Is a ferret a good pet for me?

Question

Is a ferret a good pet for me?

Answer 1

Ask for just about all dressings, condiments, and sauces quietly.

Answer 2

Wear comfy shoes so that you can take meetings for a walk instead of sitting at a desk.

Answer 3

All About Ferrets As Pets

Answer 4

Each father, mom and kid deserves to experience comfortable and know how to successfully defend themselves in unexpected, sudden situations which means this where the program of Bruce Perry, Patriot Self Defense , a course that you will find here https://tr.im/MwH5U matches in.

With piecing together established methods that might be discovered from home this system has become typically the most popular on line plan in self-defense.

With this plan you only need a small number of these extremely successful moves. You won't think your eyes whenever you see what you can do with these “real life” preventing techniques. You can take every thing you have ever realized in the fighting styles and put it out the window. That you do not have to know five sneakers, six blocks and five punches.

This program makes the rest outdated!

Answer 5

For the best answers, search on this site https://smarturl.im/aD4lf



Something many people don't even think about is the fact that a monkey is not like other pets, it's much more like caring for a small child, whereas a ferret is much more like owning other pets, both need a lot of attention but ferrets are much lower maintenance than monkeys. Personally if I was faced with that choice I would go with the ferret over the monkey, one thing is a monkey can cause your homeowner's insurance to go up, and that's not cheap. Ferrets do not smell bad (if they have they're rear scent gland removed) most ferrets sold at pet store do have theirs removed, just be sure to ask an employee. @Madeline You do NOT need a license to own ferrets in most areas, the only places that you can't have ferrets is in New York City, New York, & The State of California

Answer 6

Dogs are surely man's best friend. This animal is the most loyal and protective animal that you can ever take care of. Once you have become a master of a dog, you are sure to be protected by your pet especially if you have treated your dog very right. Aside from providing what the dog needs, you should also train your pet dog. This is to give your pet the right behavior and habits so that it will become disciplined and well mannered. You will not have a difficult time taking care of your pet dog once it has undergone dog training. Training your dog is easy and fun especially if you have the right information to use. Here are some of the most basic advices to follow when you are training your dog.



Advice #1: Be the boss at all times. It is a known fact that dogs can sometimes be bossy. These animals are born leaders. But keep in mind that you are the master and should always be followed by your pet.



Advice #2: Show what is right through your actions. If you say that your dog should not hurt other people, and then show it through your actions. Do not show any sign of anger or violence. Dogs have the tendency to become violent especially when it sees it in its environment.



Advice #3: Treat your dog as a dog and not as a kid. Do not expect your dog to understand each and every single thing you say. These are still animals that have different ways of communicating. You are actually training your dog according to their personality and behavior. One needs to be very patient in order to successfully carry out the dog training.



Advice #4: Be consistent with your commands. You should not change mind every now and then. If you are teaching a specific lesson, stay with it until your dog learns to follow it completely. Inconsistency will have your dog confused with the commands that you are calling out. Be firm with what you are teaching. But be sure to reward your dog once it has followed your command successfully.



Advice #5: Commit to daily dog training. Make sure that you train everyday. Skipping days will make your dog be lazy in following you. You need to make sure that you can allot time for your dog so that it can learn something new everyday.



Advice #6: Be positive and appreciative. Dogs like to impress their boss. So if you are impressed with what your dog has done, show happiness. Give encouraging words to your dog. It will also help if you give out rewards like food or toys.



Training your dog to be well mannered and well disciplined means that you are accepting the pet to be a member of your family. Dog training will prevent you from experiencing unlikely incidents because of your pet's misbehavior. Having a pet at home is enjoyable especially if your pet does know how to communicate with you through their behaviors.



Before You Spend MORE Money On Expensive Dog Trainers or Products,

Watch This Video First!



https://bitly.im/AtZyW



Discover the powerful dog training secrets to eliminate over 30+ common behavioral dog and puppy issues with step-by-step instructions from one of the world's most skilled dog trainers!

Answer 7

A well-trained dog makes everyone happy, including his owner. Take a little time training him, and you'll never regret it; you'll always have an obedient dog by your side. Find more https://tinyurl.im/dVxQ9



By their nature, dogs are pack animals with a well-defined social order. Through basic training, you need to consistently make sure your puppy understands that you are the leader, not him. So in teaching him the basic rules, you take on the role of pack leader.



