In the wild, the hamster leads an organized life and can not only dig holes, but also sort grain by type in its pantries. At home, the rodent quickly gets used to the cage; it can run up stairs, spin a wheel and build a nest. All of these signs indicate that hamsters are trainable.
Let's find out how to help your pet quickly master simple and complex tricks.
What tricks can a hamster do?
When planning a hamster's training schedule, you should not include the ability to give a paw, run after a stick, or jump over a barrier. A hamster's brain is much smaller than that of a dog, cat or guinea pig. It is unlikely that he will master skills that are so different from his usual activities.
You shouldn’t underestimate the intelligence of animals either. A well-known expert in the rules of training, Karen Pryor, even got chickens to dance movements at a certain signal. The method of positive reinforcement works with any creature, from humans to hamsters.
It’s not difficult to figure out how to train a Syrian or Djungarian hamster, the main thing is your own knowledge and discipline.
Features of accustoming different species to hands
When buying a hamster, you should pay attention to its breed, since the duration of hand training depends on this.
Dzungarian
“Dzhungariki” are considered the calmest and friendliest, so they easily make contact and quickly get used to the owner. They are more intelligent and intelligent than other species, which makes the training process easier.
Dzungarik in your warm palm shows curiosity about surrounding objects.
Syrian
Syrian hamsters are slow and large in size. The taming process takes longer, but with a good attitude, the pet will willingly go into your arms.
Other types
Campbell's and Roborovsky's hamsters, unlike the "Djungarians" and "Syrians", have a difficult temperament and can be aggressive. You will have to be patient with them, as they are difficult to tame.
How to achieve success in training?
- Age. For successful training, the age when the animal is most receptive to learning new skills is important. You can start training when the hamster is two weeks old. The most favorable age for training is up to 3 months. After three months, the hamster develops a behavioral pattern. It doesn’t matter whether it’s Dzungarian or Syrian, he will perceive training as bullying.
- The most suitable time for training is the evening, when the pet is most active, has had a good night's sleep and had a light snack. You need to wait until the hamster gets enough sleep, climbs out of the nest and starts wandering around the cage. A sleepy creature that is forcibly awakened will not be responsive to new demands. You need to be attentive to the state of the animal: during periods of ill health, mating games and pregnancy, the hamster can be nervous and show aggression.
- The trainer must be clean. Unfamiliar smells can distract or frighten a tiny student. Hamsters' sense of smell is well developed; they can easily smell fish, bleach or perfume on the hands and body of the owner.
Creating comfortable conditions for the hamster
Buy a cage that already has a labyrinth that the hamster uses as a burrow or house. Manufacturers take care of the animals' entertainment and equip the enclosure with a running wheel. The cage should have a feeder and drinker.
Be sure to read:
Is it possible to give a hamster a banana?
Buy a walking ball, toys, and a tray for your pet. The room should not be hot or cold, dark or too light. Place your hamster's cage where he will not be disturbed by children or cats.
The right start
It is impossible to teach a hamster difficult tricks if he does not trust his owner. How can you train a hamster at home if it is scared and has nowhere to run? The first and most important thing is to tame your pet. He should not be afraid of the owner, break out, hide and bite.
Calm behavior, careful care, treats, a pleasant smell and a quiet voice will help a person gain trust, and pretty soon the hamster will be willing to be held.
Important: even a small and defenseless baby hamster should not be picked up by force. If an animal bites and runs away, it means it is panicking. Fear destroys contact with the owner. You need to start acquaintance by offering a treat.
Let the animal first come up and eat next to your hand, then steal the treat from the edge of your palm, and gradually climb onto your hand. A trusting relationship between the owner and the pet will be the best stimulant for the animal.
Simple wire cutters
The most primitive device is very similar to ordinary scissors. Only one of its cutting surfaces is equipped with a small notch with a sharp edge. Using such a device is easy, provided you have some skill and experience. For young dogs, nail trimming is always stressful. They do not want to sit quietly, they strive to tear the paw out of the owner’s hands and in every possible way complicate the process. So Litbro.ru will not recommend such a gadget to novice dog breeders. The risk of causing serious physical injury to your pet is too great. Well, for experienced owners who have used similar tools more than once, nothing better can be desired. Cheap and very effective.
Cost – 35 – 72 rubles.
More advanced versions of hand cutters offer expanded functionality.
Although their main part, in the old fashioned way, is based on two cutting surfaces. Service additions imply only human convenience. Models with rounded ends, a container for cut claws and lighting have proven themselves very well. The fact is that some dogs have the habit of looking for clipped ends on the floor and eating them. Sharp, bent cuttings can damage the stomach wall and cause bleeding. A small “waste collection” effectively solves this problem.
Price – 636 rub.
Another gadget from the line of simple nippers has comfortable ergonomic handles that allow you to securely hold the tool while trimming nails.
This is important when the animal gets nervous and breaks out.
We pay attention to one more detail - the expansion spring. It fixes the cutting surfaces in the open state, which makes the operation somewhat easier.
