Fear free
Scenario 1: Imagine you are taken to an unfamiliar building. You walk inside and there are a lot of anxious people sitting and waiting. So, you wait too. It’s cold and smells weird. Your friend keeps trying to reassure you but it’s not really working. After about 20 minutes of waiting, you’re getting more and more nervous, then you’re taken into another room. There are fewer people, but the people who are there shine bright lights in your face, poke and pull your limbs without telling you what they are doing.
Scenario 2: They keep yelling at you. They obviously want you to do something but you just don’t understand. Normally you can figure out what they want but not this time. They give up and walk out of the room. They bring back this weird object that you are pretty sure will hurt you if you touch it. They keep bringing it closer and so you keep backing up. They ask you to come closer to it. You obey at first but you still don’t want to touch it. You don’t understand why they even want you to anyways.
Could you understand someone’s hesitation or fear in these situations? I can. Well, the first scenario is actually describing a vet visit from the view of the pet, and the second is an animal’s trainer who brought in an object that the animal is uncomfortable with but the trainer doesn’t realize it. Both times the vet nor the trainer was trying to be mean. In fact, they were trying to help. My point isn’t that you shouldn’t train or take your pet to the vet. Of course, you should! My point is it’s easy to not see or ignore their fear. Instead, try fear-free techniques.
Fear-free is a set of practices and techniques aimed at relieving fear and anxiety for animals.
This term has become popular recently but good animal caretakers have been putting this idea in action for ages.
What can YOU do? Well, lots! For example, if you need to take your cat to the vet, get them used to the carrier before, make them think of it as a cozy rewarding place by adding blankets and treats. Or if you have a dog before you take them to the vet take them for a long walk and then bring their favorite toy in the waiting room so their day was mostly positive.
What can professionals do? There is also a lot of things they can do to relative stress. Like lay a blanket down on a slippery surface or give a hard to hear treat. In fact, some animal workers are fear-free certified but remember they don’t have to be certified to be already practicing fear-free techniques. So, look around and do your research to find a well-suited caretaker for your pet. One who puts in the effort to make a more positive interaction.
If you want to learn more about fear-free techniques or what you can do at home to help visit one of these sites
https://www.mspca.org/angell_services/fear-free-concept/
https://www.dvm360.com/view/fear-free-basics
