How to Teach Rats Tricks

Teaching your rat tricks will be easy with these basic tips. Be patient and make the training fun.

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Small pets need special care. Learn how to tend to your little four-legged friend with these Howcast videos.

You Will Need

  • Rat
  • Quiet training area
  • Clicker
  • Treats
  • Praise
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Commands
  • Gestures
  • Internet access (optional)
  • Pet store (optional)

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Make sure it's quiet

    Make sure it is quiet with no distractions during training time so the rat stays focused.

  2. Step 2

    Train your rat

    Train your rat with a clicker, small treats, and praise. Always give your pet positive reinforcement.

  3. A clicker can be purchased online or at a pet store.

  4. Step 3

    Concentrate on one trick

    Concentrate on teaching the rat 1 trick at a time, and start with something simple, like teaching the rat to come to you when called.

  5. Keep the training sessions between 5 and 10 minutes.

  6. Step 4

    Use same gestures

    Use the same command and gestures when you teach them a new trick, and eventually the rat will start to memorize the tricks.

  7. Step 5

    Start clicking

    Start clicking. When the rat comes toward you, call its name and say "come," then give it a treat and praise.

  8. Step 6

    Remember key components

    Remember that repetition, consistency, and patience are the key components to train your pet. Practice makes perfect.

  9. A Hindu temple in India holds tribute to the rat goddess Karmi Mata and is home to 20,000 rats.

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