How should an exhibitor handle a nervous or fidgety cavy during presentation?

When handling a nervous or fidgety cavy during presentation, it is essential to keep calm and use gentle, reassuring movements to stabilize the animal. This approach fosters a sense of security for the cavy, helping it to relax and feel safe in the exhibitor's hands. Gentle handling can include softly stroking the cavy or providing a secure but not constricting hold, which can help it to settle down and exhibit more composed behavior.

This technique is effective for several reasons. Firstly, it builds trust between the exhibitor and the cavy, which is important in a show setting where the animal may be exposed to unfamiliar sights and sounds. Secondly, a calm demeanor from the exhibitor can influence the cavy's behavior, as animals can often sense their handler's emotions. Using gentle movements also allows for a better presentation, as a stable cavy is more likely to showcase its features effectively without the distraction of excessive fidgeting.

The other options involving shaking the cavy, forcing it to stay still, or ignoring its nervous behavior would likely exacerbate its anxiety rather than alleviate it, making it counterproductive in a showmanship context.