To fit into the family circle, your dog must be taught to recognize his name and such commands as come, heel, lie down and sit.

Answer 8

Eat a little before heading out, like several almonds, so you don't arrive at the restaurant famished.

Answer 9

Love your pooch. Walking the dog twice a day is a powerful way to keep those love handles from increasing.

Answer 10

Maybe. Are your roommates going to be okay with it? Ferrets smell (even fixed females will have an odor that some people don't like) and they are messy. They can never be completely litter trained and they will poop on the carpet, and it's hard to get those stains out. I had to pay $800 to replace the carpet when I moved out of my last apartment. They are not like cats who know to use the box. Cat food really isn't adequate for ferrets. Here is some info about feeding them:



http://www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html



Please don't feed them chili peppers like that other person said! And don't bathe them every day - once a month, or even less, is fine.

Answer 11

I do believe you would be a good owner for a ferret as long as you change a few things.



A ferret is not a good pet to have free-roam in a college apartment (or in 90% of homes). Ferrets will get into things, swallow things, chew on wires, get in sofas, get in cupboards, and try to escape. If they do escape, most people kill them because they believe it's a rat. If they eat something, it's normally $1000 for the surgery to remove it because ferrets cannot vomit. And if you sit on one in the sofa or it chews on a wire, odds are you're going to have a very broken ferret or a dead one :(



Most ferrets today are spayed/neutered and descented. Male unaltered ferrets do smell more than female unaltered ferrets. But, the pet store ones you will probably be looking at smell exactly the same. Males do tend to be a bit bigger than females. Females tend to be more excitable and play more than males (who do play but tend to mature into more 'lazy' pets) but this also depends on the personality of the ferret, but as a general rule, you can go by that.



Ferrets can be litter box 'suggested' but not trained. They will make mistakes often. And sometimes, they just decide randomly they will not use it (I had one who decided one day to move the litter box, poop behind it, and push it back, and continued to do so from that point on. I had to attach the litter box to the wall and he then proceeded to poop in front of it. He just decided at that point, he was no longer using the litter box).



A high quality cat food is acceptable. This is not going to be found at your local grocery store (Whiskas, Friskys, Fancy Feast, etc are NOT good ones). You will be looking at a very expensive bag of cat food. Ferret food also needs to be researched since most are not good. The kinds I would suggest are Totally Ferret, 8in1, Zupreeme, and Wysong.

However,

http://www.ferret-universe.com/care/food.asp

is a good place to look and will help you decide which food is best.



Ferrets need to be played with on a regular bases, daily. They need to be let out of the cage and for you to get down on your hands and knees and bring some toys. Haha, they are very funny animals and you will need to 'nip train' them so they don't bite (just like a puppy or kitten). They are very rewarding and I love them to death. If you are prepared to put in some effort and do a bit of research, then you'll have a very rewarding pet.



Also: Check your local laws to see if ferrets are legal! Some places (NYC, Cali, and Hawaii) are known places to have ferrets be deemed illegal. Some smaller areas have made them illegal as well or have 'licence' laws if they are considered 'exotic' in that area. Just because they are sold at your local petstore does not mean they are legal. Call your local Humane Society or animal shelter and ask :)

Answer 12

Ferrets do sound like a good pet for you. There are some tips and things to think about though:



Consider getting one from a shelter. Kits are cute, but they need to litter trained, taught not to bite, and you don't know how they will turn out: ferret characters can vary a lot. Older ferrets are a bit more laid back, just like you guys, and make good pets for new ferret owners. Shelter owners also know the character of their ferrets and can help you find one that suits you guys, or is better with litter boxes. Also, they will be castrated and vaccinated for a price you would not get when you got a new pet and took it to the vet. If you do go for a young one, no problem! Just look for one that comes from a breeder instead of a pet store, since those tend to be healthier, and better with litter boxes.



Ferrets can be litter box trained, but in general, not as good as cats. There probably will be accidents from time to time. Will you be ok with that when you let her run around free? Luckily, ferret poop is smaller than cat poop, and cleaned up fast.



Some things are not safe for ferrets. they are escape artists, and will do everything and anything they are not supposed to do. Like crawl into the couch, behind the stove, between the walls... and so on. here too, an older ferret might be less (self)destructive, but you probably will have to close off some small holes and/or restrict your ferrets movement to only certain rooms.



