Spanky training

It's too cold today for outside training, so Spanky receives indoor exercise/play and is conditioned to stay alert and on his toes. Lastly he is rewarded with an acorn, and is conditioned to remain protective when he eats.

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Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Spanky
• training

[PhrynosomaTexas]

@mightyfruitsalad I think I will stick with the low German "Eichkater" though. Much easier for me to say LOL

[PhrynosomaTexas]

@mightyfruitsalad Thanks! 

[mightyfruitsalad]

and suddenly it makes sense that you want to say "Eichhörnchen"! I think you did fairly well, btw ;)

[PhrynosomaTexas]

@Exzeluke After they gain some independence and I have less hands on interaction with them they start to be more cautious. The way he approaches me with some trepidation, looking up, and ready to leap- he wasn't doing this before he was weaned. When he was on the bottle nothing would scare him away from me. He's less clingy now. Still curious, but gaining caution. In the warm months they acclimate in an outdoor pen where there actually ARE hawks flying over out here.

[Exzeluke]

@PhrynosomaTexas Do you ever mimic a hawk or owl by moving something overhead, to teach him the danger from airborne predators?

They are so curious - I imagine it's difficult to keep them from imprinting when they're trying to chew your shoes, LOL.

[PhrynosomaTexas]

@Exzeluke Thanks. While I want to minimize him imprinting and seeing people as always friendly, a source of play, protection, or food (which is why I try not to directly reward him from my hand with the food) some playful interaction is necessary. Ordinarily, squirrels, bunnies, etc. would learn these predator avoidance skills playing with siblings and momma. When they jump on each other or play hide & seek that's what they're doing. Since he doesn't have that I have to substitute.

[Exzeluke]

Yes, thumbs up - Spanky looks so healthy, and shows the right instincts, like leaping into the air. I raised an orphan cottontail, and I remember when he started that darting and jumping at a certain stage. Nature is amazing!