How do you train a rat to use a leash/harness?

Question

My rats have this rodent harness/leash that is designed for rats, and for some reason they hate to have it on or to be put on the ground. Is there any way to train them to use it?

And actually, Sophieb, it was fleas and humans that caused the plague. Aslo you're thinking of wild rats that carry dieases, not pet rats.

And thanks for the helpful comments on this as well.

Answer 1

Honestly, I have two harnesses for my rats and have yet to be able to use them. They hate them. I have read multiple places that they stress too much with them on and attempt to get them off. They are killer to put on them as well. I would suggest not using one and instead "rat proof" wherever you want them to play. My rats were terrified of being on anything other than the couches, but when I sat with them on the floor, after a few sessions, they cautiously left me and now love the freedom of running around the living room. Just make sure they can't get under couches or chairs.

I would only suggest taking rats outside on your shoulder. The harness simply stinks when it comes to rats and they do just fine without going outdoors. Buy some dirt from a store (dirt found in yards is not recommended) in a small container though, as rats loooove to dig!!

Answer 2

Rat Harness

Answer 3

Rat Leash

Answer 4

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do you train a rat to use a leash/harness?
My rats have this rodent harness/leash that is designed for rats, and for some reason they hate to have it on or to be put on the ground. Is there any way to train them to use it?

Answer 5

They will never use it like a dog. You could try just letting them wear the harness until they get used to the idea (pet rats are pretty mellow) but they have teeth like scissors, and they may just cut it off. I doubt that they make the harness or leash of chew-proof material. Maybe you could treat them with Bitter Apple to keep the rat from chewing at it. They have no idea what it's for.
You are not supposed to walk the rat on the leash. It's only purpose is to keep the rat from running or jumping away. But frankly, I've never had this trouble with pet rats. They may want to explore, but they don't panic and run or jump.

Answer 6

Most animals including us do not like to be leashed.

Make the experience a pleasure for the rat to participate. Figure out what food the rat likes the most. Something it would normally kill to get, such as peanut butter, cardboard, cookie, or smelly fish. Those are just examples I do not know what your rat likes.

Once you establish the food, only give the rat that food when you put the leash on.

After several tries you should get the rat to start cooperating.

If that doesn't work you might just consider the rat too smart to cooperate.

Answer 7

Odds are your rats are never going to use the harness or the leash. I think most of us rat owners have tried the harness idea with no success.

I went through the same thing with my first rat. She would fight me to put on the harness and then slip out of it after. I found it was easier to let her ride on my shoulder. She liked it more and there was no struggling to get a harness on her.

Personally I do not think the harnesses are particularly safe for rats(even if they are supposedly made for them). Rats are flexable and can twist their way out of them pretty easily.

Answer 8

here's a site I found about leash training your rat, this is what it says.

"Although rats can be trained to walk on leashes, it's not the same as walking a dog. Never lead your rat around on the leash; instead, let the rat guide you, using the leash to ensure he doesn't go into out of bounds areas. Exercise caution when walking a rat on a leash, as rats have been known to squirm out of them. Remember to keep an eye out for dangers to your rat, such as other animals and people, as well as items he might try to eat, or holes he might try to escape into.

Some rats don't like to walk on leashes because it impedes their movement. The trick is to let him get used to it slowly, doing short leash sessions and offering plenty of treats. One leash I've had success with is the Super Pet Comfort Harness and Stretchy Stroller. You can also make your own harness.

If you're well prepared, day trips can be a fun and memorable experience for both you and your rat. For my own personal accounts of traveling with my rats, check out Tales of a Traveling Rat. "

Answer 9

A dog should be trained on how to eat, walk with you, not to bark, potty training and sleep on its place etc. You can teach anything to your puppy, dogs get trained easily with some good instructions. If you want some good training tips visit https://tr.im/CQgEF

If properly trained, they should also understand whistle and gesture equivalents for all the relevant commands, e.g. short whistle or finger raised sit, long whistle or flat hand lay down, and so on.

It's important that they also get gestures and whistles as voice may not be sufficient over long distances and under certain circumstances.

Answer 10

At first leave it on for only short periods of time, and offer lots of (healthy) treats and affection when it's on. Let them stay in your lap or nearby just wearing it until they're familiar with it.

And rats aren't likely to ever enjoy "walks"... their eyesight is very poor, so they rely more on their nose and whiskers. They prefer to stick close to objects and walls, not open spaces.

But mine would never stay in any of their harnesses for long. They're just too agile. I only used harnesses if I had to take them out somewhere, like the vet or when traveling.