How to Teach a Gerbil Tricks

Many people don't realize that their gerbils can be wellsprings of talent. Whether you want to teach your gerbil to beg or become a wrestler, a tightrope walker or stuntman, your gerbil is waiting for his stint in the limelight.

Instructions

1. Gather treats that aren't part of the gerbil's normal diet. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, peanuts and even plain Cheerios work well as training treats.

2. Establish a bond with your gerbil so that it is receptive to training. Take a treat and slowly lower your hand into your gerbil's cage so that the treat is visible. Allow your gerbil to get accustomed to your hand's presence. Wait for him to take the treat.

3. Grip the treat a little tighter each day as the gerbil becomes more trusting of your hand. This makes the gerbil spend more time around your hand, loosening the treat from your grip.

4. Pet your gerbil with your free hand once your gerbil trusts your hand. Gently brush your finger against its fur in a comforting manner.

5. Use your voice to start coaxing your gerbil. Repeat his name softly when you near his cage and give him treats. Your gerbil will learn to recognize his name when he is called and look for you when his name is repeated.

6. Teach your gerbil how to beg by holding a treat slightly above its head. Your gerbil will have to sit up on its hind legs to grasp the treat. Increase the distance between the gerbil and the treat until the gerbil stands all the way up on its hind legs each time you hold your fingers above him.

7. Turn your gerbil into a stuntman. Put your gerbil on top of his cage. Place a treat in the palm of your hand and hold it out under your gerbil. Your gerbil will gladly hop into your hand to get the treat. In time, he will hop into your hand from anywhere, whether or not there is a treat.

8. Train your gerbil to be a wrestler. Ball your fist and playfully have your fist "romp" with your gerbil. Your gerbil will respond by pouncing on your hand and playfully nipping at your hand in friendly competition.

9. Make your gerbil a tightrope walker. Stretch out your arm. Place your gerbil in your hand. With your free hand, hold a treat in front of him and place it on your wrist. Make your gerbil crawl further up your arm each time you give him a treat until he has to crawl from your palm to your shoulder.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different treats if your gerbil fails to respond to one. Gerbils have individual preferences.