Hand-Hoop
Props:
- 2 Floor targets (I use jar lids)
Step 1:
Start by placing a treat on one of your floor targets and lead your rat to it. Allow them to eat the treat, then repeat this with both targets several times, until your rat begins to anticipate getting a treat on each target.
Start by placing a treat on one of your floor targets and lead your rat to it. Allow them to eat the treat, then repeat this with both targets several times, until your rat begins to anticipate getting a treat on each target.
Step 2:
Now place one of your hands in-between the targets. Place a treat on the target opposite your rat and use your 2nd hand to lure them over your 1st hand to the treat. Repeat this several times going back and forth between targets.
Now place one of your hands in-between the targets. Place a treat on the target opposite your rat and use your 2nd hand to lure them over your 1st hand to the treat. Repeat this several times going back and forth between targets.
Step 3:
Continue to place treats on the targets. Gradually fade out your 2nd hand until your rat is jumping over the 1st without any luring. If you are using a clicker, click as they jump over your hand to reinforce this specific behavior.
Continue to place treats on the targets. Gradually fade out your 2nd hand until your rat is jumping over the 1st without any luring. If you are using a clicker, click as they jump over your hand to reinforce this specific behavior.
Step 4:
Gradually fade in your 2nd hand as the top of your hoop. First place it way above your 1st hand, then gradually begin to lower it.
Gradually fade in your 2nd hand as the top of your hoop. First place it way above your 1st hand, then gradually begin to lower it.
Step 5:
Now remove the targets and manually reward your rat for jumping through your hand-hoop.
Now remove the targets and manually reward your rat for jumping through your hand-hoop.
Step 6:
At this point you can begin waiting a few seconds after your rat jumps through the hoop to see if they'll jump back through it. When they do, reward them heavily.
At this point you can begin waiting a few seconds after your rat jumps through the hoop to see if they'll jump back through it. When they do, reward them heavily.
Step 7:
Finally, begin to variate how many jumps you require your rat to make through your hand-hoop before rewarding them.
Finally, begin to variate how many jumps you require your rat to make through your hand-hoop before rewarding them.
Video Tutorial:
Disclosure: Esther (and her site rattrix.weebly.com) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com