Two ferrets are almost always better then one. You can keep one alone, but you will be a lot less worried about her getting bored or stressed out when she has another ferret. They have much more fun when they can play together, it's fun to watch, and they will still be interested in humans when there is two of them. Sometimes, ferret shelters will have ferrets that don't get along with others, but are nice to people. Look for one of those if you really only want one.



Some cat food is ok, there are certain brands of kitten food that suit ferrets just fine, but there is dedicated ferret food too. Some of which is bad. Just look at what ferrets need, and the percentages listed on the pack. Avoid plant-stuff. They are quite demanding when it comes to fat and protein content of their food, and it's pretty important they get that to stay healthy. Good luck with your ferret(s)!

Answer 13

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Is a ferret a good pet for me?

I'm a college student living with 2 roommates in a medium sized apartment. All of us are the quiet, laid-back types, and we're usually home all day when we're not at school. We go to school from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, I was thinking of getting a small pet... something that would...

Answer 14

Abso double lutely not!!!!!!! A ferret needs a safe, secure, and suitably sized cage in which it is locked up when you are not there to supervise it's activities. It needs a specialized diet made just for ferrets in order to live the healthiest possible life for its short life span of around 6 to 8 years. It needs regular vet visits at least yearly. You would need to be the responsible party and not expect your room mates to put up with poop in the corners (ferrets will use a litter box if they happen to be near one when they have to go but they won't cross the room to get to it), bitten toes and lots of other miscellaneous items that ferrets should not chew on much less ingest pieces of, attempts to escape the house everytime the doors open just to mention a few. Think of owning a pet just as you would of haveing a two year old child in your care because that is the level of responsibility you would need to be ready for if you want to have a living thing as a companion. Only two year olds grow up and become able to look after themselves. Domestic animals never do.

Answer 15

Ferrets are great pets to have, i am 18 and have 5 of my own. Before you decide to get a ferret, you should talk to your roommates and be sure that they are happy with having a ferret run around the apartment.

Secondly i think you should consider getting 2 as you are out for the majority of the day, they would happily play together and would get lonely if there was just one on its own.

Yes ferrets are able to eat cat food, but not as a main diet as it does not have enough protein etc in it, but you can get ferret food and if you buy it in bulk then it is a lot cheaper, they can also have things such as rice, chicken and natural yogurt. Yes it is fine to have them just run around the place during the day, but you would need to ferret proof your apartment as they can squeeze into the smallest of places such as under cookers etc, although you should cage them at night and when you are out of the house for a thew hours.



Hope this has helped, if you need any more advice then just e-mail me

Answer 16

Does your child keep dry for periods of two hours or longer throughout the day? The is the time from some potty Training and to get the best result in only 3 days you will need this manual https://tr.im/SuE6E .



Start Potty Training is a plan that quickly acquired reputation. The gist of this system is that you take away all diapers, put on underwear, and don’t ever revert back to diapers.

Start Potty Training is a rather straightforward plan, straight forward and effortless to follow.

Answer 17

ferrets are a lot of work. i own 3 and have to be honest...its not an easy task to own a ferret. the truth is you cannot just get 1...you have to get 2. if you purchase them from a pet store they will be spayed/neutered and descented already. you have to feed them the best of food or they will get sick and that is pricey ($15-$23 a bag). ferrets sleep 16-18 hours a day which seems great but when they are awake they are like children. you absolutely MUST ferret proof your apt because they WILL get into everything they arent supposed to. they will eat at things theyre not supposed to and they will find every nook and hole you never knew existed and escape. ferrets are not cage animals but because they are so mischievous you have to supervise them basically at all times. ferrets poop all day long...so be ready to clean it up all day long. when a ferret gets sick...its not a typical sick...its a big deal sick. if they become dehydrated they can die within hours if they are not rushed to a vet. they are considered exotic animals...so its expensive. if you get ferrets get them pet insurance (TRUST ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) its $11/mo per ferret with VPI pet insurance. my ferret had ece and my vet bill was $1500...yes i was ripped off but thats besides the point lol.



