Building trust is not easy…
Building trust
Hiding and flight reactions are essential in wild animals… How can we get our chosen pet to spend time with us without fear?
The secret is simple: plenty of time, patience and tasty morsels!
Or is it not so simple?
Let’s start at the beginning…
We can pick up our little friend from his breeder when he is 3 months old. If the breeder is careful, by this time he will be used to human company, accept food, and know the pincer and feeding bowl. All this gives us a good basis for bonding.
READ MORE
One thing to remember: never run out of patience!
Before you start, put yourself in his shoes… He’s been separated from his familiar surroundings, travelling in a dark place and put in an unfamiliar place by a stranger! You would be upset too!
With that in mind, I hope you’re not surprised if your little pet is hiding, distrustful and afraid.
But don’t worry, young animals are very curious and get hungry quickly! And this is a great opportunity to get to know them!
At first, just feed him as he is used to. Make sure he’s not just “smelling” the food, but you too! Getting to know you, learning… He learns very fast!
Every feeding and mating is another opportunity to learn who you are. If you are patient enough, after a while he will stop running for shelter when he sees you, and just keep on basking. At this point you can start to move your hand closer, maybe touch his tail. If you’re good, a little on the chin from underneath! Be careful, no sudden movements and only approach from below! Respect your little friend! If he pulls away, run away, stop practising for the day!
Meanwhile, you can also train with food. At first, just lure him inside the enclosure with food. Then, step by step, move closer and closer to you, and finally step on your hand. He’ll quickly learn that if he steps on your hand, he gets food. Practice this a lot!
After that, just his curiosity and his search for food will be enough for him to climb on your hand without fear! Once he climbs on your hand on his own, there you are! Prove to him that being with you is exciting! Make a place for him to play when he comes out to you! Trust me, he’ll always want to come out! 🙂
But remember that he has his own personality, just like you! You might be playing and teaching him all day, but he’d rather be sunbathing, relaxing… He may have eaten a lot and can only lie in the sun to digest… Maybe he’s in a bad mood that day…
Don’t expect the same enthusiasm from him every time! It’s okay if he’s not in the mood sometimes… He still likes your company, nothing is “spoiled”!
If you raise him with respect and attention, you can form a strong bond with him!
