ANIMAL COMMUNICATION
Animal communication (AC) is a common technique we engage to better understand our pets. Especially for our rescued animals who have been through emotionally straining situations, AC have been very effective in helping us understand certain behaviour and improve rehabilitation.
However, it is important for owners to engage AC with sense and sensibility. The effectiveness is subjected to the animal’s willingness to share the signals and the receiver’s ability in interpreting them. Some animals may wittingly skew the signals, resulting in error. If the receiver is not skilled, he/she might also anthropomorphize (humanize) these signals and be misled.
For example, you might engage an AC to help understand a biting rabbit. By asking ‘Why does my rabbit bite me?’, the AC can uncover stress elements causing the rabbit‘s behaviors. However, it is not right to request ‘Can you ask him to stop?’. This is because the solution might require improved human bonding or environmental changes. AC should not be used to command your pets but instead, guide owners to improve.
Another common mistake that owners made is to assume AC is an alternative for veterinary treatment. We have encountered owners who engage AC to understand why their rabbit is not eating, not moving or showing pain. The animals are likely not sure why too and may not give accurate signals to the AC. Instead, the owner should engage a rabbit-savvy vet to conduct the right diagnosis and approach an AC to comfort or sooth them to ensure a wholistic approach.
Lastly, we are aware of owners who engage AC for their dying or deceased pets. While it is understandably part of the grieving process, it is not nice to request for the pets to not die or inform that you cannot live without with them. We should be mature enough to realize that pets have short lifespan and it is natural for them to leave us. It would be kinder to hold them in our arms, look them in the eyes and reminise the good times together. Let them know that it’s ok to go so they can leave with no baggage in their hearts.
In summary, we hope that all owners engage AC with maturity. It is not a replacement for disciplinary training nor is it an alternative for veterinary treatment. For owners who has a close relationship with their pets, they will be able to understand their behaviors and interpret their actions without the need for AC. However, for those who struggles to understand their pets’ likes and dislikes, AC can help you clarify your doubts and improve your pet’s overall wellbeing.