I have had 8 ferrets over 30 years, and I started them out on a leash at 9 weeks. We take 6-8 block walks every night. But, as you well know, you don't walk a ferret, the ferret walks you, with limitations.
thats kind of true dependign on the ferret! mine follow me like ducklings, not the other way around. makign small steps seems to get my crew going ( i walk 3-7 at once)
@@WillBlueAnimalTraining I can't imagine walking more than one ferret at a time. Of the 8 ferrets I've had over 30 years, I never had much luck walking them during day time hours, as they seemed to enjoy walking more at night when the sun went down. Not sure it's true or not, but I've read they're nocturnal by nature. Also, my female ferrets weren't as adventuresome as my male ferrets.
@@michaelellringer5600 crepuscular, they are awake mostly at dawn and dusk (when their prey is awake). In captivity they seem to wake up when ever I'm around! Ferrets off leash is a 1 at a time thing as safety comes first. But the ability to have any one of them off leash is the mindset, if they happen to slip their harness there is Zero fear, I just call them over ect. Same reason I freeflight train my birds, it's not to show off but if the off chance they escape they need the ability to come back.
@@WillBlueAnimalTraining I had a ferret get off his leash, one time 5 blocks from my house, and amazingly, he found his way back to the house. I've been tempted to let my current ferret out of the house to see what would happen, but I'm too scared to find out. I took my ferret to downtown Tucson Sat. nite, with lots of people everywhere, but no more of that, I don't even walk a half block and someone stops me, wants to take a selfie or video, or just pet my ferret, and it gets too exhausting after awhile.
@@michaelellringer5600 toast escaped her outdoor enclosure 3 times in different ways, always returning home like a cat... I strongly don't advocate for this but it is possible if you have walked them enough for them to know "home". Not worth the risk to leave unattended
There's a halter type that basically escape proof, but they didn't show it in the vid. I was always too nervous to walk them outside until I got it. Wishing I had done it sooner now!
I made the two loop kind of harness from two pieces of Velcro and three keychain rings. My ferret doesn't fight the harness because he understands that it means he gets to go outside and dig in the dirt. The purpose of the harness is to protect him from loose dogs and stupid people in automobiles. When he's back in the apartment, the harness comes off.
I've used the purple design and a variation of the figure 8 style harnesses., using paracord, especially when they're very small and young. I take mine to events with me if possible. I've owned since 2003.
i have a video how to train a ferret to walk off leash, never lost a little bugger. i suggest harnesses still around potentially dangerous areas (everywhere)
@@katetorode8411 start inside, use a squeaker toy before feedings and only hand feed. I feed raw, so it's also high value. Once they are conditioned to the recall sound, try in more stimulating environments. Hit me up if you hit a wall.
We take our fuzzies out for walks all the time ( we live out in the country) 🐾 they love it except for Dex. He is the mama boy who likes to snuggle with my daughter and look around. So one time I was out walking Sammy who is a small cinnamon, a woman who was out walking a bit by me started yelling at me. I didn't understand her until she got closer she was mad that I owned a wild animal as a pet. She said how dare you have a otter 🤦!!! Yep, she thought Sammy was an otter... I have no idea what's wrong with some people?
Aww, well she just wants to take in the sights, the smells, the sounds and the experience from the safety of you and your carrier. Its still an enrichment time out of the house 🙂
We've got 13 ferrets currently. We have a variety of neutered, hormone implant, and natural. At 3 mths old he would be way too young to be neutered, so if he isn't then hold out for a while. At that age, and probably until 6-9 mths, they are just crazy kids, so don't expect them to be well behaved 😄
I have had 8 ferrets over 30 years, and I started them out on a leash at 9 weeks. We take 6-8 block walks every night. But, as you well know, you don't walk a ferret, the ferret walks you, with limitations.
thats kind of true dependign on the ferret! mine follow me like ducklings, not the other way around. makign small steps seems to get my crew going ( i walk 3-7 at once)
@@WillBlueAnimalTraining I can't imagine walking more than one ferret at a time. Of the 8 ferrets I've had over 30 years, I never had much luck walking them during day time hours, as they seemed to enjoy walking more at night when the sun went down. Not sure it's true or not, but I've read they're nocturnal by nature. Also, my female ferrets weren't as adventuresome as my male ferrets.
@@michaelellringer5600 crepuscular, they are awake mostly at dawn and dusk (when their prey is awake).
In captivity they seem to wake up when ever I'm around!
Ferrets off leash is a 1 at a time thing as safety comes first.
