how to "discipline" or show affection properly

[sid'smommy]

Squirrel discipline ?? Thats as easy as nailing jello to a tree. LOL.
Actually, there are ways of showing them that they did something wrong. When Squidsy got too rough, I would firmly say OUCH. She would come right back and inspect the spot to see what the damage was and then continue on... if she did it again, I would say ouch again, then put her back in the cage and say ouch when I closed the door. I would walk away without giving her a treat. She would pancake out on the hammock and sulk for a while, then start showing off with her dance moves, then resort to limping for attention. I did not speak to her during this time. I usually waited about 10-15 minutes before letting her back out. It didnt take long for her to learn. However, if someone else said ouch or jumped, they usually got bit. I dunno why. I guess she knew they were "not da momma". Always remember to give a treat when going back in cage voluntarily. As far as biting things, well, thats probably not gonna happen. Mine only showed remorse when they knew they hurt me. The coffee table didnt feed them, bathe them, or cuddle them... and therefore, must be bitten. Of course, I would say Ah Ah AHH... and she would do the Tigger bounce across the couch, as though she had the giggles.... which are contagious. Oh yeah, and when you laugh at something they do, they feel the need to keep doing it.. show-offs

[sdreamcatcher]

When my boys played too rough with me, I would say OW! until they stopped. If they didn't play gentler, I would stop playing for a bit and wait for them to settle a bit. Baby squirrels learn FAST! Keep in mind they do seem to go through a rough phase; mine did. But they are quick to learn . I NEVER used anything more then a squirt bottle to keep them from getting into things. Keeping them busy with things they CAN chew and destroy is the best way to go. Stuffed animals ("stuffies"), fresh tree branches from SAFE trees, safe nesting materials (polyfil), etc....

[sdreamcatcher]

Squirrel discipline ?? Thats as easy as nailing jello to a tree. LOL.
Actually, there are ways of showing them that they did something wrong. When Squidsy got too rough, I would firmly say OUCH. She would come right back and inspect the spot to see what the damage was and then continue on... if she did it again, I would say ouch again, then put her back in the cage and say ouch when I closed the door. I would walk away without giving her a treat. She would pancake out on the hammock and sulk for a while, then start showing off with her dance moves, then resort to limping for attention. I did not speak to her during this time. I usually waited about 10-15 minutes before letting her back out. It didnt take long for her to learn. However, if someone else said ouch or jumped, they usually got bit. I dunno why. I guess she knew they were "not da momma". Always remember to give a treat when going back in cage voluntarily. As far as biting things, well, thats probably not gonna happen. Mine only showed remorse when they knew they hurt me. The coffee table didnt feed them, bathe them, or cuddle them... and therefore, must be bitten. Of course, I would say Ah Ah AHH... and she would do the Tigger bounce across the couch, as though she had the giggles.... which are contagious. Oh yeah, and when you laugh at something they do, they feel the need to keep doing it.. show-offs

YES!!!! NEVER giggle at them when they do something wrong; it only encourages them!!!!

[ellymay]

Awesome!!!! Thank you all so much for all of the suggestions they're all really very helpful. I'm cutting back on snack foods and having a shipment of the squirrel pellets you suggested on the way! :-D

[Toddy]

I found that clapping my hands loudly stopped Tod dead in her tracks if I caught her doing something naughty, like chewing on something that she wasn't supposed to. The squirt bottle worked too, but I never had it close by, so by the time I found it, she had already stopped her bad behaviour. So clapping was much easier for me!

Most important is keeping them occupied and entertained. They won't get into mischief if they are busy playing

[ALittleNutty]

Squirrel discipline ?? Thats as easy as nailing jello to a tree. LOL.
Actually, there are ways of showing them that they did something wrong. When Squidsy got too rough, I would firmly say OUCH. She would come right back and inspect the spot to see what the damage was and then continue on... if she did it again, I would say ouch again, then put her back in the cage and say ouch when I closed the door. I would walk away without giving her a treat. She would pancake out on the hammock and sulk for a while, then start showing off with her dance moves, then resort to limping for attention. I did not speak to her during this time. I usually waited about 10-15 minutes before letting her back out. It didnt take long for her to learn. However, if someone else said ouch or jumped, they usually got bit. I dunno why. I guess she knew they were "not da momma". Always remember to give a treat when going back in cage voluntarily. As far as biting things, well, thats probably not gonna happen. Mine only showed remorse when they knew they hurt me. The coffee table didnt feed them, bathe them, or cuddle them... and therefore, must be bitten. Of course, I would say Ah Ah AHH... and she would do the Tigger bounce across the couch, as though she had the giggles.... which are contagious. Oh yeah, and when you laugh at something they do, they feel the need to keep doing it.. show-offs

LOL at the limping to get attention!

I use the universal "Aaaant" sound. Low tone, harsh and gutteral, sort of make it in the back of your throat. Works for kids, dogs and squirrels.

[Squirrel Girls Mom]

LOL at the limping to get attention!

I use the universal "Aaaant" sound. Low tone, harsh and gutteral, sort of make it in the back of your throat. Works for kids, dogs and squirrels.

OMG, that's exactly what I do!! I started doing it with my kids when they were little so I didn't have say "no" all the time. I tried to save "no" for something dangerous. Anyway, it worked for them and works great for squirrels and various critters, including grandsons.

[ALittleNutty]

OMG, that's exactly what I do!! I started doing it with my kids when they were little so I didn't have say "no" all the time. I tried to save "no" for something dangerous. Anyway, it worked for them and works great for squirrels and various critters, including grandsons.

I used to conduct tours of an antebellum home where you aren't supposed to touch things, even the children who didn't speak English understood it.