01/31/2022
No two animals are alike; our Fear-Free approach will look different for every pet!
The Fear-Free approach is a unique practice to the pet care community. Instead of expecting ALL animals to behave and cooperate in stressful or fear-induced situations, Fear-Free professionals honor the animal's emotional well-being. They follow specific techniques that can transform an animal's reactionary behaviors into more appropriate or cooperative behaviors; these Fear-Free techniques have been proven to reduce an animal's fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). When animals show signs of FAS, Fear-Free professionals adapt their style of pet greetings, handling, and care to meet the emotional needs of each pet, not just its physical needs. Fear-Free professionals can also prepare animals with a history of FAS for stressful and fear-induced situations (i.e., vet visits, grooming appointments, car rides, etc.) by slowly and methodically introducing them to such situations with positive reinforcers. Puppies and kittens can also be prepared through positive reinforcement for situations that commonly produce FAS.
A "Treat-ment" mat is a common practice in the Fear-Free approach. A Fear-Free professional can work with pet parents to positively reinforce their pets to come to a specific place in their home (i.e., a specific rug, a chair, a designated spot on the floor, or even a Fear-Free "Treat-ment" mat, etc.) where any type of pet care can be performed in a positive way. Pairing or associating the "Treat-ment" mat with novel treats teaches the pet that the good things happen on the "Treat-ment " mat. In addition, the pet's boundaries are honored when using the "Treat-ment" mat . Pet parents learn to identify their pet's boundaries and work with them by implementing minimal actions of pet care that is not overwhelming and is accepted by the pet. When pets adapt to the "Treat-ment" mat, they will come to the mat when called and cooperate with pet parents during care with little to no FAS. "Treat-ment" mats are highly recommended for pets needing frequent medications and grooming, as well as show dogs, working dogs, and therapy dogs, who experience consistent touch.
Considering a Fear-Free professional for pet sitting or concierge services can be exciting and also overwhelming. Many pet parents are confident of their pet's response when meeting a stranger, whether that be in their home or out and about in public. Pet parents may also be concerned or stressed regarding their pet's reaction to a stranger in their home or during concierge services. The Fear-Free professionals at Precious Paws understand this and will speak with each pet parent to adequately prepare for their first meeting with their pet. Additional concerns and behaviors displayed by the pet, due to FAS, will be addressed and discussed with the Fear-Free professional. A collaborative plan will be created by the pet parent and a Precious Paws professional to decrease FAS and maintain safety and comfort during pet care services. Precious Paw's Fear-Free professionals are eager to help pets and their hard-working pet parents by sharing educational information, lending an empathetic ear, offering practical solutions for difficult situations, and supporting them in any way possible. We are excited to welcome your pet(s) into the Precious Paws family.