Otherwise, the functions of the device duplicate all the features of its predecessors. To properly shorten claws, you must have the skill and achieve unquestioning obedience from your dog or cat.
Cost – 229.93 rubles.
Simple tricks
Simple tricks are available to almost every animal, the main thing is patience and regular practice.
- Knowing your nickname. One of the most important skills is to recognize your name. If an animal comes when called, it is easy to find. Hamsters often run away and hide, so it is convenient if a hungry traveler crawls out of his hiding place to his owner in the hope of a snack. The hamster's name should be simple and short, easy to remember. You need to pronounce the chosen name as often as possible in a calm voice, especially in moments when the hamster is happy. If they pet him, feed him, and communicate with him, it is much easier for him to remember an unfamiliar word. If you say a name every time food is offered, the smart animal will remember it and will come out when called.
- Run. A hamster can be taught to run in a circle if you offer it food and carefully move a piece of your favorite treat over the hungry animal. After two or three laps, be sure to give him a tasty treat, so he will gradually learn to run laps before feeding again.
- Stand. Hamsters have the ability to stand on their hind legs, so simply teaching them to stand up on command is enough. To do this, you need to hold the treat over the animal. After waiting for him to get up to get his dinner, you need to say the command “Stop!” several times. After several trainings, the hamster will understand what they want from him. It is very important to reinforce successes with treats and praise the animal.
Exit from the cage
This trick is possible if your cage has a door on the side rather than on the top. If it is too high from the exit from the cage to the floor, place a ladder so that the animal does not get injured when it leaves. Place a treat at the base of the ladder. Then repeat the word “walk.” When the hamster leaves the cage, he will immediately stumble upon the treat. Repeat the workout several times. When the animal learns the command, you can no longer use the treat. Although it is worth encouraging him periodically so that the skill is not forgotten. Over time, having heard the command, the trained hamster will rush to the exit even before you open the door.
Advanced tricks
In some cases, it is possible to teach a hamster more complex actions, but a significant part of lazy and cunning animals may refuse to learn.
In this case, there is no need to insist so as not to end up with an aggressive and biting pet.
- Jump! Training for this command is similar to the previous one. By making your hamster jump for a treat, you can gradually accustom him to the “Jump” command. This funny skill can be beneficial for an animal prone to weight gain, but you should still not overuse jumping on command.
- Ugh! Knowing this command can be useful for the hamster. If he doesn’t listen, tries to eat something harmful or climb into something he shouldn’t, he needs to say “Ugh!” and limit his actions.
- Sit on your shoulder. You need to start with shoulder feeding. The owner must remain still and calm at this time. The hamster needs to be placed on your shoulder and held with your hand so that the animal feels safe while it eats. If the animal is uncomfortable, gets nervous and tries to get off, you need to immediately return it to the nest, as the most comfortable place for it. Over time, the hamster will begin to willingly climb onto your shoulder.
- Coup. If you put a flat slice of apple on the animal’s back, it will first have to roll over onto its back and then stand up on its paws. Sometimes it is possible to consolidate this trick with an animal.
- Hoop and barrier. A jumping jungarik can be taught to jump through a hoop. A hamster jumping circle approximately 5 cm in diameter is secured in front of the desired treat. The height should be about one cm, otherwise the cunning animal will simply crawl under the hoop. In the same way, you can teach the animal to jump over a small obstacle with the command “Barrier”. The Syrian hamster jumps low. If he does not show a tendency to jump, it is better to offer him another activity.
Care
Frequent illnesses
The most common problem with Djungarian hamsters is injuries that the animal can receive when falling. When injured, you may notice that the hamster's paw is twisted or turned at an unnatural angle. From pain, the animal can fall into a state of shock: it is motionless and does not react to what is happening. An injury is a reason to take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible. Treatment depends on the condition of the animal and the severity of the injury.
Susceptible to respiratory viral infections. Infection is indicated by:
- decreased activity;
- sneeze;
- loss of appetite.
There is no special treatment for viral diseases in Djungarian hamsters. It is recommended to provide your pet with vitamin supplements and high-quality food to strengthen his body’s immune defense and speed up recovery.
Conjunctivitis
If your hamster cannot open his eyes and there is a small amount of pus on his eyelids, he may have developed conjunctivitis. It is recommended to treat conjunctivitis by washing the animal’s eyes with a weak saline solution. In order not to make a mistake in the concentration, you can buy saline solution with a sodium chloride concentration of 0.9% at the pharmacy.
Cataract
Cloudiness of the pupil indicates cataracts. This disease usually develops in older individuals. It is impossible to cure cataracts.
Long teeth
Refusal to eat may indicate a dental injury or that too long teeth are preventing you from eating. In such cases, the teeth should be straightened by contacting a veterinarian. To prevent excessive growth of incisors, you should constantly keep a chalk stone in the cage.
