How to Train Your Pet Rat

Training your ratty is easier than you think...

Rats are intelligent, fun, energetic, mischevious, naughty, cuddly and cute. They are also very smart and can pick up basic training very quickly. It's loads of fun to train your little fuzzball and your rat will love it too.

Training your Rat

Here's the fun bit...

Once you've got a good relationship with your rat why not train him? It will add to his day immensely and it's fun for you too. Hey, you could even show him off as a bit of a party trick. The more people that love rats the better, right?

Remember when you train your pet, that even though you are spending quality time with him, he will still need a stimulating environment. You're not there all the time. It is also important to try not to be too demanding and results orientated. Give your rat a break! This is meant to be fun and when it stops being fun your ratty won't want to do it anymore. It is also important to keep it up. If you neglect a certain trick for a while your ratty may forget it. After all he's got more important things to think about - like food!

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

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

Litter Training

Ok, so it's not the most exciting trick, but it will make your life easier.
Simply get a litter box and put some of your ratties bedding in it. Put some of his poops into the box and then every time he goes to the toilet out of the box put him and his poop in the box. He will soon get the idea.

Coming to his name

This will make all of your "party tricks" a lot easier to teach. Once you have built up trust with your ratty, call him by name and pick him up and give him a treat and a click as you say it. He will soon learn his name.

Jumping

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 Wombat" (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.

Clapping

This is a cute one. Hold a delicious treat above your ratties head (a thin piece of carrot dipped in hommous is ideal). Say "clap Wombat" (for example) and he will reach up for the treat, lift it up a little so his hands meet. Each time he "claps" say "good boy Wombat" and after say three times give him the treat and let him enjoy it, as well as lots of praise from his favorite person (you I hope).

Clicker Training

This is the easiest way to train your ratty. Go to http://www.ratsratsrats.com/clicker_training