If you try to train multiple ferrets at once, it’s unlikely that they’ll learn anything. They’ll be too busy playing around and distracting one another.
You could use another command if you prefer. For example, say the animal’s name, or just call out the word “treats!”
If the ferret goes for the treat before you say, “Come” then try hiding the treat in your hand and say “Come” and show the treat. Try saying the word “Come” whenever your ferret moves toward you on its own, and then reward it. This helps them learn that “Come” action comes with a reward.
Once the ferret comes every time you call, you can gradually phase out the use of treats.
While the ferret perches, speak to it in a kind, encouraging tone.
Even if the ferret does jump down, never strike the animal or shout at it out of anger.
At this point, you can freely walk around your home with the ferret on your shoulder.
Make sure that the treat isn’t too high or else the ferret might jump to get it.
If you don’t give the ferret the treat right away, it will either jump up and snatch the treat from your fingers or lose interest altogether, neither of which will help with its training.
In a few weeks or a couple months, your ferret will be well trained and will sit down when you give it the verbal command with or without a treat.
If the ferret hunches its back and scoots its rear end forward to reach the treat, keep moving the treat backward away from the ferret until it stretches itself out flat to reach the treat.
Don’t try to put the treat directly into the ferret’s mouth, or it could accidentally bite the tips of your fingers.
If you try to keep training the ferret for much longer than 20 minutes, you’ll exhaust its patience and it will stop listening.
Practice this 8-10 times in a row, always giving the ferret the treat once it’s on its back.
Remember to give your ferret verbal praise when it completes a roll-over. Say “good job!” in an encouraging tone of voice.
Once it’s learned to roll on command, try pairing this with a couple of other tricks. For example, ask the ferret to sit, lie down, and then roll over.
