I have found the best way to walk a ferret is to approach it from the other
way round.  They are walking you!  I suddenly realised one day that all I
was saying was "Come on ferts."  As soon as I relaxed and realised the walk
was their benefit, it all clicked into place.  (Of course with Tally, I
usually walk round and round in circles but it's fun.) As regards sidewalk
walking, they will quite happily run along beside a wall.  Hope that helps!
 
Luv Susan, Tally, Bailey and Fane
[Posted in FML issue 3005]