BANK ON IT

Building a healthy ‘bank’ account for our animal friends

Photographs copyright Bob Atkins, David and Charles Publishing Ltd, Sarah Fisher, Chirag Patel and E. Evans.

Accountability

• Every animal comes with their own ‘bank’ account

• We cannot change an animal’s past but we can shape his/her future if we make wise investments whilst he/she is in our care

• A well managed account helps to provide stability and security in an ever-changing world

Opening balance

• Genetics, physical health and early experiences (or lack of them) form the basis of that account

• Some animals may have good investments in place

• Others may have few reserves on which to draw

Healthy account• Animal has natural confidence

• Is physically sound

• Early ‘managers’ took time to make regular deposits in the animals account

• Other ‘advisors’ were mindful of the impact of their interactions

• Guardians invested in ongoing rewarding education and care

Overdraft or empty account

• Think about animals that might be labelled as ‘red zone’ animals

• Their bank account may be desperately overdrawn

• Many frequent deposits must be made if there is any hope of turning this deficit around

Deposits• Deposits in an animal’s account are made

from positive experiences

• A yummy treat or an appropriate game

• Verbal praise

• Gentle handling

• Physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

• Rewarding education and positive interactions

Withdrawals

• Withdrawals are made from negative experiences

• Forceful handling

• Poor health such as hip dysplasia

• Tension in the body that creates touch sensitivity

• Frustration and stress

• Inappropriate husbandry

Current accounts

• Every time we interact with an animal there is potential for a deposit or withdrawal to be made

• We may not know much about the banking history of the animal in our care

• Reading the ‘balance sheet’ can give us valuable insights into existing reserves

Standing orders/direct debits

• Regular visits to the vet for health checks

• Chronic pain

• Niggling injuries that flare up from time to time

• Poor posture

• Lack of sleep

Potential withdrawals

• Pulling on lead

• Patting, and ruffling the ears or coat

• Games that have a detrimental impact on the body or inadvertently frighten the animal

• Ill fitting equipment that impedes the natural movement of the animal

• Slippery floors

• Constant noise

Interest

• Every deposit or withdrawal has the ability to gain interest

• Interest can be a bonus that will increase the overall value of deposits made

• Interest can also be applied to any on-going withdrawals that occur

• The greater the combined value of deposits or withdrawals, the greater the interest accrued

Considerations

• Are human led activities an opportunity for multiple deposits to be made?

• Is the dog relaxed enough when on a walk to top up his/her own account by taking in all the wonderful sights and smells in the big wide world?

• Does the cat truly enjoy the games we encourage him/her to play?

Transfers and security codes

• Making deposits in one environment doesn’t mean they can be automatically accessed in another

• You may need to spend time helping the animal remember his/her security code or build his/her trust to help him/her feel safe enough to share his/her savings with you

Redress the balance

• Prepare for health checks by making multiple deposits before and after the event

• Do your best to use equipment that improves rather than restricts natural movement

• Try stroking the lead to reduce tension on the line and change habitual patterns of bracing

• Use Tellington TTouch body work to calm and relax the animal

Super savings

• Clean fresh water available for animals when any learning is taking place

• Opportunities for animals to use their nose

• Adapting the environment to suit the animal as best you can

• Slow, calm movements around kennel/cattery

• Mindful contact that helps develop trust

The Bucket Game

Devised by Chirag Patel

www.domesticatedmanners.com

Account reviews

• Avoid rushing when making deposits

• The transaction may go astray

• Remember to check the balance sheet from time to time

• Give the animal plenty of breaks so he/she can process the payments too

Build the Trust

• Sustainable financial growth takes time

• Achievable targets, consistency and patience are the keys

• An accumulation of deposits helps to build a reliable Trust Fund

• This provides security for the animal where ever he/she goes

Positive change

• Make a little ‘banking’ book for the animals in your care

• Create deposit slips to encourage your supporters to ‘bank’ with you

• Build slowly and remember to take care of the pennies

• The pounds will take care of themselves

Happy ‘Banking’

www.ttouch.co.uk