Train a Ferret
That naughty ferret still biting people`s private areas? Still making 'a mess' on the carpet? Still won't listen? Train your ferrets without the hassle of expensive training lessons and with the use of simple household items.
Contents
Steps
Biting
- Spray Apple Bitter Spray wherever the ferret tends to bite, whether it be people or furniture. Ferrets hate the smell. Also, everyday before letting your ferret out, spray Apple Bitter on the places or things your ferrets bites. Eventually your ferret will realize that this item or this person shouldn't be bitten. They don't taste good. NOTE: Some ferrets love the bitter apple tastes. Test this before spraying it on everything.
Scruffing
- It is a common myth that scruffing can teach a ferret not to bite. Scruffing is when you grab the fur on their neck (Be careful not to grab the ferret's actual neck. Their scruff almost feels like an extra flab of skin behind the neck.) Some say to then forcefully say "NO!" but this is WRONG. Ferrets do NOT know what no means. Scruffing and/or saying no will not stop biting but instead could make it worse due to the fact the ferret feels it needs to defend itself. Instead use positive reinforcement to reliably train your ferret and build a better relationship with them. You can stop biting by calmly and gently removing your hand or what the ferret is biting and ignoring the ferret until he or she is calm. NEVER physically punish your ferret they will learn not to trust you and will bite harder next time because they feel threatened and will defend themselves. You can then play with your ferret and treat them. If they bite again simply repeat the process. It will take a few repetitions before your ferret gets it. Your ferret then learns that when they bite the fun stops and if they don't bite fun continues. With consistency this easily teaches a ferret not to bite and does so without damaging your relationship.
Potty Training
- Spray Apple Bitter in the places your ferret does a little no-no on the carpet. The smell will drive them away. Lemon juice will also work for this.
- Get one or two ferret litter boxes, fill them with litter, and place in various places throughout the room or house. Put a bit of ferret poop in the boxes and place your ferret in the box the first time so that he knows where it is. Ferrets will usually potty in the same corner, so it helps if you know what corner of the room or cage they like, and put the litter box in that corner.
- Give your ferret a Ferretone treat every time he goes potty in the litter box and doesn't go near the Apple Bitter smell.
- Put blankets in the corners of the sleeping quarters. Ferrets do not like to poo where they sleep.
- Do not spank, slap, or kick the ferret if it does not always go in the potty box. It is not only physically harmful, but mentally as well. It is important to note that ferrets can only be about 90% potty trained. They will have accidents, especially if their boxes are not cleaned on a regular basis. Also, do not use cat litter for training; carefresh bedding works the best since ferrets do not usually eat this and are not allergic to it. Make sure to NEVER use sand/powder/clumping, clay, or wood based litter. They will cause respiratory problems and can shorten your ferrets lifespan. They can also make a mess as ferrets like to dig in them. But allowing the to dig in there should be avoided also. A great ferret litter is Yesterday's News cat litter, but make sure to buy the unscented. NEVER buy scented litter as this is not good for your ferrets lungs.
Tricks
- Get Ferretone treats at your local pet store, do not use any fruit or vegetable treats.
- Show your ferret the treat, and lure your ferret with the treat the way you want them to move (i.e. if you want your ferret to stand on his/her back legs lure him/her up on her back legs with a treat by raising the treat. He/she will stand up to reach the treat. Then say "Up" in a friendly tone) while saying the cue.
- Give the ferret the treat.
- Do this 3-7 times a day for a very short time and be patient always end on a high note meaning if you ferret does really good reward your ferret and end the session until later on. This leaves the ferret wanting more. So, he/she will be more willing and excited to do tricks the next time.
Tips
- For teaching your ferret tricks, you can gradually lower the amount of treats, but still make sure to give them treats every few times. This encourages them to continue to preform their tricks. Without it they may not want to do their tricks. Treats are their form of a paycheck. Imagine if once you got good at your job your boss stopped paying you. You wouldn't want to work anymore would you? It is the same with your ferret, tricks are his/her form of work.
- Also, make sure that you don't hit the ferret when it does something wrong. It will be frightened and then it will be hand shy, which is not good.
- All ferrets of any age can quickly learn tricks with positive reinforcement no matter their past.
- Clean the litter box out daily or twice if you can so they will not go in the floor or anywhere else in their cage.
- Be calm and positive your ferret can sense when you are upset and angry and things will not go well if you are
- If you get frustrated simply and calmly take a break from your ferret. This will greatly benefit both you and your ferret. This also preserves your relationship with your ferret(s) which could otherwise be damaged and make things harder for both of you now and into the future.
Warnings
- Ferrets in pet stores have no choice but to poo where they sleep. Provide at least one foot of space between sleeping area and bathroom area or you will not have success. Also expect a few accidents. Clean them up and put the poo where you want the ferret to go.
- Some ferrets may be a little harder to train but with patience all ferrets of any age can learn.
Things You'll Need
- Apple Bitter Spray or Lemon Juice
- Ferret Litter Boxes
- Ferretone, or meat Treats