Dermatophytosis
Peeling skin and hair loss are a sign of eczema or dermatophytosis. Problems with the skin indicate either stress or the presence of an allergen in the cell. Treatment of eczema and dermatophytosis is carried out by a veterinarian.
Parasites
If your hamster is constantly itching, restless, and has red dots visible on its skin, it most likely has parasites (lice or fleas). On sale you can find many products designed to combat skin parasites in rodents. A veterinarian will help you choose the safest one for your animal.
Refusal to eat, diarrhea, and loud bowel movements are symptoms of an intestinal infection. They can be cured with antibiotics.
How to properly care?
It is enough to provide him with everything he needs (a spacious cage, food, a drinking bowl with fresh water). There are some subtleties that will allow you to create optimal conditions for the animal. In order for the pet to quickly get used to the owner, it is recommended:
- talk to the animal in a quiet, calm voice;
- pick up the hamster delicately and gently, supporting it under the front paws;
- before touching the animal, give it the opportunity to sniff your hand: this way the animal will quickly get used to the owner’s smell.
It is important to clean the cage regularly. This should be done once every 7-10 days
The hamster is placed in a small carrier cage or cardboard box with holes for ventilation. The old filler is removed and replaced with a new one, leaving a small amount (to make the animal feel more comfortable). Once every 4 weeks it is necessary to wash the cage or aquarium with warm water and laundry soap.
How not to care
To avoid harming your hamster, you should:
- bathe your pet in soap and water. The hamster can handle cleaning its fur on its own. You can buy special sand for him for bathing guinea pigs. Sand is poured into the bathing suit and placed in the cage. After some time, the hamster begins to wallow in the sand and clean its skin;
- buy a “comrade”. Hamsters do not tolerate rivals and defend their territory. They only need a partner for reproduction; the rest of the time, dzhungarikas feel great alone. If the need to house two hamsters in one cage is great, you must first divide the cage into two halves using a partition. The partition can be removed only when the animals get used to each other and do not show signs of aggression;
- leave the hamster on a high surface. Rodents are lowland animals and do not understand what height is and its dangers. Dzungarik may fall and be seriously injured and even die.
In order for your hamster to quickly get used to it and trust its owners, you should not:
- make sudden movements near the animal;
- scream near the cage, play loud music;
- pick up a sleeping or recently awakened animal. This can frighten the hamster so much that it bites the owner, which is quite painful;
- roughly take an animal by the withers to lift it.
Learning more complex commands
More complex tricks include the commands “Ugh!”, “Find!”, “Jump!”.
To teach your pet to jump on command, you need to smoothly raise and lower the treat over his head, repeating the word.
When your pet does the wrong thing, bites or hisses, repeat the command “Ugh!” This trick needs to be constantly practiced.
To teach the command “Find!” we need a labyrinth. Place your rodent's favorite treat in it and send him looking for food. The command must be repeated constantly.
You can teach your pet to go through an obstacle course. Place ladders, cubes, and various pipes on his way. Move your hand with a piece of food in front of the hamster, and it will move along the desired trajectory. Over time, add obstacles, making it more difficult to pass the lane.
Article on the topic: Why the hamster does not sleep in the house or does not leave it, how to calm the hamster at night
Another interesting trick is lifting the barbell. It can be made from a straw, placing carrot pieces on the sides. The appetizing smell and your command will make your pet lift the barbell with his mouth.
A hamster can be taught to sit on your shoulder if it can sit on your palm. Bend one arm at the elbow, placing your favorite jungarik delicacy in the other. Place a piece on your shoulder and entice the rodent. He will climb up your hand to eat the treat. When the pet quickly performs this action, lure it with food, but do not leave it on your shoulder.
Some breeds of hamsters are very jumpy, so they can be trained to jump through hoops. It is better to use a hoop with a diameter of 7–10 cm, placing it a centimeter from the floor. The ring should separate the animal and the piece of food. This trick must be repeated daily.
If your pet easily performs tricks, combine them into one performance.
A trained hamster is quite a funny sight, but it takes a lot of time to train. Training must be done daily, repeating tricks periodically. Don't forget to praise your rodent, encourage him with kind words and encourage him with his favorite treat. Only by being patient can you achieve results.
Errors
It is important to eliminate errors so that possible problems are avoided. If you get too carried away with upbringing, you can discourage the animal from wanting to learn and make contact. Training a hamster is possible only within the framework of mutual joyful communication, otherwise contact can be lost forever.
You shouldn't punish your hamster, it won't help. A long hunger strike, and even more so physical punishment, will scare away your pet.
Strangers, animals, and strong odors can frighten the hamster and distract him from his activities.
Raising your voice at an animal is unacceptable.
Feeding your hamster to capacity before training is a big mistake. The animal will become sleepy and lose incentive to work.
You should not demand a higher education diploma from your furry pet. If you use training elements for pleasant communication with the animal, listen to its mood and do not frighten it, the hamster will probably master several tricks. Trained pets bring a lot of positive emotions, so it's worth exploring the talents of your furry friend.
