How to Train a Rat to Jump

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Rat treats

Step 1:
Sit on the floor and spread your legs into a V-shape.
Step 2:
Place your rat on one leg and hold a treat in your hand on the opposite side.
Step 3:
Wave the treat around so your rat knows it's over there and then tell him to jump.
Step 4:
Reward him immediately with the treat as soon as he jumps to get the treat.
Step 5:
Repeat Steps 1 through 4 until he gets bored.
Step 6:
Continue to train your rat frequently to jump. As he becomes more efficient at listening to your command and jumping, reward him with treats less frequently, such as after every two or three jumps. Soon he will be jumping on verbal command.

Tips & Warnings

Always focus on positive reinforcement when you train your pet rat to jump and give him praise and treats when he does something right.
Rats have short attention spans so keep your pet's attention with a variety of treats to keep him motivated.
Practice several times a week even after he has learned the trick. Your rat will likely forget the trick if you're not consistent with training and regular practice.
Never push your pet to participate when you are training your rat to jump on command or you will both become frustrated. Follow your rat's lead and only practice when he is interested.

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