Training can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are a lot of things you can teach your ferret and a lot of things he can teach you. Since ferrets are always wanting to explore, training should be done several times a day for a few minutes at a time.

Litter training is a challenge that is easy for some and hard for others but be patient. When training in the cage space is usually limited to a certain area. Place the box in a corner and put a 'sample' of your ferrets' poop in the corners of it. Then show your ferret the poop in the box.

You can tell when your ferret is going to relieve himself by the backing up motion he may do and the position of his tail. Watch him for a while to learn his poop routine. When you see he is doing this, put him in the litter box and give him a treat if he uses the box correctly. Use this same method out of the cage as well, but let him pick the corners he prefers to use.

• Don't be fooled! Some ferrets fake poop to get a treat or to be let out to play. Make sure there is something in the box before giving the reward.
• You can also use training pads, newspaper or some other improvised tool to save your carpet. Just tape the paper down securely (duct tape) so your ferret doesn't think it's there for his amusement.
• Vinegar, lemon juice and stain remover can be used to get rid of the odour of a marked corner.

As mentioned before, it's normal for a young kit to gnaw on you a bit. But he must be taught that biting is a no no. Use pet repellent on whatever he is biting-hands, feet etc. (Be sure not to have this on your hands when giving treats though. His treat might end up tasting bitter and he might leave YOU a treat in a corner later.)

• Tell him 'NO!' in a loud firm voice.
• Flick his nose, not too hard, or snap your fingers in front of his face and give the 'NO!' command.
• Reward him with a treat when he responds. (This can be used to associate good stuff when given as he is being picked up. If he bites when ever being picked up.)

What isn't a toy to a ferret??? In the ferrets opinion.

Baby safe toys are ok for your pet. Ferret toys can be found at your pet store or in catalogues. Anything that can't be pulled apart should be safe for your ferret.

If you do give your ferrets rubber toys please keep a close eye on the condition of the toy daily and throw it out at the first sign of pieces coming off. It is a good idea to take any rubber toy out of the cage when not supervising your ferret with it. English rubber toys can be purchased and are safer for your ferret because if your ferret chews off and swallows pieces of the toy, it will be easily digested and pass through your pet safely.

You can find lots of ferret worthy toys around your house.

• A pair of old jeans are great ferret tunnels and can be turned into a sleep sack if you cut the legs off.
• Large paper sacks are always a hit. Plastic ones are acceptable but with supervision.
• Boxes alone or taped together to form mazes are favourite of my ferrets.
• Plastic milk or soda jugs with holes cut out are fun.
• Cut and duct tape large plastic drink bottles to make tubes.
• All types of paper are fun for ferrets. Crinkled computer paper runners are fun in boxes. Just break them up so they aren't in one continuous piece of paper.
• Large PVC pipe (be sure it is Lead Free PVC or it may be toxic to your pet) and dryer hoses are great for tunnels too.
• SOCKS! Ever wonder where your socks disappear to when you wash them? I think it's because there are laundry ferrets that steal them. (Don't put yours in the washer or dryer please....I mean your ferrets 'cause I'm sure your socks need to be washed on occasion!) Ferrets love to steal and play tug of war with them.
• Ping pong balls are great for ferrets to play with. I made a ferret sized play place (like the big ones kids go to with those coloured balls) out of several packs and a box.