but on the flip side. they are the most fun and entertaining pets ive ever had. for me, the hard work and vigilance is worth it. i didnt plan on owning ferrets...i took possession of them when my younger and very irresponsible brother was neglecting them. i refuse to watch animals suffer and claimed them as my own. the life span is 8-10 years is you treat them like gold. with mediocre treatment...5 years if youre lucky which is sad to me. you have to invest a lot of time, energy and devotion to these animals. if you are up to it then by all means go for it. but if you even slightly quesiton your willingness to go through with it all...just avoid it altogether. i promise you--its a lot of work.



and go figure...i am not allergid to cats or dogs...but i happen to be allergic to ferrets. ha..so maybe you should play with some first and have your roomates visit some too to make sure you guys arent allergic.



after readng some of the other posts i need to address the wrong answers. ferrets need to be out of the cage for at least 4-6 hours a day not 2. and ferrets should not be given a bath more than twice a year. over cleaning their ears can actually cause overproduction of wax...since their body will work harder to produce it. wax is in our ears for a reason...once every 2 weeks is reasonable and suitable. high quality cat food IS okay...products like EVO are suggested. you can give your ferrets supplements..but dont over do it by doing it daily. fish oils in moderation once a week will do wonders for their health and coat. most products are unnecessary though. you do have to play with your ferrets--they can become depressed which is why 2 hours of outside play time is simply not enough. what i truly suggest is buying "ferrets for dummies". read it and then make your decision.

Answer 18

Yes, I think you could make it work. I too am a college student with 3 room mates, and I have 5 ferrets, but I've owned since I was in the 8th grade. Your room mates have to be on board, though. I'll help you pro and con it.



Cons:

-ferrets are expensive. When you first get one, it will be between $700-1500 for all their requirements.

-They are picky eaters. Their food must be high quality cat food or ferret food (http://www.mdferretpaws.org/care/food_treats.html) OR a whole prey diet.

-They need constant supervision or a VERY thorough "proofing" of your home, kind of like for a baby, except more anal because babies can't get into vents or couches or into refrigerators.

-They're obligate carnivores. No sweets, veggies, fruits, or dairy. ONLY meat. Btw, they can't have yogurt because ferrets are lactose intolerant as well... Sugary foods will give them cancer (insulinoma, look it up)

-Litter must be scooped once a day. If not, it may smell. It would be like letting dog or human poop set around otherwise. The smell is about the same.

-Must be nip-trained. Many kits bite HARD and if not taught otherwise, will continue to do so.

-Some ferrets are tough about litter training, but with consistency and patience it is very doable.

-If you want to free-roam, you'll need a LOT of litterboxes--one for about every corner. They must have low sides.

-It can be hard to find a vet that will treat sick ferrets, or even knows what he's talking about.

-Because they are bred at puppy-mill like facilities here in the US (Marshall Farms), they are prone to a genetic diseases like a tendency for cancer (adrenal, insulinoma, and lymphoma/lymphosarcoma especially).

-If they swallow something they shouldn't (which is very easily done), it usually costs between $500-1000 to remove. Surgeries for their later-life cancers usually cost about the same

-Need 4-6 hours of interactive playtime a day. If your house is not ferret-proofed EXTREMELY well, you'll have to watch him/her like a hawk the whole time.



Pros:

-They're a LOT of fun. Kind of like a cross between a cat and a puppy.

-Ferret winter coats are to die for, if they're healthy. So soft and shiny.

-Their bodies don't stink, contrary to popular belief. Over bathing usually causes that. No more than once every couple months, unless it gets really, really dirty.

-If kept healthy on a good diet and regular vet visists, can live up to 13 years old, but usually more like 7-10 years. Ferrets from breeders are usually healthier.

-If you free-roam, they're usually a lot cuddlier than ferrets kept in a cage most of the time.

-They "give kisses" like a dog, which I think is adorable.

-If treated properly, they will bond with you.

-They're a good conversation piece--not many people have ferrets or know much about them if they do (sad...)

-They can be walked on a leash, but will not be as well-trained on-leash as a dog.

-Can be kept in a cage when you're not there to supervise

-Usually get along well with people and other pets. My 5 love everyone, including my parents' cat and my American Foxhound.



They're a lot of hard work, so do your research before you commit to getting one. Best of luck!

Answer 19

ferret good pet

Answer 20

Dog training techniques are as controversial as abortion, Palestine and Bill O'Reilly. But, which dog training techniques can you trust to get you out of the dog house? It will help if you think about dog training techniques as being in one of two categories: balanced and imbalanced.



