Training
Your Pet Ferret
Curious Creatures The Beauty Of Owning A Ferret
Ferrets The Ideal Pet
.Training Your Pet Ferret by Lee Dobbins
Although they have become more popular over the years, ferrets are not your typical pet and many people think these exotic creatures are more like wild animals than companion pets. While they may look like they belong in the woods instead of in your living room, the ferrets you buy in the pet store are really quite domesticated and can be trained to do many things.
Even though ferrets are strong willed they are also very intelligent and can be easy to train. As long as you use patience and consistency, you can train any ferret. Just like with any pet, you need to adapt your training techniques to the specific personality of the ferret, but there are some basic ferret training tips to follow.
The best way to train a ferret is to use positive reinforcement. This form of training allows you to shape the behavior that you desire by giving them a positive reward when they perform a specific behavior. At first, you should reward them for behavior that is close to the desired behavior and then gradually work to exact behavior. The most effective reward for this training is food and treats are good as long as they are giving in small amounts. Positive reinforcement is much better for training than punishment since you will teach them what you want them to do rather than something you don't want them to do.
If the ferret does something you don't want them to do then the best thing to do is take your attention away from them. This way the ferret doesn't get attention for doing some sort of bad behavior. The reason for this is that for some animals any attention is good attention even if you are angry with them. Therefore, if you must punish your ferret for bad behavior then a time out may be the best option. Never hit or yell at your ferret for doing something bad.
These ferret training tips can work for the large issues such as litter box training and training your ferret not to nip while playing. However, at the same time these training tips can be used for smaller things such as simple tricks and how to walk on a leash. Regardless of what you are, training your ferret to do always remember that persistence, patient and consistency is the key.
Your pet ferret can be trained to do the necessities like using a litter box and walking on a leash, but he can also be trained to do tricks if you want to take the time. You can train him to stand up and even to stay on your shoulder without trying to run down every time he sees something that catches his interest.
When starting a training program for your ferret, it's probably best to start with the simple things like litter box training and you can eventually move on to bigger and better tricks - use your imagination and you will have a great time bonding with your pet.
Although they have become more popular over the years, ferrets are not your typical pet and many people think these exotic creatures are more like wild animals than companion pets. While they may look like they belong in the woods instead of in your living room, the ferrets you buy in the pet store are really quite domesticated and can be trained to do many things.
Curious Creatures The Beauty Of Owning A Ferret by Jason Flintstone
When it comes to getting ourselves or our children a pet, most of us think of a playful puppy or fuzzy kitty, but chances are few of us think about “adopting” a ferret. Yet, according to experts these curious creatures are quite fun-loving and lovable. Not to mention that they adapt fairly well to apartment living making them “ideal” if you’re looking for a pet that’s easy to take care of.
Furthermore, the domestic ferret is adorned by opulent fur, which varies in color from off-white to dark brown. There are also albino ferrets whose white fur fades to yellow over time and with age. And, some recent cross breeding offers a “new” breed of silver-furred ferrets.
However, experts note that taking care of a ferret does require a bit more understanding and work than with your “average” pet. Unlike a cat or dog, a ferret cannot be left unsupervised and requires a substantially sized cage (allowing the animal to roam around comfortable while you are at work).
Experts also suggest ensuring that the litter box is solid and securely attached to the floor of the cage so that it doesn’t accidentally get knocked over while the ferret is “exploring” and playing.
Ferrets do also need time to roam free. In fact, experts recommend at least on hour of supervised exercise daily. But, they suggest airing on the side of caution, since their curious nature can cause them to go exploring or to wander off and potentially getting hurt. Also, because they are relatively small and lightweight they can easily burrow into small spaces, urging experts to suggest keeping a keen eye out on your pet’s activities, as well as covering up any holes, cracks, or other crevices and small spaces.
Ferrets, under the proper care and supervision can live to be 10 years old. Experts remind ferret owners (or want-to-be owners) that ferrets are carnivores and should be fed high quality, dry cat food. Also, they should occasionally be offered small chunks of veggies or fruit, and bathed once a week using a mild shampoo. And, don’t forget to clip the claws periodically.
Finally, find a good vet and remember to keep up with regular visits and annual check-ups
Ferrets The Ideal Pet by Sue Jan
If you love pets that are quiet and cute, then ferrets will be the right choice. Because by their very appearance, many people tend to mistake them for rodents but they are actually more like a cross between a cat and a dog.
During earlier times ferrets were used to hunt down, or dig out rabbits from their burrows. But nowadays they are mostly kept as pets. If you are thinking of buying a ferret, you should buy one from reputable shelters or breeders or from the Humane Society.
Before taking your ferret home, make sure that your ferret has been given the necessary vaccinations. It is also a good idea to consult a local veterinarian for information on common ferret diseases and their cure. Ferrets live roughly for about 7 to 10 years. A ferret costs around $75 to $120, depending on its age and from where you buy.
Contrary to common belief, ferrets can be trained effectively though it may not be as easy as training cats or dogs. Training ferrets to learn the rules of the house will be a gradual process. The best way to reward a ferret for positive behavior is by giving it food. For behaviors that are not acceptable, paying no attention to the ferret or confining it in the cage will work wonders. As ferrets move around a lot, they tend to mess up the rooms. Nipping is also a major problem associated with ferrets. Nevertheless they can be trained to use the litter and not to nip.
Good ferret care is important for raising a healthy and happy ferret. Frequent interaction with their owners help ferrets get used to their new homes. It is also a good idea to spend a lot of time with your new pet ferret especially during the early days of domesticating. Ferrets that are used to playing with people since their baby days tend to be more friendly and playful. Though ferrets sleep almost 15 to 16 hours a day, they are very active the rest of the time and love to play with toys and frolic around.
Ferrets are carnivores by nature and require a diet rich in animal protein and low in fiber. Ferrets were generally given cat or dog dry foods before, but nowadays specially packed ferret foods are available in pet shops. Totally Ferret, Ferrotone and Zupreem are the most common ferret food brands among ferret owners.
A variety of ferret accessories are now also available on the market, which include toys, cages and other innovative items. Large cages should be bought complete with floors, stairs and tunnels. If you have enough space in your backyard, you can also make a natural abode for your pet, including hammocks, hanging bunks, cozy beds and custom litters.
If you love pets that are quiet and cute, then ferrets will be the right choice. Because by their very appearance, many people tend to mistake them for rodents but they are actually more like a cross between a cat and a dog. During earlier times ferrets were used to hunt down, or dig out rabbits from their burrows. But nowadays they are mostly kept as pets. If you are thinking of buying a ferret, you should buy one from reputable shelters or breeders or from the Humane Society.