PETS' BEST FRIEND WITH LAUREN MIDDLETON

Hello from Pets’ Best Friend! It’s been a busy month for some rather shy cats and some energetic dogs.

Being able to adapt to each pet stay and understand the animals is a very important part of my job. This helps to ensure the animals feel safe and secure in their own home and are comfortable with me being there.

To get to know these pets for the first time without their owners around means finding ways in which I can build up their trust. This takes some time and dedication and I’ve learnt how different it is for each animal. In most cases I will spend time sitting near the animal giving them some encouragement with treats or toys, or just talk to them and allow them the space to come and have a sniff around me.

This way there is no pressure for them, and they can choose when they feel confident and trusting enough to come

near. Often I leave a garment of my clothing near their bed so they can get accustomed to my smell. I find this a big help.

Conversely, I have also been spending time with some very brave and confident young terriers who keep me very much on my toes! Never a dull moment!

Until next month, from Pets’ Best Friend.