Walk this way: Getting your ferret used to the harness

Now that your ferret has a harness, and the harness is fit, there is one final step that you need to take before heading on your adventure: GETTING YOUR FERRET USED TO THEIR HARNESS.

This is a relatively simple task. Bring your ferret into a small room that he or she is familiar with. Bring some treats or Ferretone with you. Put the harness on the ferret and put the ferret down. He or she will likely flop around and act as though the harness is killing him or her. If you have fit the harness according to our guidelines, then do not fall for this act. Your ferret is simply trying to get you to remove the offending object.

Once you ferret stops playing "the harness is killing me", he may begin attempting to rub the harness off. This is generally a harmless activity, but beware of objects that could snag the harness and cause harm to your pet.

After a short period, remove the harness, treat your pet, and try again later.

Depending on your ferret, getting them used to the harness may take anywhere from one day to one week. Be patient - your pet's well being is worth it.

Walk this way: Fitting a harness

FITTING THE HARNESS
Now that you've selected a harness for your pet, you'll want to know how to fit it properly. Adjust the harness to what you believe to be the appropriate size for your ferret, then try putting it on your ferret. This is not a simple task - ferrets are wiggly animals and if they have never used a harness before, they will be trying to sniff the harness and examine it while you are putting it on them. Sparkle will assist us by demonstrating different harness adjustments.

If the snaps are difficult to do up, then the harness it too tight. Put the ferret down and loosen it slightly.

If you have any more than, say, a pinky width of extra space, then the harness is too big. Put the ferret down and make it smaller.


Ideally, the harness should be snug with approximately a pinky of leeway to allow the ferret to breathe. A harness that fits these parameters fits nicely.

*** Due to how they are built, ferrets will always be able to slip their harnesses. A properly fitted harness does not ensure that the ferret will not be able to slip away, it simply means that they will need to put more effort into it, giving you more time to notice and pick your pet up. DO NOT attempt to tighten the harness to prevent this - doing so will strangle your pet.

Now your ferret is ready for the great outdoors, right? WRONG! There is still one more step that needs to be taken before you and your pet can head out for an adventure.

Walk this way - taking your ferret for a walk

Many ferrets enjoy new surroundings and outdoor adventures. Trips to the park or school fields can be a lot of fun... with the right equipment, preparation and care. This series of blog posts will cover what you need to do before you take your ferret outside, what you can expect from a walk, and hazards to keep your eyes peeled for when you are out with your little furry friend.