From the October/November 1996 Triangle Ferret Lovers newsletter:
 
How To Train Your Ferret To Come
by Karen Marsh-Lovvorn
 
(condensed version)
 
ttth a little time and persistence, you can train them to come to
your signal.
 
Most ferrets respond to high pitched LOUD sounds, such as those a squeaky
dog toy makes, but many people use other sounds - rattling bags, cans, etc.
I like squeaky toys because the sound carries a long way, even outdoors.
 
1.   Buy the loudest "squeaky" you can find. (WARNING:  Avoid toys
with protruding parts or external "squeakers." Toys should be made of
relatively sturdy plastic or rubber and taken away from the ferrets at the
first sign of chewing damage).
 
2.  Introduce them to the toy by squeaking it near them.  Most will come to
investigate, but even if they don't, allow them to sniff it (they will
probably try to drag it off!) and IMMEDIATELY give them a treat.  Do that a
few times, then let them down to play.
 
3.  Continue to call them with the toy at random intervals over the next few
days, and give them treats each time.  Eventually, they'll begin to come to
you every time they hear the squeak since they associate it (and you) with
treats.  They won't learn all at once, but you should have good results
within a few days.
 
Note: If you use the squeaky ONLY when you want to put them up for the
evening, they'll begin to associate it with a negative thing (being put to
bed), so use it frequently for any reason, or no reason at all.  As long as
you reward them each time, they won't mind!
 
+++++++
 
Shari Gunter
Newsletter Editor
Triangle Ferret Lovers club, NC
http://www.trifl.org
 
[Posted in FML issue 2215]