Gerbil agility training

November 1, 6:50 PMDayton Small Pets ExaminerPhyllis O'Beollain

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OK, we’ve all seen the dog agility competitions on TV, but how about a gerbil agility competition? Now there’s something new! OK not that new, apparently gerbils have been running agility courses since the eighties, as a book published in 1988, “Step-By-Step Book About Gerbils" by Patrick Bradey and Heather Pence includes photos of gerbils on an agility course.

Gerbil competitions are rapidly growing in popularity (probably over two dozen people in the world currently participate in them); while there are no official competitions to date, there are a number of people out there training their gerbils and other small pets (seriously).

Agility training is a great way to strengthen the bond between yourself and your small pet. Start with a young pet to which you are already bonded. Build or buy small animal agility equipment, set up your course, and begin the training. Treats and your voice reinforce the training. Don’t push the animal – be patient, encourage your pet and use a kindly tone of voice. You and your pet will both have fun spending time together, and who knows? The USDAA awards $10000.00 for the winner of their Dog Agility Steeplechase; could top money for gerbils be far behind?

Gerbil basics

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