Soccer
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Props:
Recommended Pre-Requisite:
If your rat already knows how to nose-push a ball then teaching them soccer will be much easier. If you would like help teaching them this trick then you can click on the button below: |
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Step 1:
Start by rewarding your rat for any interaction with the ball (rub a treat on it if necessary). Once they get the right idea you will want to switch over to only rewarding them for pawing the ball (withhold the treat until they try pawing it). Do not reward them for trying to bite or pick up the ball. Only move on to the next step when your rat is rolling the ball with their paws a bit each time.
Start by rewarding your rat for any interaction with the ball (rub a treat on it if necessary). Once they get the right idea you will want to switch over to only rewarding them for pawing the ball (withhold the treat until they try pawing it). Do not reward them for trying to bite or pick up the ball. Only move on to the next step when your rat is rolling the ball with their paws a bit each time.
Step 2:
Start to require that your rat roll the ball more and more before rewarding them.
Start to require that your rat roll the ball more and more before rewarding them.
Step 3:
Now place your ball in front of your goal. Show your rat the ball, and reward them for pushing it into the net. If they miss, place the ball even closer to the net and have them try again.
Now place your ball in front of your goal. Show your rat the ball, and reward them for pushing it into the net. If they miss, place the ball even closer to the net and have them try again.
Step 4:
Begin to increase the distance your rat must push the ball in order for it to go into the net. If your rat misses the net, don't reward them. Instead, have them try again with the ball closer to the goal.
Begin to increase the distance your rat must push the ball in order for it to go into the net. If your rat misses the net, don't reward them. Instead, have them try again with the ball closer to the goal.
Step 6:
Once your rat is almost always making a goal, start placing the goal or ball at new angles, so that your rat must figure out how to maneuver the ball into it.
Once your rat is almost always making a goal, start placing the goal or ball at new angles, so that your rat must figure out how to maneuver the ball into it.
Optional
You can now teach another rat to play soccer, and have them play a one on one rat soccer match!
You can now teach another rat to play soccer, and have them play a one on one rat soccer match!
Vieeo Tutorial:
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