>thanx for the info. sound like a really good method. I'm going to >need a lot of restraint not to use their name when they do bad >stuff... hmmn... wonder if a name that is only used when they are >bad would make them run away and hide when you used it... > >now, do you have a foolproof litter training technique to share? Hi Selina, Thanks for writing. In terms of what word to use when they are misbehaving - the gold standard amongst animal trainers is a simple "NO". State it firmly and emphatically (not shouting). That is all that is required. They will get the message clearly since it is almost impossible to say "NO" in a way that is not clearly understood that you aren't happy. Also it needs to be said almost immediately when you catch them in the act. If you wait, they will become confused and take it to mean whatever they are engaged in at that moment. If you have already used their names in a disciplinary way, it may be difficult, although not impossible to get them to think of their name as anything more than a "mixed message" you are giving them. In which case you may have to change their names. You could use a derivative of the name. For example, if the name you've given one is "Horatio" and you've already used it when annoyed, you may consider changing it to "Harry" and only using it in a positive way. The difficulty is that ferrets are extremely intelligent and learn quickly. In other words, if you've already used their names to denote a disciplinary tone, they aren't likely to forget the association. In terms of litter training. I think its important first to acknowledge that ferrets by their very nature, do not consistently use a litter box. The very best we can expect from them is that they use it more often than not. To expect more is not realistic and can cause great frustration not only for you but for your fuzzy. I recall a piece of wisdom I came across sometime ago about ferrets and litter training and I believe its true. And that is, if your ferret isn't using the litter box at all - you either have it in the wrong place, have the wrong kind of litter, or its the wrong kind of litter box for your particular fuzzy. It takes patience and experimentation to find the right combination, but be assured there will be one. I think the key to teaching/training ferrets anything is to work with their basic instincts and nature. To do otherwise will be a constant source of aggravation and frustration and will alienate you from your beloved fuzzy. I hear lots of complaints about ferrets being stubborn and even I have said that. The truth is that its not that they are stubborn as much as it is that we demand them to conform to our 'human' ways, even when its contrary to their very 'ferret' natures. I think practicing more acceptance and working on realistic expectations will go a long way toward nurturing a loving relationship with these amazing animal companions. I am going to copy this reply to the FML in the hopes that it may be of some value to other group members. Sincerely, Tressie [Posted in FML 5773]