Earning Your Pet Rat's Trust

Despite it's small size a rat is like any other animal when it comes to trust and can have trust issues if not socialised right. An owner that hasn't gained its rat's trust isn't likely to enjoy the maximum benefits of owning a pet rat as scared or dominating rats bite really hard. The trick to gaining a pet rat's trust is to show him that you care but you are his leader. This may seem like a controversial statement but by caring you show him that your harmless and by telling him you are his leader you are ensuring that he listens to you.

The first rule while earning your rat's trust is to ensure that you do not go to close to him for the first day but make your presence felt. It is important not to make loud noises and sudden hand movements as this will definitely scare your rat. Sitting besides the cage and just talking to your rat is a great way to make friends with your new buddy.

A kind tone and a soft voice will help your rat trust you as many animals are sensitive about the tone and volume of your voice. While earning your rat's trust ensure that you do not scream or talk in a high pitch as rats do notice the difference.Talking is a good way to get your rat accustomed to you without handling him too much for the first day.

In order for your rat to trust you, it is crucial that he understands that your hand is harmless and not a weapon. Feeding small tidbits with your hand is the best way to get your rat to trust your hand. While using your hand to pick up your rat it is important that you do not jerk your hand or drop the rat as this can be fatal. Holding the rat close to your body will comfort the rat since he will be scared of falling.

Some rats occasionally nip the owner especially when they smell food on the owner's hand. The solution to this problem is to tell you rat "NO" in a firm voice and ensure that you do not flick his nose, beat him or yell at him. Scaring the rat into behaving is the best way to lose your rat's trust and ensure that he behaves not out of love and respect but out of fear of being ill treated. It is important to be confident while dealing with a dominating rat and to be gentle while dealing with a scared rat.

Never hold you rat with its tail as this is painful and can lead to injuries. the right way to hold a rat is by keeping him in your palm and holding his body firmly but gently with your other hand. A strong hold is very important in case the rat squirms however while holding ensure that you do not squeeze the body and hurt the rat in any way.

If your pet rat has stayed with you for a while and still does not trust you, you will need to try harder and follow these steps till he decides to trust you. Offering tidbits a few times a day instead of just once a day may help him realise that you are a friend who brings him goodies