The discussion about which dog training technique to use when training a dog is one that resembles a discussion between an Israeli and a Palestinian. Each one seems absolutely certain of their position and is more than ready to vilify those who don't share their views on dog training. But, if you look at dog training techniques and methods and evaluate their worth and effectiveness based on whether the approach is balanced, it's a lot easier to weed out the garbage.



For the most part, trainers and their methods fall into two main categories. Those who do not use a physical consequence as a deterrent and those who do. There are many variations in the methods used by different trainers however, almost all trainers fall into one category or the other. Some trainers use food as a reward and never allow the dog to experience a negative consequence for a poor choice. Other trainers afford the dog the opportunity to experience a consequence for making poor choices.



The Use Of Food:



Using food is great in the sense that you will probably have a very happy dog on your hands when he realizes that the training comes with an all-you-can-eat buffet. However, using food to train your dog has some pitfalls we think you should be aware of.



Food is great if you just want to impress your guests with a couple silly pet tricks but, in the real world, your dog will probably be much more interested in chasing the cat than hanging around to get your silly, dry biscuit. So, if you are using food as the primary or sole motivator, you're in for some disappointment when it comes time for your dog to perform in the real world.



Strictly Positive Reinforcement:



It is not difficult to find trainers who will tell you they use a kinder, gentler method than those used by consequence and reward trainers. They will tell you that your dog will be emotionally destroyed by the use of correction as a deterrent. Their goal is to sell you on their loving approach to dog training. They would have you believe that their method is much better than those old, barbaric correction methods.



If you try to train your dog with a method of training that is as imbalanced as this, you will be in for some serious disappointments. Sure, it sounds like a great idea; training your dog and never having to correct him for making a poor choice. Never having to do the very thing you like doing the least. However, no matter how distasteful the concept of physical consequence is to you, it is necessary if you want a really good dog. You cannot consistently praise a dog when he does something right and never give him a consequence for doing something wrong, and expect him to turn out balanced.



Consequence And Reward:



In some cases, dog training methods that involve physical consequence as a deterrent cause additional problems. Not by virtue of the fact that the dog received a physical consequence for his poor choice, but because the training was too harsh, improper, or the balance between consequence and reward was not achieved. A bad trainer can destroy any good training system. It is far from true that methods using consequence as a deterrent will result in a fearful dog. It all depends on the skill of the trainer, the manner in which the dog is corrected and the balance between consequence and reward.



Dog training techniques and methods that use a healthy balance between consequence and reward are without doubt, the most effective, healthy training techniques you can use. It is important to remember that consequence in NEVER connected to emotion while reward is always given with sincerity and love.



Before You Spend MORE Money On Expensive Dog Trainers or Products,

Watch This Video First!



https://bitly.im/AtZyW



Discover the powerful dog training secrets to eliminate over 30+ common behavioral dog and puppy issues with step-by-step instructions from one of the world's most skilled dog trainers!

Answer 21

One grapefruit every day during a 120-week weight-loss plan can take 3lb off your overall goal. Scripps Clinic in San Diego has found that this Vit-C packed citrus reduces insulin quantities, which stop you craving sweet things. Try it in savoury and sweet dishes for added pep.

Answer 22

Well if you can handle this then I'm sure a ferret would be a great pet.



1. Ferret(s) need to be let out at least for 2 hours a day.

2. They love attention, they can be trained just as a dog or a cat.

3. They should get outside on walks in the backyard to explore.

4. NEVER hit your ferret(s)!! if you see your ferret(s) doing something that he/she shouldn't scruff stirnly state "No" and let him or her down to go off. (for potty training, if the ferret goes outside of the box and you catch them in the act. Scruff state "No" take them to their box and wait till they do their bussiness, so not let them go off untill they do, make sure and check they tend to squat and "pretend" to go so they can go back to playing. Make sure they go before letting them back to adventure time.

5. Ferret proof the apt. or one room where the ferret(s) can rome in. (this is very important, Cover holes. wires and have everything that can fit in their mouths out of reach, they can either eat it and end up in the vet or they will steal and stash it in a hidding place, such as a couch.. behind a dresser and etc.

6. Clean their ears about 2 times a week to keep ear mites/wax down.

7. Give the ferret a bath at least 1 time a month or as needed.

8. Feed your ferret(s) nutrical (vitamin supliment) at least once a day, a healthy ferret needs about 1 treaspoon a day.

9. Play with them daily, ferret(s) can become depressed. A major sign of your ferret(s) becoming depressed is loss of fur, low energy, and not eating.

