Can I trick train my new baby?
I've always wanted a hedgehog but was never in the right place in my life to have one until now. I met my future baby today and put down a deposit. I've been trying to research and learn everything I can before I bring my little guy home. I feel like I've gotten a pretty good handle on care basics, have my cage mostly set up and the rest of supplies will arrive before my little one is ready to come home. I'm going to call him Jawn (John, with a British accent).
I was super impressed with the breeder's babies. There were only two in the litter and they were super friendly and mellow. The other had been claimed already and I only got a chance at one because someone backed out of their deposit. At five weeks old they'd been extensively handled and desensitized to noises (probably because the breeder has three...boisterous todlers). My little guy never curled into a ball, and relaxed his quills almost immediately and seemed to enjoy trying to climb into my pocket of my coat. Screaming, running, wiggly children didn't seem to phase them at all. For all his relaxed demeanor he was super alert and curious- I hope his personality stays as fun as he grows up. I hung out for about a half hour with him and he declined following his mother and brother around in favor of checking between my fingers for treats.
The one thing that I haven't been able to find much info on is trick training these guys. I had rats years ago and I enjoyed teaching them simple tricks, like coming to their names and sitting on command. I asked the breeder if they could learn their names and he said he'd never really tried to teach one it's name. I realize that due to anatomy it will most likely be harder for them to do tricks, but if I could get him to come when I call him I'd feel accomplished.
I was thinking of clicker training for this, but the only thread I found on a hedgehog forum said that most were too scared of the noise. I'm thinking that the clicker might not be too scary to this little guy with his background. Has anyone tried to clicker train their hedgehogs? Does anyone have a favorite clicker training treat for hedgehogs?
One of the baby pics under the cut
His mask looked a bit darker in person. I can't wait for him to be old enough to come home!
I was super impressed with the breeder's babies. There were only two in the litter and they were super friendly and mellow. The other had been claimed already and I only got a chance at one because someone backed out of their deposit. At five weeks old they'd been extensively handled and desensitized to noises (probably because the breeder has three...boisterous todlers). My little guy never curled into a ball, and relaxed his quills almost immediately and seemed to enjoy trying to climb into my pocket of my coat. Screaming, running, wiggly children didn't seem to phase them at all. For all his relaxed demeanor he was super alert and curious- I hope his personality stays as fun as he grows up. I hung out for about a half hour with him and he declined following his mother and brother around in favor of checking between my fingers for treats.
The one thing that I haven't been able to find much info on is trick training these guys. I had rats years ago and I enjoyed teaching them simple tricks, like coming to their names and sitting on command. I asked the breeder if they could learn their names and he said he'd never really tried to teach one it's name. I realize that due to anatomy it will most likely be harder for them to do tricks, but if I could get him to come when I call him I'd feel accomplished.
I was thinking of clicker training for this, but the only thread I found on a hedgehog forum said that most were too scared of the noise. I'm thinking that the clicker might not be too scary to this little guy with his background. Has anyone tried to clicker train their hedgehogs? Does anyone have a favorite clicker training treat for hedgehogs?
One of the baby pics under the cut
His mask looked a bit darker in person. I can't wait for him to be old enough to come home!