When keeping a ferret as a pet, whether the animal goes out for walks or not is of great importance for its health. This little predator can be walked on a leash like a dog. Let's look at how to choose a harness for a ferret, make it yourself, and how to accustom animals to it. How to put the device on an animal and how to walk it.
Why is it needed?
The ferret is a curious and active animal. Runs fast, can climb low trees and indoors.If you let him go just like that, the ferret can run wherever he wants. It is easy to control on a harness and can be directed where you need it.
Walking a ferret on a leash is just as comfortable as walking a dog. But first he needs to be accustomed to it. If you simply put a harness on an animal, it will try to remove it. In this case, the collar is not suitable at all - the flexible pet can easily get out of it.
Choosing a harness in a store
You can choose a harness from 2 options: in the form of a vest and in the form of a figure eight. The former are more suitable for large adult animals, the latter for young animals. It is recommended to wear eights on young animals, because they securely fix them, limit movement and prevent them from breaking free and running away. The advantage of vests for adult pets is that they feel comfortable in them; at the same time, vests retain the animal’s body heat, which helps protect them from hypothermia.
But these are not strict recommendations; when choosing a product, you need to take into account the size and characteristics of your pet. Before purchasing a harness in a store, you need to measure the size of the animal or come to the store with it to try it on.
The main rule when choosing a harness for a pet ferret is its comfort. Even the most beautiful and reliable device will not be suitable for use if it squeezes the animal or, conversely, does not secure it tightly. If you don’t find a suitable option in the store, you can order a harness made to individual sizes.
In this case, you can choose the material of manufacture, type of product, design. This will be an exclusive product, tailored only to a specific animal.
You can attach a standard leash or tape measure to the harness.The second option is preferable, as it will not get under the feet of an active pet. The length of the leash is no more than 2-3 m. Already a 5-meter leash will give the ferret more freedom of action than necessary.
How to make a harness with your own hands
You can make this simple device yourself. Let's consider the sequential production of a simple figure-eight harness. For it you will need materials: cord, thin dense ribbon or braid. They should be strong, but soft, and of such a width that they do not cut into the animal's skin. You will also need 2 small rings and 1 retainer. The length of the cord or braid should be taken so that it can wrap around the ferret’s chest twice, in addition you need to take another 20-25 cm.
Manufacturing sequence:
- Fold the braid into a loop.
- Place a ring on the crosshair of the loop.
- Thread the ends of the braid into the fastener.
- Place the second ring on one end of the braid.
- Sew the ends together to make a figure eight.
Manufacturing completed.
How to train an animal to a leash
No animal likes having something unusual put on it; it will protest and try to take it off. Therefore, first the ferret needs to be accustomed to a harness, and when he gets used to it, he can be released outside. For several days, you need to put the device on the animal and leave it for a couple of hours. Each time you put it on you need to give something tasty. After the animal gets used to the product and does not pay attention to it, you can go for a walk.
How to put a harness on a ferret
Insert the paws into the sections of the figure eight so that one part wraps around the neck, and the other around the body behind the shoulder blades. Tighten with a clamp according to the size of your pet's body. It is necessary to ensure that the device covers the animal’s chest tightly, but does not put pressure.The best option: a finger should fit freely between the ferret’s body and the material. Then you need to attach the leash to the ring. Put on the vest in the same way, adjust it to size and secure it with Velcro.
Walking rules
Ferrets love to be outside and will happily go for a walk whenever possible. Animals must be walked in accordance with the rules.
Firstly, before the first walk you need to be vaccinated, dewormed and treated for skin parasites. Preventive measures will help reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases and helminthiases. Unvaccinated pets run the risk of contracting infections from other animals that are plentiful on the street.
You need to walk with your animal where dogs are not allowed, away from busy roads. You can bring it to your walk in a pet carrier to prevent it from getting loose.
You can walk all year round, with the exception of extreme heat in summer and cold in winter: ferrets love not only the sun and grass, but also snow. You need to get used to walking on cold days in the fall so that the animal does not catch a cold. The walking time may vary, but you should start with 15 minutes. After coming home, you need to examine the ferret, check the folders to see if they are damaged.
A ferret harness will help control his movements while walking. The device is convenient for both the animal and the owner. It can be purchased at pet stores or made with your own hands from scrap materials.