But the ability to have any one of them off leash is the mindset, if they happen to slip their harness there is Zero fear, I just call them over ect.
Same reason I freeflight train my birds, it's not to show off but if the off chance they escape they need the ability to come back.
@@WillBlueAnimalTraining I had a ferret get off his leash, one time 5 blocks from my house, and amazingly, he found his way back to the house. I've been tempted to let my current ferret out of the house to see what would happen, but I'm too scared to find out. I took my ferret to downtown Tucson Sat. nite, with lots of people everywhere, but no more of that, I don't even walk a half block and someone stops me, wants to take a selfie or video, or just pet my ferret, and it gets too exhausting after awhile.
@@michaelellringer5600 toast escaped her outdoor enclosure 3 times in different ways, always returning home like a cat... I strongly don't advocate for this but it is possible if you have walked them enough for them to know "home".
Not worth the risk to leave unattended
Great timing, we're just trying to get our 3 used to wearing harnesses so we can take them for walks. They are little escape artists that's for sure.
There's a halter type that basically escape proof, but they didn't show it in the vid. I was always too nervous to walk them outside until I got it. Wishing I had done it sooner now!
Love hiw excited your ferret is! Mine gets a poofy tail as well when i take her on walks 😅
I made the two loop kind of harness from two pieces of Velcro and three keychain rings. My ferret doesn't fight the harness because he understands that it means he gets to go outside and dig in the dirt. The purpose of the harness is to protect him from loose dogs and stupid people in automobiles. When he's back in the apartment, the harness comes off.
Excellent idea 💡 👏
I've always found that with the classic harness, they will ALWAYS wiggle out, the trick is to pull upwards so you're lifting them a little bit.
Great tip!
What an awesome video and lovely owner ❤️
I've used the purple design and a variation of the figure 8 style harnesses., using paracord, especially when they're very small and young. I take mine to events with me if possible. I've owned since 2003.
i have a video how to train a ferret to walk off leash, never lost a little bugger. i suggest harnesses still around potentially dangerous areas (everywhere)
Wow, any tips? My boy only runs t me sometimes wen he gets frightened
@@katetorode8411 start inside, use a squeaker toy before feedings and only hand feed.
I feed raw, so it's also high value.
Once they are conditioned to the recall sound, try in more stimulating environments.
Hit me up if you hit a wall.
So cooperation!
thank you so much! I'm gonna try it out
Have fun!
I've been wanting to take my 1yr old Gib out for a walk.. Glad I bumped into this video.
Glad we could give you ideas
Thank you very clear and doable yay…
Thank you for this video, very helpful and lovely to watch😊
Glad it was helpful!
We take our fuzzies out for walks all the time ( we live out in the country) 🐾 they love it except for Dex. He is the mama boy who likes to snuggle with my daughter and look around.
So one time I was out walking Sammy who is a small cinnamon, a woman who was out walking a bit by me started yelling at me. I didn't understand her until she got closer she was mad that I owned a wild animal as a pet. She said how dare you have a otter 🤦!!! Yep, she thought Sammy was an otter... I have no idea what's wrong with some people?
Oh boy. 🙄 some people!
Love this, very informative 👍
Glad it was helpful!
THEY CAN WALKIES
We usually walk at least 3 km per time
That pouch is great. Where did you get it?
Hi we got it from Amazon a few years ago, so dont think its for sale still: amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006HMFTYW
i had an harnass with velcro and she just opened it with no problem
They are very clever and wriggly. That's why we always recommend testing somewhere safe
Should they be allowed on pavement or a track?
They can go on pavements/tracks. Of course, watch out for dog poo! And certainly ensure that the ground is not too hot in summer! 😊
I miss my ferret 😢
I know. It's horrible to lose your ferret buddy. Soon you'll have another one.
wanna loose your ferret? get a vest harness 🤦 too many stories from other owners about this. no one in my ferret circle uses this nor advices it.
My ferret just stays still until I'm next to her, climbs up my jeans to jump into her carrier
Aww, well she just wants to take in the sights, the smells, the sounds and the experience from the safety of you and your carrier. Its still an enrichment time out of the house 🙂
Where did you get the string harness?
They seem to be sold widely on ebay, but also a lot of people making them and selling on ferret groups on facebook.
Is ur ferret neutered? My boy is nearly 3 months now n is listening to me less lol
We've got 13 ferrets currently. We have a variety of neutered, hormone implant, and natural. At 3 mths old he would be way too young to be neutered, so if he isn't then hold out for a while. At that age, and probably until 6-9 mths, they are just crazy kids, so don't expect them to be well behaved 😄