How to Help an Abused Animal Trust You

Abuse can traumatize an animal, but you can help relieve the impact of mistreatment with love and patience. Rebuilding the animal's trust is essential. You can give an abused animal the wonderful life that it deserves by practicing compassion. Read on to learn how to help an abused animal trust you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be prepared to take things slowly. An abused animal will most likely be skittish and afraid for a while.
2. Be consistent with your approach to the animal. When you first enter the room, talk to the animal and let the animal smell your closed fist (not clenched) first.
3. Do not make sudden movements. The animal may try to defend itself if you make unexpected, startling movements.
4. When you and the animal become comfortable with each other, gently lift the animal's head with your hand so that you look at each other in the eyes. Smile and talk soothingly. This will comfort the animal and let the animal know that you mean it no harm.
5. If you bring the animal into your home, let it get acclimated to the new surroundings.
6. If you have children, be honest and explain what happened to the animal to make it so afraid. Explain the importance to the children of following the above steps and never cornering the animal.
7. This process will take a long time. If you bond with the animal after a week or two, you can be pleasantly surprised. Remember to empathize with the animal. Think how you would behave if you suffered abuse and had no way of defending yourself.