Nose Target
Props:
- Target stick (I made mine by sticking an unsharpened pencil into a cork!)
Teaching a rat to nose target is a great way to set them up for future success! Nose targeting can be used to teach anything from agility to painting, and it is a good way to set up a means of communication between you and your rat.
You can also find out how to teach your rat an alternative version of targeting with their paw here.
You can also find out how to teach your rat an alternative version of targeting with their paw here.
Step 1:
To start, place the target in front of your rat. Rats, being curious animals, will usually investigate this new object right away. If your rat does so, immediately give them a treat.
To start, place the target in front of your rat. Rats, being curious animals, will usually investigate this new object right away. If your rat does so, immediately give them a treat.
Step 2:
If they don't, try rubbing a treat on the bottom of your target. This should entice your rat into sniffing it, upon which you should reward them with a treat.
If they don't, try rubbing a treat on the bottom of your target. This should entice your rat into sniffing it, upon which you should reward them with a treat.
Step 3:
Once your rat gets the idea, begin to move the target a step or two away. Only reward your rat once they have walked over to it and touched the target.
Once your rat gets the idea, begin to move the target a step or two away. Only reward your rat once they have walked over to it and touched the target.
Step 4:
Finally, gradually increase the number of steps your rat must walk in order to touch the target.
Finally, gradually increase the number of steps your rat must walk in order to touch the target.
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