Would you like to try a sport discipline particularly adapted to your rabbit, rodent or ferret? You are at the right place to teach your pet rodent agility. Many small pet breeders are already fans of this almost artistic training.
Your pet rodent has to follow a course with obstacles here and there, but that’s not all, it has to pass without fail, even avoid traps. Indeed, this race targets its agility and its tenacity to do exercises in a limited time. Rodent agility stimulates physically and intellectually your fur ball. It also reinforces the complicity between the master and the animal.
Discover Agility for mammals, an excellent obstacle course for Exotic Pet and how to practice it successfully.
Why practice Agility for rodents ?
Dog Agility or Cat Agility are popular dog or cat sports for pet owners. Championships or competitions are organized when the level is enough mastered by the animal.
However, this pet sport is also used for rodents: rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, gerbils, ferrets, hamsters, mice and rats.
It is no longer necessary to prove that sports activities are important for the health of a person or an animal. Taking part in agility for rodents guarantees a lasting bond between the owner and his pet. Both participate in a common activity that brings them closer together. You are simply happy to see your four-legged friend succeed in his exercises, you educate him, you encourage him and you share unforgettable moments. The more accessible your training is, the easier it will be for your pet to do it and the more skillful, cunning and intelligent it will become.
You will have to rely on precise rules to implement your Agility course. The passage of obstacles is not innate in the animal. An adaptation, a training and repeated exercises are necessary to achieve the desired result.
To begin in agility, the ideal is to educate your rodent by presenting him a tunnel, a tilting ramp, an obstacle to jump and a bridge. Your rodent will have to challenge several obstacles in a limited time, without any mistakes. Training, rewards, petting and treats are all part of the program for a committed sportsman. Agility training is good for your pet’s health, especially for its cognitive and physical development.
Agility with my rodent, rules to respect
Practicing Agility is to create a unique bond and establish a great complicity with your rodent. Adopt a good behavior to help your rodent in the success of its tests:
- Do not force your rodent if it does not want to do sports today;
- Leave a sick or recovering rodent alone;
- Teach him to walk on a leash with a harness;
- Guide your pet around the course with a rodent leash;
- Get your rodent used to the different obstacles on a regular basis to build up its confidence;
- Use short repetitive sessions during your training;
- Increase the difficulty once the animal has accepted the initiation (double obstacles, scales, tunnels, etc.).
- Remove the leash, if you manage to get the dog to obey you without it, after a certain amount of time of training;
- Apply antiseptic in case of superficial wounds, never alcohol!
For example, Kaninhop Rabbit Agility (rabbit jumping) has fun activities dedicated to rabbits and dwarf rabbits. The little animals have to jump, run and balance over obstacles, and sometimes simultaneously. Find a kit of fun games, easy to install and to practice by your faithful animal.
Rabbit course, basic equipment
Many accessories can be used to set up your rabbit run. You can buy them on our online store or make them yourself: cardboard boxes, toilet paper rolls, plastic or wooden tubes, bridges or rockers, small houses, wheels, caves, tunnels.
The slalom : The principle is simple. You just have to follow the path that announces imminent turns. Sense of direction and reflexes are put to the test!
Jumping: A hedge or any other obstacle forces the animal to jump to a certain height and length. To be adjusted according to the size and level of the rodent.
A tunnel: this is the favorite hiding place for small domestic rabbits. It will cross its long corridor without hesitation and without any risk.
A swing : it’s a rocking board that allows him to work on his balance.
A bridge: a wooden footbridge allows you to cross from one obstacle to another or to finish the winning course in style!
A stopping point: a table, the roof of a house or a small platform will allow your rodent to take a break and stop before continuing its course.
You must respect the size and level of your rodent. The equipment must be adapted to the animal’s morphology, length, weight, age and experience. The key to success is training, time and patience.
Get the win and get a cup! Your rodent is the champion and you are the coach! Try agility for rodents and you will be very proud of your pet’s prowess. To be enjoyed without moderation and with great pleasure by all pets.
