How to Teach a Rat to Jump

Everyone knows you can teach your dog tricks, but many people don't know that pet rats can learn tricks too. Rats can be taught tricks as early as eight weeks of age as long as they're motivated by food. There are many tricks out there that you can try. One such trick is to teach your rat to jump. Read on to learn how to teach a rat to jump.

Things You'll Need

• Clicker trainer
• Rat treats

Instructions

1. Sit down on a chair or the floor and spread your legs into a V-shape.

2. Place your rat on your left leg and hold a treat in your right hand above your right leg. This way if he wants the treat he will have to jump over the gap to get from your left leg to your right leg.

3. Wave the treat around a bit once he notices it and say, "Jump."

4. Press the clicker button and give him a treat right after he jumps.

5. Repeat this step several times. When he is able to complete the trick consistently with treats, then start to fade out the food and clicker and reward him with praise only.

6. Be consistent. Even after your rat has learned this trick practice it with him from time to time or he may forget it and you will have to teach your rat how to jump on command all over again.

Tips & Warnings

• Rats have short attention spans, so when teaching your rat to jump try to have various snacks on hand to keep his interest.

• Never try to teach your pet tricks when you are in a bad mood. This is supposed to be a fun interaction for both of you and if your mood is negative your patience and tone of voice will show it. Spend time with your rat when you can give him the support and affection he needs.

• If he loses interest just try to teach him to jump again later, and never force your pet rat to keep going if he's done.