Training Down?

[katt]

How do you guys train your ferrets "Down?" I feel like "Stand" was super easy, and Koda is already picking up on "Back." He learns fast. I am not sure of the best way to teach him Down though, and I feel like until we master down, roll over will be tough. Shake has been a hard one to teach too since I still don't have dry treats to hide in my hand. :/ Tonight I tried placing my hand on his back and gently pushing/rolling him so he was laying down, and a little on his side while saying "Down" and giving him a treat. I am not soo sure that method will work too well, but I don't have any ideas for another way to teach it. Suggestions? For those of you with ferrets who know Down, how did you do it?

[mustelidmusk]

I've never hd the time to work on training - my brats are unruly and undisciplined ---let alone untrained

Sounds like what you're doing may work....although keeping Koda "down" will be a challenge

- jennifer

[Heather]

With a dog you drag a treat along the floor, actually dragging your hand on the floor to entice them to come down to that level. When they get there you stop dragging and give them the treat. I never touch my dog at all, just use the treat to bring them around to what I want.
ciao

[sherrylynne]

Only problem I can see with that Heather- ferrets are already on that level standing on all fours

[Heather]

I was thinking that myself but was at a bit of a loss how else to teach it .
ciao

[tzari]

Do you have a video of "down"

[katt]

Aug 17, 2010 18:54:20 GMT -5 sherrylynne said:

Only problem I can see with that Heather- ferrets are already on that level standing on all fours

Exactly. lol That is about how we trained our dogs down, but a ferret is already...down...lol

Tzari I actually can't find a video of a ferret doing Down...perhaps they don't do that too well. lol

[Heather]

Maybe you will have to settle for multiple rollovers I've seen them do that It is a down in a ferrety sort of way
ciao

[katt]

*sigh* lol Teaching roll over right now is hard. I just tried ordering from Casey's Pantry again so hopefully it will work this time. Then I will have treats I can hold in my hand to easier teach roll over and shake. I think perhaps I will change "Down" to "BANG!" (play dead) since it is easier to push him onto his side than down to his belly...I still want to teach Down though... :/