When should you start training a rat?

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When should you start training a rat? - briefly
Begin training when the rat is about 4–6 weeks old, after weaning and before it reaches sexual maturity. At this stage the animal can safely wear a harness and is receptive to basic cues.

When should you start training a rat? - in detail
Rats reach a level of physical coordination and cognitive ability that supports basic conditioning between three and four weeks of age. At this stage the eyes are fully open, the animal can navigate its environment, and the nervous system is sufficiently mature to form associative links.
Readiness indicators:

Stable body weight (approximately 30–40 g for a newborn; 80–100 g by the fourth week).
Consistent feeding schedule without excessive stress.
Ability to sit upright for short periods and grasp objects with forepaws.
Normal social interaction with littermates, indicating reduced anxiety.

Training phases:

Acclimation (Weeks 3–4).

Place the rat in a clean, familiar cage for short, supervised sessions.
Offer small food rewards (e.g., a grain of millet) to associate the trainer’s presence with positive outcomes.

Simple cue conditioning (Weeks 4–5).

Introduce a single auditory or visual cue paired with a food reward.
Use a clicker or brief light flash; repeat the pairings 5–10 times per session, twice daily.

Operant tasks (Weeks 5–6).

Implement a lever press or nose‑poke apparatus.
Reward each correct response immediately; gradually increase the required number of presses.

Complex sequences (Weeks 7+).

Combine multiple cues and actions, such as navigating a small maze before receiving a treat.
Adjust difficulty based on performance metrics (latency, error rate).

Key considerations:

Maintain consistent timing; irregular intervals disrupt associative learning.
Keep sessions brief (5–10 minutes) to prevent fatigue and stress.
Ensure the environment is quiet, with minimal distractions.
Monitor health daily; any signs of illness postpone training until recovery.

Starting at the third‑week developmental window maximizes learning efficiency while minimizing stress, providing a solid foundation for more advanced behavioral programs.