rotter are intelligent , social , and adaptable . They make howling pets for minor and adults likewise . Rats can learn tricks , much like dogs or cats , but they require to be trained with the same solitaire and body , just like any other animal . The method acting are similar , although rats have their own unique characteristics that make them a little more intriguing to civilise than other animals .

What Rats Need to Learn

Before you begin train your rat to execute mastery or tricks , it ’s essential to establish a groundwork of trust and basic skills . To earn your rat ’s trust and allow them to get to know you better , take the following stair :

Once you have plant trustingness , a strong bail , and canonic skills , you’re able to begin instruct your rat command and thaumaturgy . think of that solitaire , consistency , and positive reinforcement are key to a successful breeding experience . Keep training sessions curt and enjoyable , and always reward your rat ’s efforts with treat , praise , or easy petting .

Just like with your dog , your rat may take some time to get the bent of basic training , but it ’s important not to bound off this pace . Continue trust - building , cues , taming , and clicker training until your rat vex it .

Girl smiling and holding pet rat at her desk

Commands to Teach a Rat

Rats are intelligent and can memorise a variety of commands with proper training andpositive reenforcement . Here are some introductory commands to teach your so-and-so :

Start with forgetful breeding sessions and step by step increase the difficulty of the commands as your rat becomes more surefooted and skilled .

Tricks Rats Can Learn to Do

Once your rat has discover canonical commands , you’re able to move onto tricks . The put-on is to stay positive , do by them and give them praise when they do the right affair , and be super patient . Your stinker will get a line with meter .

Run a maze

This is a classic game you could play with your informer . Build a small labyrinth using composition board , and put a dainty at the close of it ( you may even incorporate obstacles ) . Let your blackleg execute the maze , and clock them . Keep at it , and your betrayer will learn to function the maze faster and more accurately each time .

Shake Paws

Just like frankfurter , informer can take to give their paw for a light-colored waggle . Give your " Shake " statement , gently touch your rat ’s paw , and treat them . Eventually , they will lift their paw when they anticipate a treat . Build from there by turn over the control , and countenance your blabber lift their hand to touch your hand . Next , do n’t treat them until your rat lets you take their manus ( very gently ) between your finger .

Spin Around

Train your rat to spin around in a circuit by using a treat as a lure and guiding them in the desired guidance . Once they ’ve master this step , give your " Spin " bid , and wait for them to respond , then handle them . Build up to more spins over time , and your rat will be able-bodied to spin like a top on command .

Jump Between Platforms

Encourage your rat to jump off from one platform to another , step by step increase the space between the platforms . Make certain the jump is sane , and it ’s not too far off the ground - start with a very small jump over a soft aerofoil , like your seam . Treat them when they complete the leap on bid . It ’s OK to increase the difficulty once your scab masters the little jump , but always keep their guard in thinker .

Fetch It

Teach your rat to fetch a belittled object , such as a lightweight formal or a paper roll , and get it back to you . Say " Fetch , " hurl the object , and guide them to it with a treat . Next , only care for them when they touch the aim , and then when they pick it up . eventually , say your command and wait until they beak up the object . Then , give your " Recall " dictation . Treat them when they come back to you .

Push a Play Cart

Teach your rat to push a lightweight toy dog cart or vehicle across a flat control surface . First , treat them when they disturb the miniature or handcart . Then , expect until they hold position on the aim . Next , say " Push " and guide them by lead them with a treat as they delay on the cart . Treat them when they push the toy dog to fall out the treat . ultimately , give your push statement , and only handle them when they move the cart for some distance .

Shoulder Ride!

This is a fun one , and it ’s light to teach . rail your rat to well ride on your shoulder and companion you as you move around . Give a " Climb " command , and look for your rat to make their means up to your berm . Treat them when they arrive . Now , being deliberate to make certain they do n’t miss their balance wheel , start moving around and plow them when they stay put put . Over time , they ’ll learn to remain in place on your shoulder .

Hoop Jumping

Make a few lowly , simple hoops out of composition board or even roll - up newspaper . you could get creative here . bear the wicket up , and give your git a " basket " statement ( but check that this command is unlike from the one you use to learn your informer to rise between platform ) , and guide your rat through the hoop with a goody . Give them their treat as soon as they go through the hoop . Next , give your " basket " command and move your manus away from the hoop , and only treat them when they go through on their own . Increase the trouble by lift the hoop off the ( soft ) open , and treat them when they jump through .

Teaching Your Rat to Use the Litterbox

Rats can learn to expend the litter box , resulting in easier cleanup position for you when you clean their cage .

It ’s significant to remember that rats may not be 100 % ordered with using the litter box , but with solitaire and persistence , they can learn to use it for the absolute majority of their waste .

Enrichment Ideas for Rats

provide enrichment for pet stinker is essential to keep them mentally stimulate , busy , and happy . If you ’re teach them whoremonger , the training provides genial and physical foreplay , but here are some other idea to help keep them think about when you ’re busy :

Climbing chance : Install ropes , ladders , branches , or hammocks for your rats to climb on and explore .

Hideouts : Provide mickle of hiding spots like cardboard box , charge plate igloo , orhammocksto make good and cozy blank .

Person holding white pet rat

tunnel and tubes : rat make love to burrow and research ; provide PVC pipes , declamatory composition board tubes , or fabric tunnels for them to voyage .

Foraging toy : blot out treats or food inside puzzler toys or dot them around the coop to further foraging behavior .

Interactive plaything : supply toy dog like roulette wheel , balls , or pocket-sized stuffed fauna that your betrayer can manipulate and represent with .

Cute grey and white rat

Sensory enrichment : Offer different textures , scents , and materials for your rats to investigate , such as cloth scraps , hay , or herbs like dry out pile or lavender .

Time outside their batting cage : Make certain your rat spends part of their day outside their inclosure , under supervision .

Rotating your pet rat ’s miniature help keep them concerned and entertained . Give them new toys , and swap these out for former toys sporadically .

Rat eating treat in tube

Continuous Learning

Once your git has learned cues and commands , they will become customary to uninterrupted learning . As you ’re train , you may notice your informer becoming levelheaded and glad . Another welfare is that physically and mentally active rats have a higher likelihood of living longer , salubrious aliveness . Keep at it , and try making each trick or require more challenging when your rat masters each conduct .

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