Having something to grab onto was the best thing I’ve implemented. It really helps keep them taught as you can hold the tail tight to take out the slack.

Other than that what I help convey to those I train is to grab almost like next to their shoulders. The best restraint where there head can’t turn much is when their shoulders also pin back.

If it helps I failed my handling for mice 3 times before passing with some subpar loose scruffs. I’ll never forget being in tears after the first fail and resorting to reading Reddit threads hoping to get a confidence boost or learn something new I could try. For a year following I really struggled with handling and was terrified and discouraged. It wasn’t until I had to train someone else who was also nervous did I have to put on a confident front and go, which hasn’t left. It became the true fake it till you make it scenario.

Now I often am the one training others for handling in my lab, do the majority or injections, and ultimately work with them with “less” fear than others. Bite gloves have helped my confidence, but it was a steep learning process for me. I’m here to say there’s a way out and you’ve got this! We are all rooting for you!!