As things start to reopen, masks and gloves will still be a way of life. It is important to make sure your pets are used to people wearing masks and gloves. Your pet may be exposed to these things while at the vets, groomers, pet store, daycare, when people visit or when your pet sitter/dog walker visits, etc.
The best way to desensitize your pet to masks and gloves is to use them in your daily life. For the most part, pets seem to be doing well with being exposed to masks and gloves. However, practice makes perfect. If your pet shows signs of being sensitive to these items, you may want to try using the tips below:
Masks
-Offer your pet the mask to smell.
-Put on the mask as your pet watches. Talk to your pet as you do it.
-Toss treats to your pet or toss a toy to engage in play building a positive experience with the mask.
-Repeat this multiple times a day. If you have other people in your household, have them play along too.
Gloves
-Offer your pet the gloves to smell.
-Make the gloves make noise. Talk to your pet as you do it.
-Toss treats to your pet or toss a toy to engage in play building a positive experience with the gloves.
-Put on the gloves as your pet watches. Talk to your pet as you do it.
-Toss treats to your pet or toss a toy to engage in play building a positive experience with the gloves.
-Pet your pet with the gloves on.
-Repeat this multiple times a day. If you have other people in your household, have them play along too.
*It is important to note that some pets may need to go through the steps slower than other. Don't rush the process.
Kathlyn Lawrence of All Jazzed Up Pet Services LLC is a Certified Professional Trainer (CPT) with years of experience training dogs and working with animals. For more information on our Pet Services please visit our website.
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