Wayne and Jalene, the steps you gave for litter box training were pretty
sound except for some details.  Your step #2 involved rubbing Zonker's nose
in the "dirt."  Please don't do that.  He can't relate the nose rubbing with
it being in the wrong spot, and with the time lag added, it is totally
unconnected.  All you are teaching is that sometimes when he gets picked up,
something disgusting happens.  The likely result is that he may learn to
avoid being picked up.  I can assure you that in no way will rubbing his
nose in hours old sh*t teach him to use a litter pan.
 
The same problem happens with caging him the next day for an indiscretion
today.  All animals (even people) learn better the more immediate the
feedback.  He has no idea why he is being caged a day after he misses.
Imagine if you got stopped today (while driving perfectly) for a traffic
infraction you did a month ago.  You might not even remember it, and the
ticket (punishment) would not have anything to with the infraction.  Most
likely you would just get mad.  You even have the advantage in that the cop
could explain what he is stopping you for.   Rewarding Zonker for a good day
also conveys no meaning to the ferret for the same reason.  He has no way of
knowing why he is getting a reward for such an abstract event (being "good"
for the day).  You can't reward an animal for a non-event.  If you can't
correct or reward while the ferret is in the act or within seconds, the
opportunity is lost and you just have to be more vigilant.  This is one of
the drawbacks of anthropomorphism, thinking animals can think abstractly or
connect events by logic rather than time.  It doesn't happen and that has
been proven extensively.
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bill & Judy, I supplied much of the info on vets in MA and can give you some
specific guidance if you'd like.  Some treat only sick ferrets (no
vaccinations) and one, Dr. Jay Gould, has left the Westboro clinic (Pam
Grant, that should now be removed).  You do need to deal with specific vets,
not the hospital/clinic.  E-mail me at [log in to unmask] if you'd
like.  PS -  Did you ask this via Carrie Shelly several months ago (are you
in Worcester)?  As long as MA is an FFZ, certs. for vax. have no meaning,
wherever they are from.  They just prevent disease, and that is enough.
--
  ( )--(a)
   (@=@=) \     Till next time.......Rudy the ferlosopher
   O__)  \ \___
      \   \
      /\ * )  \
[Posted in FML issue 1268]