Bonding Update – Mixed Signals

[Harley&Thumper]

So Storm, Harley, and Thumper have been living next to each other for the past few months side by side. They can see each other and probably nip each other through the bars if they wanted to. I feel like they are comfortable with each other because I often catch them loafing around or flopped on their side.

However, when I have the time and energy to do a bonding session, Thumper still nips Storm (gently-ish) whenever Storm is close to her. It never turns into chasing and Storm never fights back but I’m worried that Storm is starting to become afraid of Thumper if she hasn’t already.

But I feel like I’m still getting mixed signals. Everyone will lounge around during the bonding sessions, eat hay together, and Storm was stretched out next to Thumper while Harley was grooming Thumper. Harley will occasionally groom Storm but mostly grooms Thumper.

Any thoughts on how I can get Thumper to stop nipping Storm during the bonding sessions?

[DanaNM]

How many sessions have you done, and how long are they?

I would try the petting technique. Petting all the buns and swap scents when they approach each other, before the nips start to try to build trust and positive feelings.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Harley&Thumper]

The sessions are usually about an hour long. I’ve been smooshing Thumper and Storm together and petting them both to mix their scents.

[DanaNM]

Are they hard nips (fur being yanked) or just light ones? Also how many sessions have you had?

If just light ones, you should let them happen, as long as they aren’t leading to fights.

Whenever I’ve gotten stuck in a rut with mine, I’ve found it helpful to do some stressing and/or change locations. Maybe a car ride with all three? Or a session or two at a friend’s house?

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[Harley&Thumper]

I’m not sure how hard the nips are. Storm tries to get away in a hurry whenever she gets nipped but Thumper rarely pulls fur. I’ve been having a some large gaps between sessions due to it being winter and I tend to not have a lot of energy during winter.

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