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Nip Training
Ferrets, when interacting with other ferrets, tend to nip at each other. It can serve as a warning, attention-getter, or an invitation to play. Ferrets must be taught that this behavior is not okay to use with their humans. Nip training can be used with ferrets that have never been taught not to nip and are either kits just learning appropriate behavior or adults that have never been corrected for nipping/biting. Never allow a ferret to nip or bite, even when it doesn't hurt and you think it's cute. Biting behavior uncorrected will only get worse and become very painful in the future. Start with a firm and consistent “no-bite” accompanied by a gentle scruff whenever the fuzzy nips you. Other words that you may use include, no, ouch, stop, ow, that hurts – pick one and be consistent. The scruff is important to help make certain you have the ferret's attention. This is much like the way his mother would scruff and hiss at him for unwanted behavior. Do not flick the ferret's nose as any aggression from you will in turn lead the ferret to be aggressive in return. After correcting the ferret a short “time-out” may be appropriate. This can be as simple as a minute or two in his cage or a travel carrier. Next it is critical to praise your ferret for doing something right. Give him a toy he can chew on and play with him acknowledging his good behavior. While the ferret needs to be corrected for unwanted behavior he also needs to be praised for what he does right. This teaches him what to do to make you happy and get the attention he craves. (See also Discipline) It is also important to note that you do not want to transfer any fear you may have of getting nipped by your ferret. He will pick up this fear and be uncertain as to how to deal with it. Confidence with him will breed security on his part and with security he is more likely do what you want. All kits are very nippy so don't be discouraged. Kits also have very sharp teeth so you might try spraying your hands with Bitter Apple for the persistent fuzzy. One taste of this will usually discourage even the most severe nipper.
Occasionally ferret lovers come across a fuzzy that is a severe biter. These ferrets are different from nippers in that the ferret might latch on and often draws blood. Severe biters come with baggage from their previous home. They may have been surrendered to a shelter by a human that abused, neglected or, in the ferrets eyes, simply abandoned them. They may also have come from a pet store that never handled or socialized them – especially during the nippy kit stage. The number one reason a ferret bites is their lack of trust. Most ferret biting can be cured, however, it requires a great deal of determination, patience and to some degree a lack of fear. The first key to helping such a ferret is establishing a relationship that is built on trust. These ferrets need to learn that you are a loving human. A severe biter will test you every step of the way. In these situations you must attempt to not transfer your fear to the fuzzy as it will continue to show him that he has reason to be afraid. Be consistent in your devotion to this ferret. Time can heal most wounds. Speak soothingly to the ferret. Loud sounds and harsh tones spark fear. A radio turned on quietly with soft music will also help to drown out any background noise from other pets or household appliances that may scare the ferret.
Handle your ferret as often as possible. And never reward the ferret by putting him down if he does bite you. Again, use Bitter Apple, Bitter End, or other bite deterrent as a tool to protect your hands. One taste will usually discourage most animals from coming back for more. A severe biter will be less interested in going after you if you provide him with new and constantly changing stimulation. New toys and play things will allow him to be distracted as you pick him up. Figure out his favorite treat and offer it to him when he is not being aggressive. This is another good distraction when you are trying to pick him up. Let him see that you are a source of good things. Praise him when he's playing nicely and keep your tone light and happy. Gentle laughter is soothing and happy, and less likely to spark any fear or aggression. Again a short ‘timeout' is appropriate when he does bite you, but treat it the same as you would for a nip. Firmly say, “no-bite!” or whichever word you have chosen, with a gentle scruff. And if he bites you because you are holding him, continue to hold him for a spell. Do not reward his request to be put down. Also, know when you are not at your best for working with a biter as there will be times that you both need to recoup from the stress of this learning process. In the event you have a biter that doesn't let go, run some cold water over him in the sink or dunk him in the toilet so he will let go. Keep in mind that it most likely was a human that taught this ferret to be afraid so don't give up on him easily. Remember, time will heal most wounds.
