Can I Train My Chinchilla?

Chinchillas are intelligent for rodent-type animals, in that they can be conditioned and trained, but it takes a while to train them, and you need to go slowly and do one thing at a time. It is a type of Pavlovian conditioning training, much as you would train a cat or dog.

Take the time to get to know your chinchilla, gentle it to your companionship, and gain its trust [takes up to 6 months] then try to coax it to come to you using sweets like raisins or dried fruit of its choice etc. It can take a while - even years - to train one, especially if it has had bad experiences with humans before you got it.

They are so intelligent and responsive if they trust you that it is worth it. Start with rewarding the chinchilla for trusting you, and getting to know you. Reward the behavior you want to reinforce, and do not frighten the chinchilla unless it is for a wrong or dangerous behavior (eg. like shaking a can filled with pennies when it goes near a dangerous place, or chews on your antique furniture). Then go to intermittently rewarding the good behavior. They will continue the behavior thinking a reward will come.

Be consistent, be kind, and keep trust, and the animal will reward you with an uncritical friendship. All the Best!

Raising Happy And Healthy Chinchillas - Special Report Just For People With Chinchillas- Or People That Want One...