How to train a ferret to wear a harness when he refuses treats?

Thanks for reaching out about Hoss. Behavioral training is similar to that in puppies. Training to know what is chewable (their toys) and what is not (fingers, furniture) is by a combination of positive and negative reinforcement. A good guide to training in puppies might be useful. Putting something like bitter apples or Tabasco sauce on your fingers might work some, but also don't want to make then hand shy. Good luck.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Ferrets typically do not enjoy being held, and do enjoy playing with their owners more. If you have only had Eddie for a short while, he may not be very used to you, or people in general. I recommend moving slowly with him, and offering treats when he approaches you. Ferrets tend to "remember" negative experiences, so it is important to be as gentle with him as possible early on. I hope this helps and am happy to answer any other questions you may have about Eddie!

Every time your ferret nips you snap your middle finger at his nose and say no! The fact that he does not bite when you are wearing gloves, means that he knows that biting then has no effect, so he does not bother. Many ferrets nip because the person the pulls away and that is like a game to them. Another possibility to make it not interesting for him to nip you is to hold completely still, when he bites, and try not to show any reaction. After a little while he will realise "it's not working" and lose interest to do this.

I'm glad you want to train Felix. Working on tricks can be fun and prevent boredom. You can train him with treats and lots of praise and repetition. I'd start with calling Felix by his name and rewarding when he looks at you. Then call him and give a hand signal and ask him to come. Again reward him if he moves closer to you, eventually getting him to come each time. As for other tricks find something he likes to do like like spinning a wheel and give it a name and reward him when he does it. Then you should be able to ask for the spin and he'll do it on command. All this takes lots of time and patience but ferrets can learn just like other animals. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Felix.

Ferrets can be very scared when brought into a new home. I would make sure that Major has a nice cage to give him room to play and hide. After a few days of him getting use to his cage you can allow him to play out side the cage with supervision. I would recommend trying to find a treat that he really likes and have you be the only person that gives it to him. That way he associates something yummy with you. The most important step is to move slowly but most of the time Major will start to relax. I hope that helps

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Teething toys such as nylabones for small dogs can be helpful. You can also moisten Bandits kibble with water or offer a small amount of canned cat food - any brand is fine, but you may want to try something specific for kittens that is high in protein.

Hello. The best thing to do is start slow & put the harness on for a few minutes 2-3 times a day. Reward her with many treats & lots of petting to calm her. Then attach a leash & just let her drag it around for a few days. Once she seems comfortable, ask her to follow or approach you while gently pulling on the leash. I always have a tasty treat in my hand to encourage her. With just a little time & patience, all dogs will get used to being on a leash & harness. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.