How to train without treats?

[SarahJo]

Hello everyone!

I will be bringing me home my ten week old chinchilla a week from today & I am so excited!

I just have a few questions because I would like to train her how to jump up on my shoulder & eventually other tricks. However everything I have seen online is where people train their chins while using treats. I know that only rose hips & whole oats are generally safe for chins but she cannot have those until she is six months old.

Therefore what have you all done in the past for rewarding good behavior & training how to jump on your shoulder & other fun things with your chin? I would like to be able to work with her & teach her as many good habits as possible while she's a baby. I know six months old is still a baby but is there anything I can do before she's that age?

Thanks in advance!

Sarah H.

 

[Amethyst]

For young chins you can use chew sticks, apple are a common favorite, or piece of hay, hay cube, or pellets. Honestly training to jump on your shoulder may not be the best idea though, unless you mean jump on your shoulder while you are sitting it on the floor. A fall from standing human height (or more then a foot or so) can seriously hurt or kill a chin. If you want to walk around with a chin on your shoulder you'll have to hold the base of the tail at all times in case it tries to jump.

Really though at 10 weeks that is nearly 3 months old, so you only have to wait a few more months. Bonding alone can take a few months, so you may end up spending that time before six months just bonding with her. You'll need a bond with her before training any tricks anyway, so I wouldn't worry too much about it, six months will be here before you know it.

 

[SarahJo]

Thanks! The wood & hay cubes are a great idea. And that's true! Six months isnt too far away. I just wanted to get some ideas. I am hoping the adjustment & bonding will go well . But I'm happy even if it takes a while.

 

[LYChinchillas]

It's always nice to think ahead, and building bonds are definitely time-consuming and require a lot of positive persistence. I agree with Amethyst on all points; I'd like to add that chinchillas don't always take to orders or demands - some basic training can be possible with consistency, repetition, and patience. In my experience, the most rewarding experience with your chinchilla will come when you spend enough time with them to build up a mutual respect. With that comes a lot of fun discovering the nature of your relationship and really builds a great foundation for forging and maintaining your bond.