Significant other scared?

My boyfriend claims that he is terrified of snakes.. I have very strict rules when I brought my snake home, he wasn't aloud to be out while my bf was home and all this other bs... well slowly but surely he has made progress and is trying to become more involved with him, he will go into his tank and change the water while he is in there.. yet today I asked him to just touch his tail, and he freaked out and refused to.. anyone have any suggestions on how to help him overcome this fear!?!? I really want him to handle the snake! And now he is seriously considering buying a corn snake and I am trying to make him understand that snakes need to be handled. . Any ideas on overcoming this fear?

My Firefighter Is My Hero ♡
SFD-423

Try something where he doesn't have to act, maybe? Like, handle the snake, then bring his head over to your BF's arm and just let him start to slither over on him. See how he handles that.

I was just like your boyfriend.
Hold the snake, then have your boyfriens pet the snake. When that's comfortable, put the snake on his hand and let him hold the snake himself. But stay by him in case he freaks out. Be supportive of him. That's how I got over my fear. Work with him. Don't rush him or he'll be nervous.

Best thing to do is put it on him while he is sleeping lol kidding obviously but let him come to the snake. I have actually let several people hold my girl that are really afraid of snakes, but it was their choice to hold it.

Start by having your boyfriend sit next to you on the couch. I know the men in my house have a warmer heat signature than the women, so monty tends to want to be with them. He may slither onto your boyfriend. Just remind him that if the snake touches him to not freak out because the snake can get scared.

Sit on the couch with your snake, too.. Didn't mention that part. Lol.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by firefightergirl

I am trying to make him understand that snakes need to be handled.

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Does your snake agree with this. LOL!;)

Don't rush him into it. I disagree with setting next to him and just letting the snake touch him, that isn't going to work out well for anyone involved. My husband isn't a big fan of my snakes either and he still isn't comfortable holding or touching them, but that's fine. As long as he's still being supportive of me I honestly don't see why I would care if he doesn't feel the need to touch my snakes. We all go at our own pace, you'll spook him if you push too hard.

I would gently remind him that if he gets a snake for himself he will be responsible for cleaning that snakes home, which will mean picking up the snake to remove it for the process (and no, you won't always be there to help because it will be HIS snake).

I would have to agree with Daigga

I agree with Daigga as well. My husband is scared of my snakes and at first, I really wanted him to learn to love them. I managed to get him to touch one but he's set on never doing it again. He's now comfortable enough to let me sit next to him with one of my snakes as long as I have control of it. He won't be in the room if they are free roaming. As much as I'd like him to enjoy their company, Ive accepted the fact that it may never happen. He came before the snakes and if they were to put a strain on our relationship then honestly I would find them a new home before I watch him leave. I am lucky that despite his fear, he fully supports my hobby and passion. Sounds to me that your bf does want to be involved with snakes so there is hope for him but let him do it in his own time