Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Pet Rats Can Learn Amazing Tricks

So, if you didn't already know I'm a huge fan of pet rats. Since mine passed away in early April, I've been having rat withdrawals I think. I really want a pair of pet rats. And I want to teach them tricks if I can. I've said it before here, but rats are highly intelligent pets that can learn lots of fun tricks.

In fact, pet rats can learn just about any trick that a dog can learn. They can also be trained the same way you train a dog. Many people train their pet rats by using a clicker. Although, I have heard that the clicker noises can be kind of loud for a rat so I also see many people make the clicking noise with their tongue instead.

Is that a treat on top of that box?

I was always inspired to teach Nibblet a trick, but it was always hard to find a quiet time for us to train together without any distractions. She was very smart though and would come when called.

I've watched many rat training and rat trick videos on YouTube but yesterday I think I found my new all time favorite rat trick video. The video stars 5 pet rats who are just absolutely amazing! I don't know how many tricks are featured in this short video, but it's well over a dozen.

Some of the tricks include tight rope walking, rolling over, fetch, and raising a flag. I invite you to watch the video below and prepare to be amazed!


Pretty awesome, huh? Not to mention absolutely adorable! And on top of being able to learn all of these amazing tricks, pet rats can also be potty trained. I never formally potty trained my pet rat, but she never pooped outside of her cage. 

What amazing tricks does your pet know? Tell us about them in the comments!

31 comments:

  1. They are superclever, I agree :o) The video is great, they can play fetch much better than Easy hahahaha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yea, they can totally play fetch better than Shiner!

      Delete
  2. Wow, that was an amazing video. I was wondering if I could teach Honey how to raise a sail on a boat or help me by tailing a winch. But now I'm wondering if I should be getting a rat instead.

    BTW, I've been AWOL lately and didn't know you lost Nibblet. So sorry to hear the news.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha, maybe you should! I did notice you were missing for a bit, thank you.

      Delete
  3. Oh Miss Ann, now I have rat withdrawal for you. Those rats are amazing! I had no idea they could be trained just like a dog to do so many great tricks. Some of those tricks would be helpful to some people, like untying a shoe. I always knew rats were smart...but they seem super smart. I sure hope you find your new pet rats soon...I know they are out there just waiting for you. I bet Nibblet is OTRB guiding them to you!
    *Cairn cuddles*
    Oz

    ReplyDelete
  4. OMD!!!!!! That was a great video!! I have always always wanted a pet rat, but I had no idea they could do all those tricks!!!! that's great! Thanks for sharing!!!! I have to show my hubby this and tell him I WANT! BOL!!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Love this video! I was a psych major and we all got pet rats to train. Don't worry, all positive reinforcement! I was amazed at how quickly they learned. Such smart animals :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. That sure are darn smart! I posted about Herb and his pals on my other blog on Monday, they are seeking homes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for telling me Brian I will be sure to stop by sometime today.

      Delete
  7. Raising the flag to those clever rats and we so loved the rat agility. Nice one Ann. Have a terrific Tuesday.
    Best wishes Molly

    ReplyDelete
  8. I taught my rats all kinds of tricks over the years. My first rat walked on a leash, walked a tight rope, came when she was called, rang a bell, played fetch, put on a hat, hid her eyes and sat on her hind legs. One of my more vocal rats learned a "speak" command! They are such fun, super intelligent pets (who don't live long enough!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so awesome! I think I'm determined to teach my future rats at least one trick :)

      Delete
  9. I was mesmerized - had no idea they were so talented. Wow!

    ReplyDelete
  10. We don't mind rats, actually anything furry is good with Mom, but she is a diehard Gerbil fan. If she got rodents it would be Gerbils. We won't get any as their lives would be in constant danger in this hunting household, but she loves them. Don't know if they do tricks, though.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I don't know either but I bet they can. Heck, I've watched pet fish do tricks before so why not a gerbil!

      Delete
  11. Okay... I have never really like rats.... but that is the most amazing thing I have ever seen!! I think they won be over with the agility and weaves!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. guys....we bee troo lee sorree...we dinna noe bout nibblet ♥♥♥ bee lated sympatheez N we hope nibblet sendz sum one yur way soon ♥♥♥♥♥♥ and thanx for sharin de videe oh....it rocked !!! we dinna noe ratz could be traned ta due sew much XXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't worry guys. I wish I could be in a thousand different places at once and keep up with everyone's lives better but it's just not possible. But thank you - I appreciate it!

      Delete
  13. I can not believe how smart rat are! Thank you for sharing you opened my eyes! :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. That's really cool! I hope you find a new pet rat(s) soon so they can learn neat tricks. I have a reputation for being stubborn so my trick reportoire is pretty short. Love Dolly

    ReplyDelete
  15. We never knew rats could be trained to do tricks. Very cool!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, I did not know rats could do all that! I especially loved the little agility courses, and the fetch. You should definitely get yourself a pair and see what you could teach them. I'd love to see it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. That video is so cute and impressive! I wonder how long it took to teach them those tricks. I really don't know anything about pet rats. I had no idea they could jump like that! Sorry yours died, and I look forward to hearing about the new rats you eventually adopt (because I'm sure you will). I had hamsters growing up, and I never taught them anything. I had no idea rats were so smart and easy to train.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you could teach a hamster a trick, but honestly they are not quite as intelligent as rats. No offense hamsters, I still love ya!

      Delete
  18. I miss see Nibblet and hearing about her. I didn't know rats were so smart! Too cool!

    Visit us at Dogs N Pawz!

    ReplyDelete
  19. OMG!!!! this has to be the most amazing video I've EVER seen!!! I'm in LOVE!!!
    ...please don't tell Katie & Waffles! I'm afraid they'd have other plans for some pet rats. But me? I would LOVE to have a pair of adorable little guys! I never knew how smart and talented they were.

    Thank you SO much for sharing this!!!
    Big smiles here.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Wow - I never knew that about rats, but I guess it makes sense given how much they are used for experiments, etc.

    ReplyDelete
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...