By slipispsycho 2011-12-30 01:29:42
Dusty (my avatar) got her foot ran over the other day by my computer chair :< Chomper, who is aptly named started attacking my feet, and to train ferrets not to nip (bite, but it's different, nip is in reference to how they play, we don't have tough skin like ferrets so their nipping hurts us, while ferrets don't mind it) you have to very dilligent...
Every time they do it, you have to discipline them, and there are two leading ways, one is to scruff them (you know that skin on cats you grab and it makes them curl up? Ferrets are the same) well you put them in that lock and tell them firmly NO.. The other is to put them in a 'bite hold' which is equally annoying to them.. I don't do it the exact same as other owners, because that version is uncomfortable to me but it's the principle that matters. You take your index and middle finger and form a V and put one on either side of it's neck, but on top of the shoulders, and you curl your thumb and fingers around their body.. They can't bite, and they can't wiggle their way out either.. Scruffing is what ferret mothers do to correct behavior, the bite hold is more about showing dominance and that you make the rules. Ferrets are very smart and they understand both of these.
Anyways, Chomper was biting on my foot so I scooted my chair back to grab him and do the usual punishment and then I hear a loud squeal.. :< I felt so horrible.. I'm usually very diligent in making sure of their location before I move, they love to get under your feet... But this time I didn't think beforehand.