10 Proper Ways of Handling Animals

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Encountering unfamiliar animals can be intimidating, as their reactions are unpredictable. Respecting their perspective and avoiding sudden or forceful actions is safest.

The 10 Proper Ways of Handling Animals

The following tips are good for domestic pets and certain wildlife species, depending on the situation. Approaching a tiger or a bear is not a good idea, but animals such as dogs, cats and turtles often respond well to careful handling.

1. Observe From Far Away

The first step is to observe the animal from a safe distance. While they may still notice the person, they are probably far enough away that the creature does not see them as a threat. Observers should note their mood, looking for signs of fear, potential injuries or distress. If the creature seems overwhelmed, then no one should approach them. An animal in a good mood is safer to move toward.

2. Approach Slowly and Calmly

Sudden movements startle animals because they make them feel threatened. People should approach them calmly and slowly with a certain predictability to their movements. The creature must be able to guess where someone will take their next step, giving them plenty of time to assess the person and adjust to their presence.

3. Let the Animal Choose What Happens Next

Humans should not immediately pet the animal as they get closer. The creature should decide whether they want to interact with the person. If they prefer to sniff first, like a dog, people can reach their hand out with the palm facing down. The animal will then either get closer, back away or remain in their current position. Giving the pet time to decide how to interact with someone establishes trust and a sense of control.

4. Read the Animal’s Body Language

Animals often tell a lot through their body language, so people should learn to read it before approaching them. For example, dogs wag their tails in circles when they are happy and tuck them under themselves when they are scared. If their ears are upright or back, then they may be nervous or alert. They also do something called a “whale eye,” in which the dog avoids direct eye contact and shows the whites of their eyes out of fear. 

5. Speak to the Animal Gently

The tone of someone’s voice is important, since animals register and respond to it. Loudness is startling, so speaking to them in a gentle, soft tone is best. The words the person recites are not as important as the way they say them. Cats have a few telltale signs. To indicate a positive mood, cats will shape their tails into a question mark. If the cat hisses or flattens its ears, it is scared or stressed by whoever is speaking.

6. Handle With Care and Support

After establishing a calming presence, humans can attempt to pet or hold the animal. To do it safely, people should slowly extend their hands to allow time for a positive or negative reaction. As they pet the creature, they should note where the animal likes to be pet and where it does not. When lifting the pet, people should provide sufficient support to help them feel safe at a raised height. For example, rabbits need humans to hold them with their hindquarters and chest supported due to their fragile spines.

7. Do Not Make Direct Eye Contact

Making direct eye contact with an animal is generally perceived as a threat. While some animals in captivity, like dogs and cats, may not always recognize this indicator, wild ones know it well. Instead of facing them, people can use their peripheral vision or catch glances in the creature’s direction. If someone accidentally makes eye contact for too long and upsets the animal, they should quickly avert their eyes and back up as far as possible.

8. Never Corner the Animal

Animals do not like to be cornered, especially without a clear exit route. It triggers their fight-or-flight response, causing them to lash out at whoever is blocking them. Whenever a person approaches an animal, they should ensure they have space to leave if they wish. If they become aggressive, the person should back away calmly and let them roam free again. 

9. Know When to Back Up

If an incident occurs, people should know when to back up and give the animal some space, especially since creatures like elephants need ample room to move. The animal may show signs of distress, such as flattened ears, lip licking, tucked tail and yawning. Humans should acknowledge their distress by backing away as soon as possible.

10. Create a Positive Memory

Animals respond well to positive reinforcement, so rewarding calm behavior is a good way to ensure future compliance. People can reward them with treats or praise, which dogs respond to particularly well. This helps animals create a positive memory of the person and associate that feeling with them during future interactions.

Wildlife vs. Domestic Pets

While the steps above are general ways to handle animals, it is important to note the differences in how to deal with wild and domestic ones. Typically, people come into contact with domestic pets in homes or on walks. They should always ask the owner’s permission before petting the animal. Sometimes, their leashes will have signs that say not to touch them because they are reactive or currently on duty. A general rule is to allow pets to sniff a hand or arm before advancing to actual petting.

Wildlife is a different story. Animals like beavers, squirrels and birds move too fast for humans to approach them. However, if they are injured or otherwise incapacitated, handling them with care and patience is essential. If they are stuck in a difficult spot or injured beyond basic first aid, a person should call the local animal control or veterinarian for help.

Creatures that people should never approach are dangerous wild animals like bears, mountain lions and other carnivorous organisms. It is best to avoid them at all costs, since they can severely hurt individuals they feel are threatening them. Encounters with species like lions and tigers are rare and typically in zoos, but people should still avoid close contact.

Navigate Interacting With New Animals

When handling animals, it is important to remain patient and calm. People must respect their space before approaching them abruptly. Methods like those above keep both humans and creatures safe as they coexist. Next time a new animal is around, these steps should help navigate the budding dynamic.