As pet owners, we always want to provide our furry family members with the best care possible. Our main focus is for them to be happy, healthy, and most importantly free from fear. That’s why “fear-free” is gaining popularity in the animal field. But what exactly does it mean to be fear-free in the animal world?
Fear-free is a movement that focuses on providing a stress-free and fear-free experience for animals in all aspects of their lives, whether at home, at the groomer’s, or at the vet. It emphasizes the emotional well-being of our pets by using only positive reinforcement. This involves incorporating treats with restraint and using calming aids when necessary. The idea is that whatever a pup is not willing to do, we never push them to do it. If it is a procedure that is absolutely necessary (like clipping nails, or drawing blood) sedation may be used, as well as different holding techniques.
One of the main reasons why fear-free has gained so much attention is due to the high levels of anxiety that animals can experience. Just like humans, animals can also suffer from anxiety and fear. And just like us, they need to feel safe and calm to thrive.
Going back to a few years ago, I had a chihuahua- Winter. I was unsure of Winter’s past because I found him wandering around in a Walmart parking lot, but I could tell from the moment I met him that he was a very nervous boy. Winter was terrified of loud sounds, new people, and the worst.. car rides.
Luckily, I am a veterinary nurse so I was able to take fear-free courses to become certified. Once I did that, Winter completely changed for the better. He was never fully anxiety- free but he was a lot happier in stress events. Is your fur baby anxious and you need some advice from someone who has been through it? Keep reading, hopefully these tips will help you on your journey.
#1 You May Be Adding to the Problem and Not Even Know It
So, what are these fear-free methods? They can include a range of techniques such as positive reinforcement, distraction, and creating a calm and comfortable environment. The goal is to make the experience as pleasant as possible, without causing unnecessary stress or fear for the animal. However, ensuring this comfort incorrectly can have a major impact on how effective these tactics can be.
One of the main things I see owners struggle with when learning how to deal with their pet’s anxiety is trying to overly comfort their pet when the pet is showing fear, anxiety, or stress. I completely understand that it may be first nature to comfort your fur kiddo when they are scared, but it can do more harm than good.
If you think of it this way, we reward our pets with affection and treats when we want them to “sit”, “stay”, or “shake”. These are usually good habits to applaud, but trying to bite and no longer listening to commands are not good habits. Your pup can’t understand that you are just trying to assure they are safe, they see your affection as a reward. Therefore, the action of being anxious equals getting attention and that is the conclusion they draw.
The best thing you can do for your pup when they are showing fear, anxiety, or stress is to assert your leadership status. Show that, you (as the pack leader) are not fearful or stressed, even if that may not be the case.
#2 Be The Change, You Want to See In Your Pet
Picture this: You go to work one day and everything in the office is completely changed around. Unfamiliar smells, sounds, and people fill the office and you look to see that your boss is standing next to you just as stressed out as you are. Your instinct will probably be to stress out more. The same applies to your pet.
If the “pack leader” is worried then something terrible must be going on. This scary outlook from our pets can trigger their anxiety, making it a super scary experience. This can also lead to avoidance behaviors, making it difficult for both the animal and the vet/ groomer to perform necessary procedures.
Once you, the owner, assume the leadership position then your fur baby will no longer deem it necessary to take on that responsibility. In other words, your pet won’t feel like they have to bite everyone in the room to protect both of you. Or, in Winter’s case, anxiously pee everywhere.
#3 Know the Signs
As you have probably noticed, I use the term Fear- Anxiety- and Stress (or FAS). This is a scoring system used in the fear-free system to assess your pet’s stress levels based on the signs that they are presenting when in stressful situations. Being familiar with what certain actions mean when your pup is stressed can benefit you extremely in the long run. Take a look at the chart below, are there some signs of stress that you weren’t aware of?
The FAS spectrum can help alleviate canine and feline fear and anxiety. By creating a calm and comfortable environment, using positive reinforcement, and allowing the animal to feel a little more in control of the situation.
#4 Your Veterinary Professionals May Be Able to Help
Next time you are at a veterinary appointment or grooming appointment, ask an employee about their fear-free methods. Many fear-free certified professionals in both clinics and salons have undergone specialized training to understand and apply fear-free techniques in their practice. These professionals can provide specialized care for animals who may have a higher level of anxiety or fear.
I am both a groomer and a veterinary nurse, so I use these techniques daily. It just makes the appointment procedure so much more pleasant for everyone. Some of my favorite techniques are smearing peanut butter (after ensuring that the owner or anyone present doesn’t have an allergy) on a table while I do whatever I need to do. The distraction of food is top tier, and not just for animals haha.
But fear-free is not just limited to the vet’s office and grooming salons. It can also be applied at home. As pet owners, we can create a fear-free environment for our furry friends by paying attention to their body language and providing them with a safe and calming space during stressful situations.
#5 Realize That Your Pups Special Needs Don’t Have to Be A Bad Thing
Winter, my own personal fear-free candidate was definitely among those of the highly anxious, but we grew extremely close because of it. I realized that I couldn’t help what happened before I found him, but I could help how he got to enjoy being a dog in the present. And through the knowledge of fear-free methods we formed a special bond. Your anxious baby probably will not ever be a social butterfly, or the super friendly neighborhood dog, and that is completely okay. Just like humans, all dogs have their own personalities and experiences.
Patience and consistency in stressful situations is the key to helping your pup face their fears. If your dog is scared of car rides, take them on short daily rides to get them used to it. In my case I bought a doggy car seat and it made all the difference. If your dog is scared of unfamiliar people, have a friend come over and completely ignore your pet until they are calm and ready for an introduction. Gradual exposure to the stressful stimuli is always the way to go.
In conclusion, fear free in the animal field is all about promoting the emotional well-being and reducing anxiety for our furry friends. It is a compassionate and effective approach that can make a huge difference in the lives of animals. So, let’s all do our part in helping pets live a fear free life.