How to Train Your Pet Rat

So let's get started. You can train your ratty using treats or a clicker, or even better, both together.

At the website http://www.RatsRatsRats.com I go into it in more detail, but here I will outline the basics.

Ok, so it's not the most exciting trick, but litter training will make your life easier.
Simply get a litter box, made from a shoe box, cut open tissue box, or buy a plastic small animal litter tray. Next you should put some of your ratties bedding in it. Make sure you also place some of his poops into the box. This will make the litter tray smell familiar and your rat will pick up what he needs to do pretty quickly. At first he will probably still go to the toilet out of the box, so simply pick him up and put him and his poop in the box. You will see that he soon picks up on what he needs to do.

Rats love to be clean and your rat will be happier if he is litter trained, it will also save you money, that you would have spent on cleaning out more often and time.

The most important thing is to keep training sessions short and fun. This is not some kind of circus act, just having fun with your rat and keeping him entertained.

To teach your rat to jump place your ratty on your lap and make a little gap between your legs. In one hand hold a delicious treat. Your ratty will have to jump the gap to get to the treat. Wave the treat and say "Jump Ratty" (insert your rats name here) When your pet has done it give them the treat and lots of praise. Get them to do it a few times. Soon they will do it even without a treat, but don't forget plenty of praise. Remember if you are clicker training you should click as you give the treat.

1. Keep training sessions short (10 minutes is fine)- Rats have lots of exploring to do you know, so keep it short and sweet.

2. Never tell your rat off - Ok, so sometimes your rat doesn't want to play ball. Never get cross. This is meant to be fun remember and you could completely ruin the trust you have built up with your little friend.

3. Some rats like training, some prefer cuddles - Yes sometimes you just have to come to terms with the fact that your rat just isn't that into training. That is fine. Animals are not here for our entertainment after all. Enjoy watching your rat explore, or cuddling him.

4. Be patient - It may take some time to train your ratty. That is fine, just be patient and loving and you will get there.

5. Here are some treats my rats love - carob drops, hummus, carrot sticks, anything humans eat!, pasta, small piece of avocado (too much is bad for them).