it is early days for your new lad to be settling in! I'd suggest giving the rescue organisation a ring to find out if he was doing this previously. They might also have some behavioural support available to be able to help you!
The walking in circles could be stress, but it could also be caused by other things. Has he had a vet check? Make sure that your vet knows he's doing this - to rule out medical reasons.
I would try to distract him when he does start, but try not to make him jump out of his skin! It would be ideal to be able to call his name, or clap, and then get him to come and do something else. The something else needs to be an activity that lasts more than a moment.
This means not just giving him a titbit he can swallow straight away! He could have a Kong type toy stuffed with some of his dinner, or if he is indoors be allowed out in the garden, or have an early dinner served scattered on the grass. The aim is to give him other things to think about for long enough that he forgets why or even IF he was pacing.
Keep a diary to monitor how many times a day and for how long he's doing it. Hopefully you'll soon see it gradually disappearing, but if it either starts getting worse (more frequent or lasting longer) or remains the same then it would be sensible to seek a vets referral to a qualified behaviourist to help.
best wishes, and good luck with your new lad. Try not to worry, most of them soon settle into their wonderful new lifestyle.
Expert answer
hi Bev
it is early days for your new lad to be settling in! I'd suggest giving the rescue organisation a ring to find out if he was doing this previously. They might also have some behavioural support available to be able to help you!
The walking in circles could be stress, but it could also be caused by other things. Has he had a vet check? Make sure that your vet knows he's doing this - to rule out medical reasons.
I would try to distract him when he does start, but try not to make him jump out of his skin! It would be ideal to be able to call his name, or clap, and then get him to come and do something else. The something else needs to be an activity that lasts more than a moment.
This means not just giving him a titbit he can swallow straight away! He could have a Kong type toy stuffed with some of his dinner, or if he is indoors be allowed out in the garden, or have an early dinner served scattered on the grass. The aim is to give him other things to think about for long enough that he forgets why or even IF he was pacing.
Keep a diary to monitor how many times a day and for how long he's doing it. Hopefully you'll soon see it gradually disappearing, but if it either starts getting worse (more frequent or lasting longer) or remains the same then it would be sensible to seek a vets referral to a qualified behaviourist to help.
best wishes, and good luck with your new lad. Try not to worry, most of them soon settle into their wonderful new lifestyle.
Sally Sanford
Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist