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Post by dookdook on Feb 26, 2011 19:11:37 GMT -5
Dexter recently has been showing his obsession with feet. Socks or no socks.. He sees them and POUNCES, then grabs a piece of skin and shakes. For a ferret with jaw problems, he doesn't show it. How can I get him to stop doing this? It really hurts. Thanks.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2011 19:29:15 GMT -5
I'd start with time-outs when he bites. Be consistent, 2-5 minute time outs every time he does it
Also, use something other than the cage. Smaller cage, cat carrier, etc. You don't want them to associate the cage with time out.
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Post by dookdook on Feb 26, 2011 20:19:33 GMT -5
I also don't want him to associate his carrier with bad things either though..
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Post by taratee on Feb 26, 2011 20:36:35 GMT -5
find a box? you can always find cheap dog kennels and such on craigslist
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Post by Heather on Feb 26, 2011 20:47:47 GMT -5
I have a cage set aside for just such occasions....the sin bin. It has nothing in it except a litter box that is heavily tied in with very little litter in it. If my brats want to tantrum let them go to it . The max time out I use is 2 or 3 min. A ferret rarely remembers much beyond that. Think of ADHD. It may mean that the furbrat is back in there in just a few minutes but he will more likely associate the whole episode with foot biting, instead of being locked up ciao
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Post by Sherry on Feb 26, 2011 22:59:23 GMT -5
I use my normal carrier. They have no problem with it when it's time for the vet. When used as a travel cage, they have bedding, hammock, toy, etc. As a time out carrier, it has NOTHING in it. No bedding/toys/box, nothing. They stay there 2-3 minutes. Every time one would bite, back in they'd go. Even if it seems like he's spending ALL his out of cage time in the carrier, sooner or later he'll come to realize biting = boredom.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 27, 2011 4:49:31 GMT -5
I wear boots in the house and if I'm sleeping with them, to bed too. It's a pair of ugg knock-offs, very comfortable for in the house and for sleeping in.
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Post by dookdook on Feb 28, 2011 8:33:25 GMT -5
Okay thanks guys, I'll try that!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2011 9:41:36 GMT -5
That's sounds like normal ferret behavior. I use to have a calf rider that like to chomp on you. Here is what work for us in our household.
This is what I do. Watch your ferret’s body language. Once you see him/her coming towards your feet. Take you’re finger and wave it in front of him, at the same time tell him/her no. Then immediately turn his/her attention to something else. What I do is turn them over on their back and tickle their belly. Then I chase after them and make a game out of it. “Don’t you bit mommie!
Goal is to turn the behavior to a positive one, not a negative behavior. This work for us.
I hope this helps.
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