10. Empty the litter box every 2 days, Clean it out completely every week. Ferrets dont like the litter box dirty if you do not clean the box they will go somewhere else.

11.You should wash the water bottle at least once a month.

12. Make sure their food dish is full at all times. If you have more then one ferret get more then one bowl/bottle some hog the food. I wouldnt recommend getting marshall ferret food because it has caused shortened life and canser. I work at a vet and i have talked with other vets and ferret breeders about this imformation.



**Remember they are definately like two year olds! Simple minds, love to play and high energy! As a ferret becomes older they become more cuddly and more chill. Most people prefur females over the males because they don't want to deal with the territory marking. But you choose if you think you can handle a ferret(s) then get one! :) they are a load of fun! Oh and cute!





For getting ferret(s) you will need the following.



1. Carefresh Natural Pet Bedding-Internet Sale: $6.47 - $46.97

2.Marshall Pet Polar Fleece Hanging Ferret Nap Sack-Internet Sale: $17.97

3.Marchioro Ferretville 82C3 Multi-Level Playhouse-Internet Sale: $144.97

4.KONG Small Animal Toy-Internet Sale: $5.47

5.PETCO Ferret Fun Ball & Wagon Wheel-Internet Sale: $1.57

6.Super Pet Crinkle Tunnel-Internet Sale: $9.97

7.Marshall Designer Pet Tote-Internet Sale: $24.97

8.Totally Ferret Food- $25.00 In store

9.Marshall Bandits Banana Flavored Premium Ferret Treats-$2.96 In store

10.8 in 1 FerreTone Skin & Coat Ferret Food Supplement-Internet Sale: $5.97

11.Marshall Pet Ferret Grooming Brush-$4.47

12. Super Pet Ferret Litter Training Kit-Internet Sale: $9.97

14.Yesterdays News *litter*- $16-20 in Store

15.Gamma Vittles Vault Plus-Internet Sale: $17.97

16.PETCO Twist & Lock Crock for Small Animals-Internet Sale: $4.97

17.PETCO Water Bottles for Small Animals-Internet Sale: $3.39

18.Marshall Pet Ferret Walking Jacket-$13.97



These are all the items you will need to start out with.

Answer 23

Learning how to train your dog will improve your life and hers, enhance the bond between you, and ensure her safety and it can be a lot of fun. Dogs are usually eager to learn, and the key to success is good communication. Your dog needs to understand how you’d like her to behave and why it’s in her best interest to comply with your wishes. Check here to learn how to train your dog properly https://tr.im/GEDUD

Answer 24

Set up reminders on your personal machine or phone every hour to encourage you to ultimately get up, walk around, along with stretch.

Answer 25

Yes it would be suitable, as ferrets are really friendly pets ,who would love you and your room mates. They would really love nibbling on you, and your room mates fingers and toes.

Answer 26

u dnt want to let a ferret run around all the time...if they get blockd in a corner thyel attack n they hurt i had one that play bit to hard..drove 2hrs to get them mine was so scared bc they had it in a box we open iot it attacks n my thumbs was bleeding we had to punch it to get it to let go....they will poop on the floor at firsdt to get used to the place...if u get one get one thats litter boxd traind..if u get two n separate them the other one wil get depressed not eat n die bc it grew up wit the other one around..u have to feed them water them every day...bath them once a week n clean their cage once a week..bc even of they r litter bpoxd traind n u have a litter box in the cage they will **** all over the cage..they shed like crazy n sleep alot during the day n get up alot at night to play with things in the cage..they r kind of like a cat n wesel...but they r a lil harder to take care of then a cat or dog...u buy beding n food alot n treats n shampoo...they r a messy animal...but other than that they r great all around pets...by fyi: u have to give them attention n show them u care bc if not they will get mean n can possibly start biting...

Answer 27

my grandpa had one for years and i had one myself. theyre awsome and really fun. they do smell kind of but if you give it a bath every day then it will be fine. theyre so funny cuz theyll hop around like little cats. but theyre kind of like a puppy too and play bite but its not hard. they dont make a lot of noise and like to eat little foods like chili peppers. but theyre pretty easy to take care of.. GET ONE !!!:)