Backup On Hind Legs
Step 1:
Start by using a treat to lure your rat upwards. Reward them with the treat as soon as they are standing on their hind paws only.
Step 2:
After practicing this a few times, lure your rat upwards and this time, use your other hand to gently push them into taking a step backwards. As soon as they step backwards, reward them.
After practicing this a few times, lure your rat upwards and this time, use your other hand to gently push them into taking a step backwards. As soon as they step backwards, reward them.
Step 3:
Gradually increase the number of steps you push your rat into backing up before rewarding them.
Gradually increase the number of steps you push your rat into backing up before rewarding them.
Step 4:
Once your rat can backup several steps, stop pushing them and instead start to just lure them backwards. If they take even one step backwards at this point, immediately reward them.
Once your rat can backup several steps, stop pushing them and instead start to just lure them backwards. If they take even one step backwards at this point, immediately reward them.
Step 5:
Finally, fade out the lure so that you pointing back above your rat's head cues them to walk backwards on their hind legs. Do this by moving your hand less and less towards your rat each time you practice this trick, until just pointing back cues them to backup.
Finally, fade out the lure so that you pointing back above your rat's head cues them to walk backwards on their hind legs. Do this by moving your hand less and less towards your rat each time you practice this trick, until just pointing back cues them to backup.
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