My ferrets are trained to come to a certain squeaky toy that is used only
for that purpose.  They're very good at coming when it's time for bed or
treat time (I trained them with Ferretone).
 
I decided to see what would happen if Cal was outside in new territory.  I
took him to a local park, chose a large open space in shadow (it's been very
hot here lately), hooked him up to his harness and leash and opened the
carrier door.  I wanted to see if he'd return if I squeaked for him.
 
Well, it took longer than I expected for him to warm up to snorking through
6-8" high grass, but this is what I found:
 
If he's within 6 feet of me and I squeak, he comes right to me.  Farther
away, and he doesn't seem able to figure out where the squeak is coming
from.  I suspect this ferret doesn't see too well, because he was obviously
looking, but having a real problem finding me.  If he's about 15' away and
snorkling, not only did he increase the rate of movement, but he completely
ignored the squeaks and me calling him.
 
I guess that tells me what would happen if he got out!  He seemed determined
to go through the little patch of woods to the backyard of a house adjacent
to the park -- someone was mowing his lawn!  Eeeek.  God help Cal if he ever
gets out; he'll likely run right under a lawn mower!  O_O After his first
high-speed snorkle towards the woods, I caught up with him and held onto the
leash.
 
He wandered around very randomly, backtracking, crossing his own path (the
grass was long enough that he made little tracks) and was strongly attracted
to the stinky sewer cover.
 
--Barb--
[Posted in FML issue 2349]