Backup
Backup can be a fun and versatile trick to teach to any rat! It is also a great basis for more complex tricks down the road, such as wall handstands or backwards weaves, and so its a great beginner trick to train to your rats.
Step 1:
To begin training backup, use a solid treat to lure your rat into standing in front of you. Next, use your other hand to sandwich their head with your index and middle fingers. Your rat will automatically want to back out of this hold. Let them do so, then give them the treat (make sure to bring it to them instead of letting them walk forward to get it, as letting them walk forwards to be rewarded will just confuse them).
To begin training backup, use a solid treat to lure your rat into standing in front of you. Next, use your other hand to sandwich their head with your index and middle fingers. Your rat will automatically want to back out of this hold. Let them do so, then give them the treat (make sure to bring it to them instead of letting them walk forward to get it, as letting them walk forwards to be rewarded will just confuse them).
Step 2:
Repeat this several times, until just placing your hand over the rat's head immediately gets them to back away.
Repeat this several times, until just placing your hand over the rat's head immediately gets them to back away.
Step 3:
Now begin to move your "finger sandwich" down the rat's body. Start by moving to their scruff, then their back, then their rump, and so on until you reach their tail base.
Now begin to move your "finger sandwich" down the rat's body. Start by moving to their scruff, then their back, then their rump, and so on until you reach their tail base.
Step 4:
At this point, your rat should realize that when you place your first hand down with a treat pinched between your fingers, that is their cue to back up. So now you will want to place your fingers down without the second hand sandwiching the rat. If they back up (even if its just a step or so), hand them the treat. If they don't backup, repeat the previous step some more and then try again.
At this point, your rat should realize that when you place your first hand down with a treat pinched between your fingers, that is their cue to back up. So now you will want to place your fingers down without the second hand sandwiching the rat. If they back up (even if its just a step or so), hand them the treat. If they don't backup, repeat the previous step some more and then try again.
Step 5:
Gradually build this up until your rat can backup several steps without hesitation.
Gradually build this up until your rat can backup several steps without hesitation.
Video Tutorial:
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