If you are adopting an adult dog or cat, or your pet is already grown up, you might have missed its 'sensitive period' for socialisation. You can still train your pet's social skills and give more patience with these tips:
- Start slow and low-key: Before you introduce a new pet, person, or place, make sure your pet is feeling calm. It is best to begin in a controlled environment with only 1-2 new faces of your friends. For cat owners, you may ask your friends not to approach your cat first unless it shows interest to reach out to your friends.
- Provide high spots (for cats): When cats are nervous, they like to get to high spots where they can look down on things and interact with people only at their own pace. A prominent and high place can help a cat get used to sounds and sights without withdrawing or hiding.
- Go for walks (for dogs): Walks are not only great for exercising but for socialising as well. Taking in all the sights, smells, and sounds of the neighborhood is also important. If your dog becomes stressed, you can retreat home and start again the next day.
- Meet new friends: For dogs, you can meet up with a friend and a calm dog for a nice, relaxed walk. Allow plenty of space between the two dogs. If your dog remains calm and polite, reward them with a treat.
For a cat, you can invite 1-2 friends to your house and play hunting games with your cat. As cats are hunters in nature, stalking and pouncing on prey can increase shy cats' confidence and allow them to interact with people more easily. Remember to go slowly and use wand toys that your cat can pounce on.
When helping shy older cats/dogs learn to trust people, please remember it takes time and be patient and kind.
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