rob190364 2,593 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Hey Rob 190364 I am trying a 5 step process. I have achieved steps 1,2 & 3 will post links to video when I get some help with my computer All steps start with Jill leaving her box step 1. Retrieve "bait" from just outside box step 2. Retrieve from 1m poly pipe burrow step 3. Retrieve from large poly pipe maze step 4. Retrieve from disused rabbit warren step 5. Real deal like I said, I have filmed her success from steps 1,2 & 3 and will post soon. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated how do you get it to retrieve in the first place though? by using a lead? both of mine will come when I call them (handy when they pop up on the wrong side of the hedge/fence)....but they definitely wouldn't if they had something in their mouths, they'd just look for somewhere to stash it like all ferrets do. Quote Link to post
seth21 1 Posted February 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Guys, surely teaching a ferret to retrieve is easier than teaching a mouse an obsticle course? labrador retrievers recieve training prior to being worked in the field. Surely a ferret is smarter than a mouse? Quote Link to post
seth21 1 Posted February 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Hey Rob, I used a cage like a skinner box. The cage is attached to the ferret box I intend to use in the field and the ferret has access. The moment I give a treat/mouse I turn the hose/sprinkler on and the only option is to immidiately return to the box with the treat. Only turned the hose on twice. No more reminders necessary, it's just habbit now. I'm posting my early steps at the moment. Will continue filming win, lose or draw Quote Link to post
Col_c88 41 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 that mouse was awesome .. I have never heard of someone training their ferret to retrieve while working (pets maybe).. i wonder if the predetor instict will come out in the ferret though ... anyways good luck in this would like to see the results.. Quote Link to post
Guest cookiemonsterandmerlin Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Good luck but can't see the benefits myself in oz i would be more concerned about the spiders snakes. Than can me ferts retrieve. Atb Cookie Quote Link to post
rob190364 2,593 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Good luck but can't see the benefits myself in oz i would be more concerned about the spiders snakes. Than can me ferts retrieve. Atb Cookie can just picture Seth shitting himself as his ferret is dragging back a feckin scorpion or something to him :laugh: Quote Link to post
seth21 1 Posted February 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 2 videos of early stages: Step 1. Quote Link to post
rob190364 2,593 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 don't want to knock what your doing bud, but ANY ferret will do what you're showing in that vid. They've picked something up and the nearest dark place to take it is the box, it's a simple as that. Do it from 15-20 meters away and I'll be impressed, but my ferrets would both do what you've just done with zero training. One a seperate note....what's with the gloves? shouldn't you teach them not to bite first? 2 Quote Link to post
seth21 1 Posted February 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Please be paitient mate, I'm filming and posting as I go. She currently enters an underground PVC maze and retrieves bait to the top, then enters her box with it. That is coming out of a dark place, into daylight then into box. I'm posting videos with great difficulty so please bare with me. Ps, got gloves on cos I just finished dressing a goat and couldn't blame her if she smelled goat on my hands. Quote Link to post
reddawn 2,173 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 your scared of that ferret pmsl lollol see the way he panicked an dropped the bait when thr fitch got close :laugh: Quote Link to post
Ideation 8,216 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 Interesting this. I don't totally buy into it, but stranger things have been done, so crack on and show us what she can do. Quote Link to post
albert64 1,882 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 carefull jai he dresses goats he'll be trying to sell you and johnny some clothes for your sheep lol 3 Quote Link to post
Jamie m 668 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 (edited) your scared of that ferret pmsl lollol see the way he panicked an dropped the bait when thr fitch got close :laugh: Check out the gloves there defo eu poley handlers gloves them, wonder if he got them off digermad , serious first thing I would be training it to do is be friendly : ) if you want my opinion the reason the ferret is going in the box is because it's scared that's obvious , Edited February 28, 2012 by Jamie m Quote Link to post
The one 8,398 Posted February 28, 2012 Report Share Posted February 28, 2012 I thought it was just taking it into the box to eat it in the peace and quiet . And you certainly jumped when that wee ferret moved towards you :laugh: need to teach you no to be scared of them first before any retrieving Quote Link to post
seth21 1 Posted February 29, 2012 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2012 1 video of early stages of STEP 2 Quote Link to post
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