Post by dookorama on Jan 13, 2006 13:29:40 GMT -5
Desensitizing
why it is important and techniques
Desensitizing is the practice of getting your pet used to handling. Desensitizing is used not only to get your ferret used to handeling but also to build a level of trust between human and ferret. Ferrets that have been desensitized do much better in situations like vet trips, shows and being held by strangers. A desensitized ferret is less likely to bite or squirm when being held. The technique of desensitizing also helps nip training greatly by helping to form a bond as well as a tolerance to being touched.
The first desensitizing technique I will discusss is sweet talking. In sweet talking the idea is to pick up your ferret, hold him gently and talk to him sweetly. You begin by picking up the ferret and holding them with their back to your belly. Once the ferret is in this posistion talk kindly to your ferret like a baby. At first it will take only a minute or two until your ferret begins squirming to be put down. Do NOT put your ferret down. Instead gently raise and lower your ferret kind of like slowly bouncing a baby. This captures their attention and breaks them from the thought of leaving. You will then bring the ferret back to your tummy and whisper sweet nothings and gently pet them again. Do this at least once a day until your ferret is used to being picked up and held.
Sweet talking
The next technique is called playing vet. In this technique the idea is to do a home mock vet exam on your ferret to get them accustomed to being touched like a vet would touch them during an exam. Veterinary offices can be a scary and stressfull place for your ferret. By using this technique you lessen the ferret's stress levels by preparing them for the encounter. Start by bringing your ferret to a tabletop and setting them down. Gently scruff your ferret and look at their skin by petting them against the growth of the hair. Look at the ferret's eyes, ears, nose and mouth. In looking at the mouth check the gums and teeth to make sure they are healthy. With one hand gently "examine" the ferret's torso like a vet would during an exam. Hold your ferret upright by the scruff and examine and touch each paw and thier tail. Do this at least 3-4 times a week if not more often.
These pictures illustrate how to go about performing a mock exam
By practicing these methods you help your ferret become more accustomed to human interaction thus lowering the chances of stress or biting. You also are helping to make life a lot less stressful for both you and your ferret. Desensitizng helps to form a bond between human and ferret more quickly than life experience. By Regularly practicing these techniques you can detect illnesses earlier thus being able to provide ealier treatment. You are more likely to catch something going on when you spend time closly examining your ferret. If you should find someting wrong or questionable please discuss it with your vet.
Written By: Jennifer Morris AKA "The Dook Mom"
Please do not copy or repost without my consent!
why it is important and techniques
Desensitizing is the practice of getting your pet used to handling. Desensitizing is used not only to get your ferret used to handeling but also to build a level of trust between human and ferret. Ferrets that have been desensitized do much better in situations like vet trips, shows and being held by strangers. A desensitized ferret is less likely to bite or squirm when being held. The technique of desensitizing also helps nip training greatly by helping to form a bond as well as a tolerance to being touched.
The first desensitizing technique I will discusss is sweet talking. In sweet talking the idea is to pick up your ferret, hold him gently and talk to him sweetly. You begin by picking up the ferret and holding them with their back to your belly. Once the ferret is in this posistion talk kindly to your ferret like a baby. At first it will take only a minute or two until your ferret begins squirming to be put down. Do NOT put your ferret down. Instead gently raise and lower your ferret kind of like slowly bouncing a baby. This captures their attention and breaks them from the thought of leaving. You will then bring the ferret back to your tummy and whisper sweet nothings and gently pet them again. Do this at least once a day until your ferret is used to being picked up and held.
Sweet talking
The next technique is called playing vet. In this technique the idea is to do a home mock vet exam on your ferret to get them accustomed to being touched like a vet would touch them during an exam. Veterinary offices can be a scary and stressfull place for your ferret. By using this technique you lessen the ferret's stress levels by preparing them for the encounter. Start by bringing your ferret to a tabletop and setting them down. Gently scruff your ferret and look at their skin by petting them against the growth of the hair. Look at the ferret's eyes, ears, nose and mouth. In looking at the mouth check the gums and teeth to make sure they are healthy. With one hand gently "examine" the ferret's torso like a vet would during an exam. Hold your ferret upright by the scruff and examine and touch each paw and thier tail. Do this at least 3-4 times a week if not more often.
These pictures illustrate how to go about performing a mock exam
By practicing these methods you help your ferret become more accustomed to human interaction thus lowering the chances of stress or biting. You also are helping to make life a lot less stressful for both you and your ferret. Desensitizng helps to form a bond between human and ferret more quickly than life experience. By Regularly practicing these techniques you can detect illnesses earlier thus being able to provide ealier treatment. You are more likely to catch something going on when you spend time closly examining your ferret. If you should find someting wrong or questionable please discuss it with your vet.
Written By: Jennifer Morris AKA "The Dook Mom"
Please do not copy or repost without my consent!
all my kids are doing well otter is getting real beefy feeling <winter weight?> and his coat is getting real soft not many noticeable changes overall,, new guy is getting big