Bane (black) and Cuddles (grey) are both neutered males, just over 3 years old. My partner and I have had them since they were both a few months old, and we know there Netherland dwarves at least in part because their dad was one. Not sure what the mom was, but they were from a friend’s oopsie litter.
And it’s molting season, so they’ve been needing more brushing than usual (lots of hairs in the pic lol)
I know Nethies don’t love to be held, and they aren’t very touchy socially. These two aren’t even touchy with each other, and they’re bonded brothers lol. They cuddle very rarely and i take pictures whenever i get the chance.
But brushing them has always been hard. Picking them up for anything has always been difficult. Bane especially will hold grudges for a little while and refuse treats when I’m done with a nail trim. He won’t eat them even when they’re available the whole time he’s being groomed.
Cuddles doesn’t hold as many grudges as his brother, but they’re both so difficult to pick up. I would hate to get into an emergency (fires are common in my area) and risk our lives because I’m trying to pick them up for several minutes.
I may approach them relatively timidly on occasion, but they’ll always at least attempt to run away. Even if they’re unsuccessful i know they’re upset.
I always support their butts and hind legs, and cover their eyes when I can. Transferring from my arms to another surface is tricky tho. They both hated being on a tall table today, and were both visibly shaking being up very high at all. I normally sit in a chair and hold them, but it can be squirmy and difficult to maneuver.
Is there anything you guys can think of that could make this easier? Especially being picked up in emergencies. I would really love to start making some more positive associations with getting handled if possible. I don’t want to force them to cuddle with me, especially because I know that either is not them or they don’t feel close enough to do so with us. Help! I’m desperate!
by littlehanbanan
