Hi all,
 
I am looking for a poster or wall hanging showing all of the major ferret
color patterns.  Any suggestion on where to look?
 
Training tips;
 
I have been reading about the ways people train their ferrets not to nip or
bite.  In this day and age, of "Time outs" and "Positive Reinforcement",
why would anyone advise "thumping the ferret on the nose" or "blowing in
the ferrets face" as acceptable methods of training them not to bite.  I
have been taught since I was a child, that you never hit an animal in the
face...it only makes them "mean" and more fearful of a human hand coming
towards their face.  So, in that case, why would one condone hitting or
"thumping" a small delicate ferret in the nose, which is one of their most
sensitive sensory organs??  As far as "blowing in their face" goes, before
I was taught that lesson by my parents, I was informed by a neighborhood
German Shepard, that it was not a preferred method of play or training.
I almost got my face bit off by the annoyed dog.  Can't say I blame him,
as he was otherwise a friendly and playful dog.
 
I know that the AFA also condones "thumping" ferrets as an acceptable
method of nip/bite training, as stated in their membership materials, and
I guess I'll just have to disagree with them on that point, while still
thinking of them as a great ferret organization.
 
Just my opinion, flame away!!
 
Jim K
[Posted in FML issue 3754]