Did you know that you can train your classroom ferret to do simple tricks?  By using a routine of simple positive reinforcement, you can train your ferret to come when called, ride on your shoulder, sit up or lie on his back for treats.  Food treats are a great motivator for training many animals.  Ferrets have short attention spans and are avid explorers, so Pets in the Classroom suggests you try to do your training work in an area already familiar to your ferret so you can keep his attention.

To teach your ferret to come when called, you can use a squeaky toy to get his attention, call his name and offer the treat.  Keep repeating until the ferret begins to associate getting a treat with hearing his name.  Ferrets have very sensitive hearing, and if you use different sounds for different tricks, they will begin to associate unique sounds with certain tricks. This makes for more creative classroom learning!

Your ferret can learn to sit up for treats by luring him up to a “begging” position with a treat.  Use your finger to point up as you get the ferret to sit up – eventually he will associate the hand signal with sitting up.  Work with your ferret to roll on his back for a belly rub and give him treats.  Ferrets will work for food!

Training your ferret can be a great classroom activity, teaching kids patience, persistence and the power of positive reinforcement.  Just remember to keep the training routine on a schedule and don’t overdo the amount of treats given! Ferrets make a wonderful and entertaining classroom pet.

For more information on this educational grants program, visit our website at www.petsintheclassroom.org!