From:
Sukie Crandall
Date: 2001-05-22 15:44:00 UTC
Subject: techniques to let go
Bruce Williams wrote:
>At this point, if you can, I simply use two fingers and apply
>pressure inward and downward (on top of the lip) to the upper jaw
>behind the canines trying to get between the jaw and the injured part
>of me. There is a natural indentation in the upper jaw there, and
>the pressure helps you get the jaws open. I have found this to be
>much more effective than flailing around and swearing (which I may do
>as a last resort ;)
We've done rehab often and try to suit the approach to the ferret.
With an abused one we try to speak very softly, ditto with one prone
to panic. Yes, it takes time and hurts but it has better results
long-term.
With ones who just appear to not have been trained we have found that
often covering the nostril works, as can spraying the ferret with
water.
With it's a kit we have found that sometimes there is a decidous
(baby) tooth lodged between new permanent dentition which is causing
pain (and can even cause a serious abscess) and the the biting stops
when that is handled. All kits seem to benefit from Cheweasels or
Foamy Fries -- lets them chew-out the teething pain that leads to
bites from toddlers, kits, kittens, and puppies.
We have also found that physical punishment tends to backfire with
them, and if they have abuse in their past it has to be assiduously
avoided.
BTW, some are upset by certain noises (as with some dogs), or by
certain perfumes (which I have seen happen to someone years ago with
a dog, too). It's not standard by any means, but it can happen.
Deafness or blindness can increase the chances of such occurrences
because the individuals become startled and frightened. Certain
markings indicate a greater than normal chance of such handicaps to
work around, and there are sites to help folks learn how to do so.