How to teach a ferret to handle and stop biting at home

Ferrets are considered predatory animals. They know how to hunt and protect their home. One of the most effective tools that an animal uses for these purposes are teeth. To use them correctly, it is important to constantly develop and improve this ability. During play, an animal may inadvertently bite its owner, but sometimes it does this intentionally. So, how can you stop your ferret from biting at home?

Causes of aggressive behavior

First of all, it is necessary to establish the reasons for the animal’s aggressive behavior. These include the following:

1. Unfamiliar surroundings. It is not recommended to hug or cuddle an animal brought home. It is important to give the ferret the opportunity to get comfortable and adapt to the new environment and unusual smells. In addition, increased attention to the animal can frighten it. Similar behavior is observed when new pets appear in the house.
2. Wary attitude towards people. If the animal was abused by its previous owners, it will see any person as a threat. In this case, the animal may take frightening poses or hiss. At the same time, it is important to equip the ferret’s house and reduce the number of irritating factors. The time of your presence near the animal should be increased gradually.
3. Powerful emotions. While playing with a person, the pet's activity may increase. In this case, the ferret may increase the intensity of the bite.
4. Desire to take a leadership position. In the wild, all predators have this tendency. Even domestic animals show their character from time to time. If measures are not taken in time, the animal will constantly bite.
5. Pranks. The behavior of a person after a bite may seem funny to the animal. In this case, he will perceive it as a game. In this case, it is important to lift the ferret by the scruff of the neck and give him a stern reprimand.
6. To attract attention. These animals are considered quite smart. Therefore, they use the bite as a means to attract the attention of the owner. To avoid such problems, it is important to devote enough time to your pet.
7. Disease. If the animal experiences discomfort, it begins to bite.

After bites, it is strictly forbidden to use reward methods.This can lead to an incorrect reflex in the animal.

When to start training?

It is recommended to start raising a ferret literally from the very first day the pet appears in the house. It is also worth being consistent in raising the animal. If the owner wants to forbid something to the pet, he should not allow his hands to be bitten.

Of course, the easiest time to raise animals is at 3-4 months. If you show them during this period that biting is not allowed, they will be able to learn this rule for the rest of their lives. If you miss this time, it will be very problematic to wean your pet from this habit. Sometimes situations arise when even careful training will not have an effect.

How to tame a ferret at home?

To teach your ferret to handle and stop him from biting, it is recommended to do the following:

1. First of all, it is important to show your pet that his bites cause discomfort. To do this, immediately after the bite you need to loudly and clearly say “ouch!” or not!". You can also clap your hands and end the game.
2. After this, it is necessary to let the animal understand that its bites have a direct connection with the cessation of games. You can put your ferret in a cage to calm him down. Thanks to this, he will be able to remember the indicated relationship.
3. If the pet continues to show aggression, it is permissible to use more serious methods. Immediately after being bitten, the ferret should be picked up by the scruff of the neck and shaken a little. Mothers of cubs do the same. At this point, you can give your pet a severe reprimand. If the animal does not calm down, it should be placed in a cage and given time to calm down.
4. Sometimes there are particularly aggressive pets that continue to bite everyone. In this case, you should click the ferret on the nose and try to establish communication. If the animal does not bite, you should give it a treat. If aggression continues, it is recommended to put the pet in a cage. This should be done with gloves that the ferret will not be able to bite through.

Consequences of a bite

Animal bites can be very dangerous to people. Moreover, they not only provoke skin damage, but also lead to infection of the body. The most serious consequence is rabies, which can be caught from an animal without vaccinations. Without adequate help, the disease causes death.

It's not too difficult to stop a ferret from biting. At the same time, it is important to establish the causes of aggression and take timely measures. If you show proper patience, you will be able to achieve good results.