2007-03-01 05:18:01 · 11 answers · asked by deepman333 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I'm afraid trying to train a pre-pubescent female is futile, but happily rats ARE very trainable!
Since they tend to be highly intelligent creatures, rats can actually learn a lot (and they get bored if they have nothing to do). Also, because they're people-pleasers, rats enjoy the challenge of getting a reward and your praise.
However, before you begin training, you may be interested to know the main pitfalls of pet rat training. That way, you can get started on the right foot and make the most of training time. Here are the top three mistakes that novice rat-trainers will often make:
1. Neglecting to create a stimulating living environment for their rats. Sometimes trainers make the mistake of thinking that their ratties' living environment doesn't need to be interesting or fun to be in. They seem to think that an hour of play time or training time is enough to stimulate their little minds. This is untrue. Rats are constantly problem-solving, 24/7. Giving them a stimulating and challenging living environment will ensure that their minds stay sharp for learning tricks.
Buy or build a large caged enclosure complete with shelves, ramps, ladders, cubby holes, bins, hammocks, exercise wheels, tunnels, hidey holes, baskets and ropes strung across.
Occasionally, treat them to a game of "hide n' seek" with sunflower seeds. Hide them in hard-to-reach places so they really have to think hard about how to get to them.
Be sure to adjust and rearrange the furniture and food locations. Always keep 'em guessing.
Make playtime games challenging as well with swimming pools, sand boxes and tunnel-mazes.
2. Being too "results oriented" about training. One major pitfall a rat owner can fall into is to be too demanding about what is to be accomplished during training. This approach to rat-training will only end in frustration and neglect. Never forget that training is just an extension of play time and that repetition, along with positive reinforcement, is the key to success.
3. Forgetting to reinforce old tricks. As the saying goes "If you don't use it, you lose it." The first-time rat trainer will often teach his rats a few basic tricks, move on to other ones for several weeks, only to discover that his rats have forgotten the first tricks! Just because a rat learns a trick, it does not mean that the little guy will remember it later. Reinforcement is everything. This is why, when teaching a rat to run an obstacle course, the trainer must tack a new obstacle onto the one(s) that were previously learned. Otherwise, the rat will fail to remember the first obstacles learned.
So, remember: keep their lives full of challenges at all times; try to be patient and not to get too attached to results and accomplishments; and don't take it for granted that they will remember those first tricks they learned... because they won't.
Keep at it and you'll have yourself a rat genuis in no time...and probably have great fun while you're doing the training!
2007-03-01 06:51:25 · answer #1 · answered by ratgrrl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rats are personable and trainable. You can buy a book at your local pet shop which will outline how and what you can teach your daughter's rat. Females are less likely to sit still than males, though.
2007-03-01 06:12:27 · answer #2 · answered by Mary W 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think you should have phrased your question differently. The way it reads, you are asking if your pet rat and 12 year old daughter are trainable.
Rats are trainable. This is one reason they are frequently used in experiments.
2007-03-01 05:45:27 · answer #3 · answered by Veneta T 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I had a pet rat called Rex going back 2 years, sadly lost him to a brain tumor.
Rats makes great pets, handled quietly and gently will become very tame. They live to about 4 years. I use to stick Rex in the hood of my jumper leave him to fall asleep and take him shopping in Broughton Park!
Best pet I ever had, Im sure ur daughter will love him.
Heres a webpage that may help you....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat#Rats_as_pets
Good luck with ur new pet!!
2007-03-01 06:44:31 · answer #4 · answered by Rodeo Chick 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I use to own Ratties as pets then I deceloped an allergy to them.
Try this. Get a box of Yogurt Drops or Ravioli treats at any pet store. While the rattie is out and being handled shake the box of treats close to them and say their name, then give them the treat.
This repeated over time will train the rattie to identify the sounds with something good and will come running to you when you shake the box and call their name. You can then later use this to train them to do "tricks" if you wish.
Rodents Rule!
Liz
2007-03-01 06:03:31 · answer #5 · answered by Elizabeth D 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rate can be very friendly and trainable. Just handle them daily
2007-03-01 05:32:57 · answer #6 · answered by allyalexmch 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes, the rat can be trained actually a rat can learn many things as it is a smart animal.
2007-03-01 05:35:31 · answer #7 · answered by alwaysmoody7 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
12 year girl birthday party ideas
2016-03-16 02:48:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
rats make great pets and yes you can train them. you'll do tricks and are about as smart as dogs.
2007-03-01 07:40:14 · answer #9 · answered by Chrysanthi W 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, 12 year girls are NOT trainable.
The rat....mmmmm... probably
2007-03-01 05:25:01 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