How to Train a Pet Sugar Glider

Training a pet sugar glider is almost like playing with it. If you own a responsive, inquisitive sugar glider, training can even be part of the bonding process. Learn how to make your sugar glider come to you when it's called, walk on a leash and explore your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Train a Pet Sugar Glider to Come When Called

1. Decide on a noise that your sugar glider will recognize as its calling signal. Owners can use snaps, hard surface taps or a kissing sound.

2. Wait for your sugar glider's playtime.

3. Get its attention by using the signaling sound.

4. Give the sugar glider a treat.

5. Repeat the process as often as you give the sugar glider treats. In time, the sugar glider will recognize that it should come to you when it hears the signaling sound.

Train a Pet Sugar Glider to Walk on a Leash

6. Buy a special sugar glider leash.

7. Accustom your sugar glider to wearing a leash by applying only a part of it at a time. Start by getting the leash's top part over the sugar glider's head and reward the sugar glider after it allows you to put the leash on it. When you get the entire leash on to the sugar glider, make sure it is snug enough to hold it but loose enough to be comfortable.

8. Take your sugar glider on a walk. During your walk, give it enough slack to move comfortably. Avoid taking your sugar gliders into areas where it can get stuck, as a leash can complicate its escape.

Train a Pet Sugar Glider to Explore a Home

9. Make your home sugar glider proof. Cover all open water sources, put dangerous chemicals away and make sure all possible exits are closed. Pay special attention to toilets, household cleaners and windows.

10. Enter a small, sugar glider proofed room.

11. Allow your sugar glider to jump off of you and roam around the room. Let it climb and play.

12. Call your sugar glider back to you by using the signaling sound. Give it a treat when it comes back to you.

13. Let your sugar glider jump off of you again and explore some more.

14. Continue calling it back and giving it treats so that it knows it's supposed to eventually come back to you for more food.

15. Consider taking your sugar glider into more spacious areas after it has tired of the small room.

Tips & Warnings

• Use treats. Tapioca, yogurt, applesauce, nuts, raisins and cereal can work.
• A leash does not replace supervision. Keep an eye on your sugar glider at all times to make sure it doesn't hurt itself due to tangling or suspension.

[Anon]

on 2/12/2008 leashes are a pretty big cause in the death of sugar gliders. THe ones that go around the neck choke them and the harnesses that go around the body can cut into their gliding membrane, crippling them and possibly killing them.