Ferret Training
A Few Useful Ferret Training Tips
Ferrets are intelligent, fun-loving creatures that will brighten up your day with their antics, but a few tips on ferret training will help you and your ferret live together in harmony. While ferrets are very clever, they have very short attention spans and learn differently from dogs and cats. Like training dogs and cat the major points of training are patience, repetition and consistency. Baby ferrets, also known as kits are more difficult to train than adults as they have little to no attention span.
Ferret training can be accomplished better by using the animal’s natural behaviors to learn human desired behaviors. Ferrets will naturally use corners to go to the bathroom as they will not defecate where they eat or sleep. You can use this natural tendency to train a ferret to use a litter box either inside or outside of his cage. Starting with a kit is a lot easier, but even older ferrets can learn with time. Litter boxes for ferrets should have high corners to allow them to back into it to go (this is their preferred method) and low front parts to allow the short legged ferret to get into them. They should also be large enough for the ferret to fit his entire body in it and it is best to secure it to the cage to prevent the very playful ferret from over turning it. Be sure to use the proper litter in your box, one that is dust free, unscented and non-clumping and not made from wood or cedar shavings. These types of litter can cause long term respiratory problems in ferrets. Recycled newspaper, pine shavings or ferret litter works best.
Often a ferret will use a litter box placed in a corner on its own, but placing a small amount of soiled material will teach a ferret what the box is for. Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach ferrets to do anything. Ferrets have fast digestive systems, and it only takes about 3-5 hours after eating for them to need to go. If you see your ferret using the litter box, give him lots of praise and treats. If you catch him going outside of the box, gently pick him up and place him in the box to finish, and then praise him. Negative reactions will not teach a ferret anything, always be positive. If your ferret begins to use the bathroom someplace other than the box inside the cage, try covering all of the other corners with bedding, food bowls or water bowls, as ferrets will not go where they sleep or eat. Give your ferret time and he will learn what the box is for. Ferret training takes time.
Keep a close eye on your ferret until you are relatively sure he knows about the litter box. When giving him play time outside of his cage, place several litter boxes around, as a ferret is not likely to go in search of one. Accidents are inevitable with ferrets, but at least the mess is easy to clean. Placing newspaper in spots where they may go and where there is no litter box will help with cleanup. Again praise and reward your ferret when he uses the litter box.
Positive reinforcement can also be used to teach your ferret to avoid negative or unwanted behaviors. Ferrets are naturally social and loving creatures, so enjoying their company is easy for humans. Helping them understand the differences between ferret affection and human affection is the key to prevent unwanted behaviors. Biting is a major problem for some ferret owners. Ferrets bite or nip each other while playing. It is part of ferret social behavior, and due to their extremely tough skin and sharp teeth, they often bite each other quite hard. Humans usually do not like biting too much as it can be quite painful. Teaching a ferret, especially a kit, about not biting is important to the overall happiness of both you and your ferret. Remember ferrets bite out of play or fear; try to understand why your ferret bites. First, prevent letting your kit learn that hard biting is okay. If he bites you during a play session, say ‘NO’ and stop playing. Often simply stopping play will do the trick.
Young ferrets often become over stimulated during play, so do not jerk or pull your hand away as he may chase and attack it. Simply say ‘NO’ and lightly tap his nose to take the attraction away. Never hurt him, it will only produce negative reactions. If he is extremely worked up you can lightly scruff him, or hold the loose skin behind his head. This mimics what mother ferrets do to punish young. With consistent reinforcement of not allowing him to bite you, he will learn to not bite if he wants to continue playing. Never restrain a ferret, it often as negative effects as well.
Biting in older ferrets may be the result of poor training or fear. Older ferrets can be trained not to bite with the same techniques but may require even more patience and time. Often ferrets will bite you in hopes that you will leave them alone, if your do then they learn that biting works. It may take more time, but proper socialization with your older ferret can really help. Remember, whether your ferret is young or old, don’t allow him to bite you. Patiently and positively teach him about biting, you set the ground rules. They are sharp little social creatures and will learn what gets them affection, love and treats quickly.
Scratching is another problem behavior that naturally occurs in ferrets. They are curious and often persistent little devils and simply refusing to allow them entry to an area often will not discourage them. A plastic floor protector made for desks can help protect your floors from digging and scratching, or you may wish to spray rubbing alcohol, vinegar or bitter spray to discourage them.
Ferrets can also be trained to walk on a leash, but not like a dog does. A leash is a good way to allow your ferret to explore the outdoors while remaining safely in control. First you will need a sturdy harness that fits comfortably over your ferrets body, a collar is too dangerous to the ferret’s tiny neck to be used. Then put your ferret in the harness while he playing inside and allow him to play in it. After he is used to it, you can try to take him outside. It works best if you let him lead you to the different sights and sounds, make it fun for him. Ferrets feel secure in soft and dark places so if the outside environment gets too be too much you can have him ride in a large pocket, hood or carry bag. Watch for dangers in the outside world such as pesticides, dogs, cars and people. If your ferret remembers that being on a leash is fun, he will want to go out again and again.
Ferrets can learn to come on command or even do some funny tricks. Use your ferrets name to help him learn when you are calling him, and since ferrets respond well to noise, using noisy toys, clickers or sounds can get him to come running to you. Love and affection will keep him coming back for more. Use treats to teach him fun things like rolling over or standing up on his hind legs. Remember that they can learn to do different things, but by no means are they circus animals. Socialization, play and affection are the best ways to teach your ferret anything and to enjoy your time together.