The “three-pet rule” is designed to help build trust and confidence by giving animals the agency and choice to decide whether to interact. When they begin to understand that they have choice and the consequence of that choice is positive, they often begin to interact more on their own, understanding that they have the choice to move away or remove themselves from the interaction. This means after offering an interaction we stop and remove ourselves to see if the animals solicits or consents. This often reduces conflict, strengthens bonds and helps animals to understand they do not need to display discomfort by escalating to aggression.
Three-pet rule:
Whenever interacting with an animal, we should always implement the three-pet rule:
We pet for three pets or three seconds and stop
If an animal solicits attention further, we can go back to petting and periodically implement the three-pet rule throughout
If an animal’s fear, anxiety and stress begin to rise when consent testing, always stop and re-evaluate
What does it look like?
1) Three pets or three seconds
For felines it’s often best to offer a hand and see if they push into it or solicit affection. If they do, pet for three seconds or three pets then stop. If the cat continues to solicit, use the three pets or three seconds rule every so often to ensure they are enjoying, not just tolerating, the touch.
For dogs it’s best not to offer a hand to them but instead when they approach offer pets in an appropriate area, under the chin or top of the back, wait pet for three seconds or three pets then stop. If the dog continues to solicit, use the three-pet or three-second rule every so often to ensure they are enjoying, not just tolerating, the touch.
2) If the animal moves away when you stop petting, this is a clear signal that they don’t want you to continue petting. Do not follow or attempt to solicit further; wait until they come back into your space, then continue by implementing the three-pet-rule again.
3) If the animal continues to solicit attention you may continue to pet. Be mindful of body language, keep petting sessions short and continue to evaluate throughout.
If you need assistance, please contact a professional trainer or a behaviour consultant.
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
The post What is the “three pet rule”? appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Leave a comment
