The Problem Rat: Bites People -- PART 3

Well, I guess I better tell you now that Level 1 was not the riskiest part of this practice. Now, the gloves come off. But you're too far in to quit, so stop griping about how I tricked you and let's move on.

LEVEL 2: Use your judgement: If you feel it's time to give the rat some trust, take one glove off. Now during the sessions, hold onto him with one gloved hand and scratch him with the bare hand (outside of his "biting zone" of course). Keep the spare glove propped up close by in case you have to slip it right on. You might do this for another week.

At this level, everytime you visit him, start giving him a nice treat: a piece of chocolate or something else wonderful. More and more now you want him to start looking forward to your visits.

LEVEL 3: Both gloves come off. Look, you're gonna have to start trusting each other sometime, so you go first and set a nice example.

At this stage, you are going to start to give the rat back some of his independence and self-determination -- build his self esteem. The final goal is a happy rat with an inquisitive, exploring, independent spirit who likes you a lot. So maybe here, you'll start allowing him to walk away from you for a few minutes. Then gently bring him back again. At this stage, he is learning more and more: "Oh, when I behave, I am rewarded with the freedom to do what I want. If I don't behave, I get restricted."

I believe level 3 is where you most risk a bite. For some of the session, he's enjoying exploring the bathroom -- and his own freedom -- and when you grab him to bring him back to you, he may try to nail you. Just keep the gloves propped up close by and slip them back on whenever you feel you need to. If the rat starts to get too self-assured, put the gloves back on and give him another Forced Socialization Session like in Level 1. It's a gentle reminder that you are Alpha: rats naturally understand this very well and it helps them grok their own role and what is expected of them. In the end, teaching them these boundaries is very reassuring to them. But please keep in mind, that rat's going to be testing his trust for you, just as you will be doing for him: allow each other some mistakes.

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