Garth: First off, I am by no means a ferret expert. I have been owned by one for less than 6 months, so I reverted to dog training. Simply: Drop them in the nearest box every hour ON THE HOUR and give 'em linetone (or whatever) while they're in the box. With puppies, you set the oven timer and take 'em outside. Ferrets, being smarter (or more stubborn?) than dogs, seem to want more than a pat. I have succeeded, over the last 2+ months, in training Monster to 'fake' very well. When she decides she wants a treat, she goes in the box and fakes. If I've just cleaned the box, she lucks out and has to produce. However, we've been accident-free for a while now. BTW - she will also appear in front of me and start backing up. Maybe she thinks I won't notice her in the box, and she won't get the treat? Silly as it may be, a 'code phrase' (like - "gotta poop", rising up at the end, in excitement, not like a question) has proven helpful (This derived from an experience with race horses that were trained to produce a urine sample when you snapped your fingers near their rear. Amazing the things you pick up over the years, aye?). Speaking from experience, don't do this when you are talking on the phone to someone you want to impress! My friend Alex did find it very amusing, however! Good luck - it does take a lot of patience, and you do have to follow them around immediately after they get up! Megan and Monster ** Monster - "Hey - get over here with that bottle - I don't _CARE_ if Star trek is on!" [Posted in FML issue 1496]