Q&A for How to Train Your Rat to Do Tricks

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Are rats hard to train?

Brian Starr
Rat Specialist & Breeder
Brian Starr is a Rat Specialist and Breeder and the Owner of OC Dumbos out of Central Florida. As America’s only breeder of pet Roof Rats, Brian and OC Dumbos specialize in rat breeding, training, and care. Years of experience and several generations of careful breeding have allowed Brian and OC Dumbos to create a line of tame Roof Rats, bred to make friendly, fun pets. In addition to offering rat accessories and training resources, OC Dumbos also offers free Roof Rat adoptions.

Brian Starr

Rat Specialist & Breeder

Expert Answer

No, they're easy to train. Rats are very smart. They can climb, they can run around, they can stand and walk on their hind legs. Whatever you think a puppy could do, a rat can do too, and they also have little hands instead of paws, so they can actually hold things like a little human. You've got a lot of options.

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Question

My friend broke my rat's back with an exercise ball, and now my rat has a “bad back”. How can I ease his pain?

Jaime Nalezny, DVM
Exotic Animal Veterinarian
Dr. Jaime Nalezny is an exotic animal veterinarian with over 15 years of experience, focusing on the care of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and exotic small mammals. Dr. Nalezny founded The Iguana Relocation Network and is on the board of directors for Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services. She graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.

Jaime Nalezny, DVM

Exotic Animal Veterinarian

Expert Answer

There are multiple medications that can help to relieve your rat's back pain. Find a veterinarian near you to help you, such as by visiting the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarian's website.

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Question

Why does it say at the top to buy an exercise ball and then halfway through it says never to buy an exercise ball?

Community Answer

Maybe this article was written by two different people, but you definitely shouldn't buy an exercise ball, it's bad for their backs

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Question

How do I convince my parents to get me a rat?

Pugglcious

Community Answer

Do research on rats. Tell your parents all the good things about having a pet rat. You can also do some more chores for your parents and if you already have a pet, then you can take care of it. Don't beg and whine. Work on showing then that you are responsible.

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Question

What are some treat ideas for rats besides vegetables? I already give my rat too many of those.

Community Answer

Cheerios and Rice Krispies work well. Just don't overfeed.

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Question

How long does it take to teach a rat to come to its name?

Community Answer

It depends on how often you train the rat, how long you train the rat and whether or not it likes the treat/reward that makes it come.

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Question

What are good treats to give rats?

Caitlin Chicken

Community Answer

Various fruits and vegetables can be good for rats, as most rats like them and they are healthy.

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Question

How do I get my rat to stop nibbling?

Community Answer

Try making a squeaking noise when she nibbles. Your rat might see this squeaking as a way of saying "Stop" or "Be more gentle."

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Question

How can I get my pet rat used to being away from his brother?

Community Answer

Try to give him treats when he's away from his brother, and keep him entertained. At first, maybe only keep them apart for short periods of time, but increase the time apart if he gets better.

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Question

Were should I go to get a rat?

Community Answer

The best place is from a responsible breeder. It's also good to rescue them from shelters, the pet store should be the last option.

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Question

How can I make my rat go somewhere specific?

Charlie

Community Answer

Put some of the rodent's favorite treats in a trail to where you want him to go.

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Question

My rat had a sister who eventually passed away, and now she fights or hurts all other rats I put her with. She seems lonely. What should I do?

Community Answer

I have a pet rat EXACTLY like that. She lost her sister and she hurts all other rats I put her with. I suggest getting another cage for a new rat and putting their cages about 3 inches apart so they can smell each other. Then start switching their food bowls, hammocks, and toys about every week. Then introduce them to each other. If they show any signs of aggression, then separate them. Check out the article on How to Introduce a New Pet Rat to Another Rat .

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Question

I have a rat that was bred for feeding larger animals, not to be a pet. Will this affect the care or lifespan of the rat?

Community Answer

Yes. Birth always affects lifespan. The care of the rat will not be affected.

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Question

What are good treats for rats.

Community Answer

There are many options. You could try mixed baby cereal, dog biscuits, soy milk, fish sticks, cooked rice and pasta and cultured yogurt, among other things.

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Question

What is the best trick to start off with?

Community Answer

Teach it to come. If you've had your rat for a while, this is pretty automatic. Hold a treat in your hand, and place your rat a foot away. When your rat runs to you, say "Come" and give it the treat. Gradually place your rat farther and farther away. Soon your rat will be trained to come on command!

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Question

My rats are around eight months old, and don't like to listen. How can I get them to pay more attention?

Community Answer

Not all rats are easily trainable. Say their names and hold treats in your hand. If they respond, then give it to them.

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Question

Would it be alright to travel with a well-trained rat?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as you don't break any laws and don't take him anywhere where pets are not allowed.

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Question

How do I exercise my rat without her escaping without using an exercise ball?

Community Answer

Does she like running on the wheel? Training? You could even create an "fenced" area on your floor with books or cardboard and let her run around in that.

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Question

What should I put in my rat's training area?

Community Answer

Keep the training area open and spacey, with minimal objects to minimize distractions.

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Question

I only want to get one rat. How would I make sure it's happy?

Community Answer

Keep your rat fed and hydrated. Check the food and water at least twice a day. Keep the cage clean, maintain a safe temperature, watch for signs of illness and if you see any take your pet to a veterinarian.

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Question

What if my rat doesn't want to eat in public? This makes it really hard to teach it a trick.

Community Answer

Not all rats like to be trained. Take a break and try again in a while, but keep in mind that this particular rat may not cooperate.

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Question

What if my rat is shy? How do I help it?

Community Answer

Bring treats near your rat and hold them out. Have the rat come to you. There are many great articles that could help you besides this one, try How to Bond With Your Pet Rat and How to Tame a Rat .

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Question

Can I do some of the tricks with pet mice on just a table?

Somethinz

Community Answer

Yes. You can teach mice to do tricks, it just takes some practice.

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Question

Is it easier to train a rat or a degu?

Somethinz

Community Answer

A rat and a degu are both very intelligent. If you are considering buying one, do not pick one based on which one is smarter or easier to train. Pick one based on what fits your lifestyle best.

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Question

When should I start training my rat?

Community Answer

The sooner the better; rats, like most animals (including humans) learn best when young.

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Question

Should I train my rats together, or leave one in its cage while I train the other?

Community Answer

Train each rat separately so they don't distract each other or become confused.

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Question

Dob I have to have a treat?

Community Answer

No, you can just give them cuddles after they have done a trick, but treats do help!

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Question

Can I train my degu in the same way?

Community Answer

You can train it to pee in a litter box, and it can do tricks like standing up. So basically, yes, you can train them in the same way because they're both very smart.

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Question

Can I teach a rat to dive underwater to get a treat?

Community Answer

No, a rat isn't going to be able to swim underneath the water to retrieve anything.

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Question

Can I teach mice to do these same tricks?

Community Answer

Yes you can teach mice tricks, although they aren't as smart as rats and will require a lot more training.

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