How to Train a Ferret Not to Bite

While ferrets like to nip and bite while playing, it is the owner's responsibility to teach them to avoid this behavior. You can withdraw attention, keep your ferret in the cage and this can solve the problem. Sometimes you may need to resort to the more drastic measures described here. Remember that you should never hit your ferret while trying to discipline it, as ferrets are fragile and sensitive pets. Read on to learn how to train a ferret not to bite.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ferret treats

Understand Why Ferrets Bite

1. Know that ferrets like to bite when they get excited.

2. Keep in mind that ferrets have very high energy levels when awake and they love attention. Leaving them in their cage can be punishment enough.

3. Remember that punishing a ferret for bad behavior is not recommended. Simply ignore him, and give your ferret attention for good behavior.

Try a Verbal Warning

4. Emit a loud "Hey" or "Ow" when your ferret nips or bites.

5. Pull away from the nipping ferret.

6. Walk away from the ferret and give him time to calm down.

7. Return to the ferret and begin your usual playtime routine. Repeat as necessary.

Continue More Drastic Measures

8. Give your pet ferret a "time out" if he continues to bite.

9. Pry your ferret from your fingers if necessary. Lower him slowly to the ground and open his mouth carefully.

10. Place your pet in the cage and leave him to calm down.

Reward Good Behavior

11. Give your ferret a special treat when he is behaving. Just remember not to give him too much.

12. Reward your pet ferret when he stops biting and returns to regular play.

13. Remember to give your pet ferret small pieces of treats. You should be able to give him a few snacks each day.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that the basics of all training regimens involve withdrawal of attention and playtime.
• Try coating your fingers with bitter apple spray, available from most pet stores. Ferrets hate the taste of it and won't bite your fingers.

Resources

• More About Ferrets on Peteducation.com
• Ferret News Website
• Ferret Central Website

[weschevy98]

on 10/26/2009 i just got a ferret and i also have a rabbit and a guinea pig... and the ferret wants to kill them... is there anyway you can switch this behavior?

[beckyboesch]

on 7/29/2009 my ferret is biting alot and the petstore tells me to spray him in the face with a water bottle, but he goes CRAZY when i do and just starts absoluely freaking out! now i dont know if that is what is supposed to happen or if it means that it is not helping? he is only 3 months old, so i do not want to start or continue bad habits throughout the rest of his life, so i want to know if this water bottle idea is ok and going to work... also im working with bitter apple spray and sometimes he'lll react, other times it doesnt even phase him... any advice?

[ferretexpert]

on 4/10/2009 Yes, I agree with GenesisPenguin. 5* for him/her. 1*for you. Scruffing is better than prying open their little mouths. You may hurt your ferret and when a mother ferret wants to tell her baby no, she will scruff him/her. Therefore, scruffing is a better thing to do.

[lissahunni]

on 9/15/2008 hey there i just got a farret from a lady for free it dosnt bit all the time but is snappy si it will look like its gunna bite you.. i am a little afriad of it because of that... as soon as i open its cage it goes wild lol.. i want to get a harnest for it because i dont think it has had much play time out of the cage but to scared it will bite me while putting it on any suggestions?

[genesispenguin]

on 7/15/2008 If a ferret is a nipper or biter, you can discourage him by grabbing them by the scruff of the neck, and shaking them with a stern "NO." Never let him go when he nips or bites because he will make the association that you will leave him alone when he bites you thus, encouraging his nipping or biting. This method always works for me in discouraging my ferrets biting.