Wave
Props:
Pre-Requisite:
You must train your rat to paw before training this trick. If you would like
help training your rat to paw, you can find the tutorial on how to do
so by clicking on the button below:
- Platform (I use one of my rats wooden houses)
Pre-Requisite:
You must train your rat to paw before training this trick. If you would like
help training your rat to paw, you can find the tutorial on how to do
so by clicking on the button below:
Step 1:
Start by luring your rat onto the platform. Whenever your rat places all four paws down onto the platform, reward them.
Step 2:
Repeat this several times, each time rewarding your rat for consistently placing all four paws onto the platform.
Repeat this several times, each time rewarding your rat for consistently placing all four paws onto the platform.
Step 3:
Place your finger in front of your rat, cueing them to "give paw". If they stand on their hind legs, withhold the reward, only rewarding them when all four paws are again touching the platform. To complete this step you want your rat to be able to stand with 3 paws on the platform while placing their 4th paw onto your finger when cued.
Place your finger in front of your rat, cueing them to "give paw". If they stand on their hind legs, withhold the reward, only rewarding them when all four paws are again touching the platform. To complete this step you want your rat to be able to stand with 3 paws on the platform while placing their 4th paw onto your finger when cued.
Step 4:
Now begin to place your finger slightly out of reach, so that when your rat goes to place a paw on it, they miss. Click and reward your rat for any attempt at placing their paw on your (out of reach) finger.
Now begin to place your finger slightly out of reach, so that when your rat goes to place a paw on it, they miss. Click and reward your rat for any attempt at placing their paw on your (out of reach) finger.
Step 5:
Now its time to introduce the cue. Begin by placing your finger upright, with your nail facing towards your rat. Move your finger up and down, just outside of your rats reach. Reward them for any attempts at pawing it.
Now its time to introduce the cue. Begin by placing your finger upright, with your nail facing towards your rat. Move your finger up and down, just outside of your rats reach. Reward them for any attempts at pawing it.
Step 6:
Once your rat is clearly starting to understand how to wave, begin to require more than one wave before giving them a treat.
Once your rat is clearly starting to understand how to wave, begin to require more than one wave before giving them a treat.
Step 7:
Continue to gradually increase the number of times you want your rat to wave before giving them a treat.
Continue to gradually increase the number of times you want your rat to wave before giving them a treat.
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