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 Yes, even ferrets can be trained......besides using the litter pan. Point to remember...use patience and lots of it, and always train with love. I don't believe in "smacking" a ferret where a command that is spoken in an authoritive voice can have the same effect without harming our beloved fuzzy. Nipping - Its common for kits to nip. No matter how young you get your kit, its always best to start training as soon as possible to stop the nipping. An effective method that I learned was to put Bitter Apple on my hands when playing with my ferrets. When the need to nip takes over the little bandit, the foul taste is usually enough to convince him/her otherwise that this is not an enjoyable experience. I usually follow this with a stern "NO" and soon the lesson is learned and the ferret realizes that this behaviour is unacceptable. Licking - We don't want our ferrets to think that hands are bad. So after a training session, its a good idea to show them that hands are friendly things. Licking is an acceptable way of a ferret showing affection. I have tried putting Linatone or Ferretone on the back of my hand, and after a play session, cuddle up with my ferrets and let them lick to their hearts content. They soon learn that licking is good and nipping is bad in this manner. Walking on a Leash - I'm lucky I guess, I have 3 ferrets who love to go for walks. I even have a little red wagon that I use in case they get tired. When I started training them for walking on a leash, it was a bit of a struggle. One wanted to go here, one wanted to go there, the other didn't want anything to do with that thing around his neck. With patience, they learned that the leash was there to protect them. Now I can walk in the park and the three ferrets follow along. Don't get me wrong, there still is some pulling but mostly they can't wait to see what I'm leading them to. Coming when Called - One word...Consistency!!! If you want results in this, use the ferret's name often, and reward when you get successful results. Ferrets are very intelligent, try teaching them to sit and beg, or even rollover. You'll be surprised at how eager they are to see you smiling at them and telling them they are so smart.
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