Socialising your pet is one of the most important things you can do for your new pal so they don’t become nervous or aggressive.
PDSA (the UK’s leading veterinary charity) Vet, Rebecca Ashman, says: “Socialisation has a big influence on the behaviour and temperament of your pet. What they learn at a young age will likely shape their character for the rest of their life. A well socialised pet will be more likely to grow up to be friendly and confident. A pet that doesn’t experience everyday sights and sounds, or have positive interactions with strangers and other animals when they’re young, may be fearful and anxious as an adult.”
While the saying, ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks’, isn’t strictly true, it’s much easier to get pets used to new experiences at a young age. Here are some things your pet should get used to:
A wide variety of friendly, healthy, vaccinated pets – such as those belonging to family or friends.
Children and young people (always under supervision).
People of different ages and appearances.
Loud noises, such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, thunder and fireworks.
Travelling in the car – let them spend time in a stationary car in a cat carrier/dog harness a few times, then go on a short journey. You can gradually increase the length of journeys.
Being alone – gradually get them used to being left alone for increasing lengths of time starting with just a few minutes and building up to a couple of hours.
Before you start, remember that these experiences should always be positive ones. If your pet seems anxious or afraid, calmly end what they are doing, but don’t try to comfort them as they may interpret this as a ‘reward’ for their behaviour.
Build up new experiences gradually and for increasing lengths of time. For example, get them used to quieter sounds before louder ones. When they are calm and relaxed, give them praise and a healthy treat so that they enjoy the experience and develop positive associations.
Don’t introduce too many new experiences in one day. Three a day is a sensible number, remembering to repeat them as often as possible once your pet is happy with them but working at your pet’s pace.