Tracey Wilson

Training Abused and Neglected Animals

Love and compassion is a much needed trait for all living things, but when it is pertaining to an abused or neglected animal, please be prepared to have a healthy dose of patience.

It never gets easier, listening to the heart-wrenching tales of animal abuse and neglect. Sadly, it seems that the abuse and neglect of animals is on the rise- or perhaps it's just being brought to our attention, because it is being reported more often; at least one can only hope that is the reason.

Our Judicial System is showing these cold-hearted criminals that Americans are not going to turn a blind-eye to this kind of horrid and cruel behavior, anymore. Animals are promptly taken away from the abuser. If they are not beyond the point of being helped: the animals are adopted out by caring, loving families who are able to meet the special needs that these animals so demand.

Then the impending job of retraining, or perhaps, training for the first time, begins. These special need animals need to learn to re-trust humans and not be intimidated and terrified around them, or other animals. Though the road may be long and hard: it will also be one of the most rewarding journeys you and your pet, will ever travel.

As with all forms of animal training - always use positive reinforcement. This can be in the form of treats, petting, play and/or positive attention. Never use punishment in training any animals - especially animals who have already learned to fear humans and will have a difficult time learning to re-trust.

Always make sure your pet can see and hear you clearly. In the beginning stages of training, it's best to have as least amount of distractions around, as possible. As training progresses, you can slowly add to the amount of distractions.

Never yell at your pet. Yelling at an abused animal, can throw him into a panic and set back days of training. He will most likely associate yelling with being hit or whatever form of abuse and/or neglect, he experienced.

For behaviors such as excessive barking, jumping on people, etc... Give a firm, "no", with an associated hand signal: lightly clapping, snapping fingers, etc...

When they learn to mind and follow commands, be sure to show them praise. Rewarding them with love and attention will make them associate minding with positive feedback.

You must be ready to have plenty of patience with your special needs pet. They will need extra TLC in everyday living, as well. They're going to need you to show them that they are valued, and it may take a while for them to understand that when they do, do something wrong - that it will not result in severe punishment. If you do not believe you have the patience required, then maybe an abused or neglected animal is not for you at this period in your life. That doesn't make you a bad person - actually it's the opposite - it means you thought more about the animal, then you did about yourself. There are many calm animals in shelters all across the country, which would love to have a new, loving master and a comfortable home to rest their body and quiet their mind.

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