More often than not, small pets are found to be timid, fearful, and distant. And that's ok. That's how they are. Yet, for us humans, this can sometimes be disappointing. And that's ok too. That's how we are."Why isn't my hamster my best friend!?", cried Linda. Don't worry Linda, we have 9 tips for you.
1. Spacious home
Give your small pet a spacious place to live in. Making them settle in a claustrophobic cube will have them stressed. Make sure their home is larger than, or at least as big as, 1×1 ft. Also, this is only when you have one small pet. If you have two or more, it goes without saying that you need more space for them to live in, if not keeping them in two separate spaces.
2. Let them explore
Let your small pet explore the place they have been placed in. Let them get to know it. Once they become familiar with their home, they will certainly be a lot more relaxed and at ease.
3. Reinforced learning- Establish a routine
Using the positive reinforcement technique will make your small pet not only open up to you but also get trained. In simple words, this is about giving your pet a piece of food, or a toy to play with when they're behaving in a way that you would like them to. Say, your pet appears more relaxed and is behaving playfully, give them what they like. This will make it likely for them to behave in the same manner again. Establish a routine. Let your pet become familiar with this routine. This will help the pet open up, and you two will start building a bond.
4. No punishments
Punishments are a BIG NO. Unlike the original belief, punishments serve no purpose and cause more harm than good. Would you want your pet to be terrified of you? If you are trying to gain your small pet'strust, punishing them is the last thing you would want to do. Turn to point 3instead, and use reinforced learning as a method to help your small pet open up, trust you, and get trained.
5. 5 mins every day
Tiny steps every day go a long way. Getting your pet to trust you is a gradual process. Block a set amount of time in your daily schedule for spending with your small pet animal. Invest your time in your pet, and see how your bond strengthens. You nourish whatever you give your energy and attention to.
6. Let them take the first step
While in the middle of the daily, say, 15 minutes of quality time with your small pet, do not coerce the pet to hop on your hand or do not try to touch them, or pick them up. Let them come to you. Let them walk to you. Let them take the first step. Until then, do what point 7 suggests.
7. Be patient
Coercing your small pet to play with you will only make them fearful, and undo all the progress you've made. Give them their space. Let them be.
8. Introduce interactive habitat
Gradually introduce interactive and colorful toys and accessories in the place your pet stays. Let them explore those things. Let this addition be connected with the positive reinforcement method we spoke of in point 3. Make your small pet's place a lively and cheerful one.
9. Learn your pet
Every pet is different, just like every human. Learn your pet by simply observing them. It's not going to cost you any extra time. You can do this in the daily time you spend with them. See what your pet is inclined to like. Reward them with the same. Study their personality, and accordingly fetch your next step. That you've come this far, being trusted by your small pet must surely mean a lot to you. So, we have another tip for you.
10. Let them be
The pet is also a living animal. It's life. It feels. Respect it like you would respect your parents or a friend. Treat it with dignity. If it still doesn't open up to you, or if it doesn't come running towards you as you had imagined it to, let it be. Let them be. Ask yourself one simple question: Is your love for your pet dependent on the condition that it trusts you, or plays with you?
Hope this helps, Linda!