TRAINING | PET GAZETTE | 13
WHY SHOULD OWNERS
TRAIN THEIR PETS?
Training has become important in encouraging positive relationships between
animal and owner, increasing the sociability of the animal, and ensuring it is well
behaved and doesn’t possess any unwanted characteristics.
BIRDS
It seems quite obvious that an animal that can
escape so easily would require training. Birds
(particularly those of prey) can be very agitated
at a new home, it is important that new
owners start handling the bird as soon a
s possible by stroking it or allowing it to perch
on a fi nger. Owners should always remain
above the bird while training it.
Introducing birds to towels is an important
part of bird training as they are often used
when carrying out grooming, administering
medication, or dealing with injury. When towel
training a bird, advise customers to use a soft
colour such as white as bright colours could
cause alarm.
One of the most important reasons to train
birds is to discourage biting and aggressive
behaviour, a biting stick help in calming a bird.
A palm in front of the bird’s face and a stern
“NO” is the best way to react to being pecked
as sudden movements can encourage more
violent behavior.
Some items that can assist with training
birds include treats (seeds and berries), a
perch that can be handheld, and a travel cage.
spending regular time with it can help them
to understand i ts needs and familiarise it with
their voice.
Along with the mounds of hamster training/
play equipment available, hamsters love
sunfl ower seeds and these act as great
rewards. When buying sunfl ower seeds take
care to purchase those specifi cally suited to
rodents, as some aimed at humans contain
chemicals poisonous to hamsters.
GUINEA PIG
Somewhat similar to the hamster, guinea
pigs also love to learn tricks. A somewhat
more obscure choice of trainable animal,
the guinea pig can actually perform micro
versions of most tricks usually expected from
HAMSTERS
dogs. Tunnels and assault courses are among
Hamsters perhaps have a more enjoyable
the most popular things to do with a guinea
training regime for owners than dealing with
pig, but owners must ensure that they have
the aggressive nature of a young bird. The
built up a strong bond with the animal before
small animals can be taught tricks such as
carrying out such training.
standing and jumping on command. It is
It is important that a guinea pig has the
important to be mindful that customers do not
overwork their hamster during training; remind right place to train - the animals do not like
distractions and it is best that owners train
them that it is a pet and not a circus animal.
where the cage is kept. For people who have
It’s imperative for young children who want
very busy houses it is recommended that
to own a hamster to befriend the animal,
owners purchase an exercise pen, in order to
keep guinea pigs in training focused.
Tricks to teach a guinea pig early on include
simple tasks such as beg, stand up and
give a paw. As a guinea pig becomes more
comfortable they can achieve some things that
most people would think unimaginable such
as playing basketball and running slalom
courses.
Guinea pigs love vegetables such as
carrots, celery and parsley. Let your customers
know that these make excellent rewards for a
good training session.
RABBITS
While not many people are aware, rabbits are
incredibly easy to train and are very friendly.
Rabbits are one of the most social pets one
can possibly own and training and raising
them inside the house is by far the best place
for both animal and owner.
If rabbits are being kept indoors one of the
most important pieces of training that can
be undertaken is litter training. Many people
aren’t aware that rabbits can be litter trained,
despite it being quite a diffi cult process.
Rabbits undertaking litter training must be
neutered and unsprayed; training one that
isn’t is close to impossible. There are many
options available for rabbit litter boxes but
experts recommend a box that is large in size
and not fi lled with products aimed at cats or
clay, pine and cedar.
When it comes to training a rabbit to be
held it is important to gain its confi dence by
walking up to it without it running away, then
by touching it, and then fi nally by supporting
its weight and lifting it up.
FORTHGLADE TRAINING TREATS, CHEESE, APPLE AND BLUEBERRIES
Forthglade, the Devon-based makers of
natural dog food has a delicious range
of health-boosting treats, 100% natural,
grain free and hand-baked. They’re
hypoallergenic and completely free from
junk or fillers, each recipe has been
specially made to help support and reward
www.petgazette.biz
our four-legged friends. Choose from five
treats in the range, including the tempting
training treats. Packed with cheese, apples
and blueberries, making them irresistible to
beloved canine companions, and helping to
maintain motivation during training.
The treats all come in a heart shape and
are designed to easily
snap in two. Available
in 150g pouches, with a
£2.99 RRP and also packs
of seven.
Visit forthglade.com for
more information.
May 2018