From:
Caitlyn Martin
Date: 2003-07-11 03:43:13 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] How do I train my biting ferret?
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20030710204313.554c6369.whiteweasel@earthlink.net>
Hi, Angie, and everyone else,
When you say Oswald wasn't taken care of properly was he either 1)
abused, 2) neglected, or 3) kept in a cage all the time? If so you have
a long, slow process on your hands. We brought home two kits, Lady
Ayeka and Nyssa, who were terrible biters and terribly skittish when we
got them. It took a very long time to get them fully nip trained, as in
a couple of years. The good news: these girls, now five, are total
sweethearts who love people and give lots of kisses and no bites.
Let's start with what NOT to do: Use absolutely no form of corporal
punishment. Nose flicking or any form of physical punishment will make
things worse. Scruffing was no better for us.
What did work: lots of love and lots of interaction. Treats for good
behaviour,, and withholding play and/or timeouts after bites. They will
eventually learn that not biting leads to good things and biting leads
to bad things. First, though, they have to learn that they can trust
you and then people in general. You are going to need to have a lot of
patience. It isn't easy. You may have to wear gloves when handling
Oswald for a while.
Good luck. If you put in the time and effort it will probably pay off
in two ferrets who are very, very bonded to you.
All the best,
Caity
suffering (temporary) ferret withdrawals