A Comprehensive Guide to Hamster Training (Compiled from Trusted Sources)
1. Training Feasibility
While hamsters are not as intelligent as cats or dogs, they can learn simple commands (such as standing up or returning to their cage) and build trust with their owners through conditioning and positive reinforcement. Training should align with their nocturnal habits, with the best times being early evening or nighttime.
2. Basic Training Steps
Building Trust
New hamsters need a 3–7 day adaptation period after arriving home. Provide a dark environment (e.g., cover the cage with a cloth) and a hiding house for them.
Call the hamster’s name softly at a fixed time every day, and hand-feed treats (such as mealworms or unsalted sunflower seeds) during feeding.
Command Training
Standing Up: Hold a treat above the hamster’s head, say the command “Stand” simultaneously, and reward the hamster immediately when it succeeds.
Returning to the Cage: Place food inside the cage and use the command “Go home” to guide the hamster to enter.
Getting on Your Hand: Put a treat in the palm of your hand to attract the hamster to climb on. Initially, hold the hamster for no more than 1 minute.
Behavior Correction
Toilet Training (Fixed Spot): Place bath sand in a fixed corner of the cage. When the hamster defecates or urinates in the wrong place, gently move it to the designated toilet area.
Reducing Biting: Avoid touching the hamster suddenly or snatching food from it. Wash your hands to remove odors before picking it up.
3. Important Notes
Training Principles
Keep each training session 5–10 minutes long, and repeat 2–3 times a day to avoid overfatigue.
Only use treats as rewards; never punish the hamster or force it to perform actions.
Environmental Requirements
Maintain the cage temperature between 20–28°C (68–82.4°F), keep the bedding 3–5 cm thick, and provide a quiet exercise wheel to help the hamster release stress.
Close doors and windows during training to prevent the hamster from escaping due to fright.
Individual Differences
Some hamsters have introverted personalities and require more time to adapt. It is important to respect their natural habits.
Summary
Hamsters can master simple skills through patient training, with the core being building trust and using positive incentives. It is recommended to start with basic commands, gradually increase the difficulty, and ensure a safe and comfortable environment for training.