Distract dogs so you can get out the door

You've finished taking Piper the puppy's history, and it's time to get the doctor. But when you make for the door, hyper Piper tries to tackle your legs to make a sneak pass ahead of you. Don't fumble. Take this gem from Tracy Ditmars' playbook. As a veterinary assistant at Noah's Landing Pet Care Clinic in Elkhart, Ind., Ditmars carries a treat with her into the exam room. Then, before she's ready to leave, she breaks up the treat and leaves pieces around the room. "This way the dog is too busy hunting for the treats to pay attention to me opening the door," she says. "It's also a great way for dogs to associate good things with our practice."