It is interesting to see the different ways people react to handling animals. Some take to it so naturally, some want to look natural, some don't want to reveal their fears, and some people are just plain terrified!
I used to be a confident Handler.
I had always been comfortable handling small furry things. I had hamsters, guinea pigs and a rabbit as a child and was never bitten. The confidence seemed to fade the longer I was away from small animals like these. I had 2 cats though, and as I had them both from kittens I regained confidence in handling animals. I have to admit, as the eldest of the two grew to an unexpected size (more than 3 feet nose to tail and around 15 pounds!), I sometimes feared her claws taken a limb off!
She wasn't over fed, under-exercised or anything. I constantly checked with the vet that she was healthy and always got a clean bill for her - so no need to panic!
Unfortunately, after my marriage broke down, my beloved cats had to be re-homed.
I hated the thought of doing this and always have, and still do, believe that you take pets on for life. There was just no way I could continue to offer them the security they deserve and had to put their safe and comfortable future ahead of me overwhelming desire to cling on to them. I still miss them, after two years, and still think of them both every day.
The passing of time with no pets again knocked my confidence.
Little things make a difference.
After a while, my sister bought a dog. We have never had dogs before and when she told me she had got a Rottweiler, I didn't think I would ever be able to go to her home without terror running through me.
I was heavily surprised though.
When I first met her new addition, the training that the 8 month old pup had received was clearly evident. She would never walk through a door before her owner and she obviously felt very comfortable knowing the boundaries of the owner/pet relationship.
I would lie on the floor with her; we were pretty much the same size! She would snuggle close up against me and she was, without doubt, the friendliest dog I have ever met.
But I still had that nagging concern that if she chose to, she could cause me serious harm.
Unfortunately, due to the arrival of small children, she had to be re-homed by my sister. It was a very sad day for us all. But we took from it fantastic memories, and I had regained some confidence in dealing with animals.
Although sometimes they can hurt!
Next came another pup, a Staffordshire terrier. A real cutie and a complete nightmare!
My sister and I tried everything to keep hold of her, to stop her biting everything and everyone, even me sitting with her for hours on end trying to discipline (in a non physical way!) her when she did bite. My hands and arms were torn within an inch of their life. But we couldn't stand the thought of having to give up another pet. Our efforts however, were simply not enough.
I did gain more confidence from this though. With my sister being very sensitive to pain, and my natural desire as her older sister to protect her from it, I learned to locate my inner confidence and strength and get on with the task in hand. It was a valuable, if heart breaking experience.
Both my sister and I have succumbed to what we know best. Small furry animals.
She has guinea pigs which, by nature, to not have the tendency to bite. So you would think! I check them over for her every so often; eyes, ears, claws, teeth and bums. One of them has not taken to this at all and will constantly bite throughout the check up! But I hold on to the inner strength, the job has to be done.
I have just taken on a rabbit and guinea pig. Both very young and absolutely gorgeous!
I have no problem whatsoever in handling them both. I even took over from the guy in the pet shop as his lack of confidence was very apparent!
My partner is not too confident though. He struggles to pick them up and has a fear of hurting them or dropping them.
From watching him I have learned the most valuable lesson of all.
The Key
If you find that little place inside you that says this has to be done, you will find your own natural confidence.
At the same time the animal in question will sense the confidence and feel that much safer with you.
Handle all animals as instructed by professionals. They give this advice for a reason.
If you are completely confident that they are safe in your hands, they too will feel the same.
