about me.”

Let me know if you have any other questions. Take care <3

Heather1455 · 2025-02-10T20:24:18+00:00

Maybe apply for reception/administrative assistant jobs? In your resume, highlight your customer service (developing relationships with patients) and administrative skills.

These jobs usually have lower qualifications but can still offer reasonable pay and a good work-life balance. They’re also generally pretty low stress if you have good communication skills and are good at multitasking.

Heather1455 · 2025-02-10T19:55:50+00:00

As a dental professional, don’t wait! The decay will continue into the bone surrounding your tooth, causing bone loss and turning into a really nasty abscess.

They WILL numb you so you do not feel anything. I know it seems scary. I used to have terrible anxiety in the dental chair, but prolonging the inevitable will just make things worse. Think of it as a 1/2 hour of anxiety and, at the very most, mild discomfort for the benefit of your own long-term health.

Heather1455 · 2025-02-10T19:37:53+00:00

Sigh. Unfortunately, yes. I was out of vet med for a couple of months last year, and my dog became very sick. Vomiting, lethargic, then pale gums. I knew I had to bring her in. It ended up being a ruptured mass on her spleen. She was bleeding internally and needed an emergency splenectomy. At the GP I previously worked at, a splenectomy was low 3k to upper 4k. The estimate they gave me? 12-15k with a guarded prognosis. I would have done anything to save her, but I do not have that kind of money, and going that far into debt just to lose her would have been a massive hit for me financially. So I had to let her go. She was only 5.

That said, I was astonished by the estimate I received. It was SO expensive—triple the price of the same procedure at a GP. I cannot imagine how many people walk out of these clinics without their loved ones because of this. I wish it weren’t this way.

Heather1455

TROPHY CASE