Message Number: YG14231 | New FHL Archives Search
From: ferretsonly
Date: 2002-06-26 22:20:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Very nippy boy

Sandra,

> I can move him home full time

Could you please do this?

> He lives in a public place...
> at least 1 other person has the perfect arcade from
> his teeth on their leg...
> He will run by and tackle you, seriously drawing blood

You wouldn't want someone to get the animal seized for
being "vicious" and/or sue you for injuries. I know of many cases
where vicious dogs are put down after a single episode. I don't want
this to happen to this guy.

Once you are able to get him to settle down and be more gentle, he
might, over time, be ready for a more public environment.

>Any and all advice appreciated.

You could try diversionary training. Always have a treat with you
(maybe a dropper with some safflower or olive oil) and whenever he
gets close to you acting like he will bite, say no, no, no and gently
flick him away. If he is deaf, it will take more than the voice
command so the gentle push may help. Do *not* strike or tap him hard -
especially since he may have been abused; it's more of a very gentle
brushing his front end away from you. After several times he will
pause before attacking. Lavish him with praise and give him a few
drops of oil. It really requires persistance but it will work.

I'm doing this with a couple ferrets that are having difficulty
interacting with each other. Every time the one ferret gets next to
his enemy now, he sniffs her and then looks at me. I immediately
say "good boy, good boy!" and reward him with a treat. It's working!

-Carla