Although every proud pet parent thinks that their pet is the smartest in the world, let’s be honest, that is impossible. We all know that cats and dogs are very intelligent and able to bond emotionally with their owner, but what about dwarf hamsters?
Dwarf hamsters are smart. It shows in their ability to learn tricks, and their intellect requires a lot of stimulation because they get bored quickly without it. They also recognize their owners and even their own name if they are trained appropriately.
In this article, I’ll explain more about the inner workings of a dwarf hamster’s mind and how you can train your pet to recognize their name.
Are Dwarf Hamsters Intelligent?
Dwarf hamsters are more intelligent than you might think. Although they are not as smart as rats, solving puzzles, opening doors to the cage, creating burrows, and reacting when called by their name are all signs of intelligence.
Let’s take a closer look at these signs that will show you the level of intelligence of your dwarf hamster.
Dwarf Hamsters Build Burrows
In the wild, dwarf hamsters build complex burrows and steep tunnel networks ranging up to six feet (1.8 m) in depth. They use them to travel without being noticed by predators and to store food.
Dwarf hamsters are also smart enough to learn what time of the year it is, and this helps them determine when it’s time to breed or hibernate. This level of awareness is a fantastic indicator of how smart these furballs actually are.
Dwarf Hamsters Enjoy Solving Puzzles and Playing
Whether by being a menace, opening the door of the cage by themselves, or enjoying playing with toys, dwarf hamsters’ interest in the world around them is a sign of intelligence. Observe your pet playing and exploring, as this is one of the easiest ways to discover how smart your dwarf hamster is.
If your pet shows curiosity and playfulness, these will be clear signs that your little escape artist is smarter than you think. Also, the fact that dwarf hamsters are so inquisitive and easily get bored with their toys is a sign that there is more going on in that little head than we ever imagined.
Dwarf Hamsters Can Recognize Their Owner
Dwarf hamsters are smart enough to recognize you! Since emotions are one of the key signs of intelligence, your hamster’s recognition of you speaks volumes about how smart they are.
Although they don’t form the same kind of attachment to their owner as cats and dogs, they will react to your approach. At first, it would be because you are the person that brings them food.
In spite of that, there is no need to feel like they see you only as their food provider. With time, dwarf hamsters form bonds with their owners. Additionally, with enough time, interaction, and socialization, your hamster will show you affection by asking for attention and allowing you to pet them.
They will stop being skittish around you and even yawn and stretch, showing they are comfortable being around you. Some dwarf hamsters are even known to groom and lick their owners to show them affection.
The best way to form a bond with your hamster is to approach them slowly and speak to them in mild tones. Doing so will help them get used to you.
However, remember that dwarf hamsters form bonds with only one or two people, and they recognize them by sight, smell, and sound. So, don’t be surprised if your cuddly hamster is not as cuddly when visitors try to play with them.
Dwarf Hamsters Can Recognize Their Name
Did you know dwarf hamsters are smart enough to be trained to recognize their own name? The best way to do that is to train them with treats.
If you want your pet to recognize their name, follow the steps below:
- Wash your hands thoroughly so that they don’t smell any strong scents on them.
- Put your dwarf hamster and yourself in a safe, enclosed space. If the space is not enclosed, you might have a hard time catching your pet if they decide something is more interesting than your treats.
- Position the treat in your hand and call the hamster’s name. Don’t say anything but your pet’s name so that you don’t confuse them.
- Use positive reinforcement and give them a treat every time they react to their name by coming to you.
Conclusion
Dwarf hamsters are inquisitive and smart pets. Their intelligence shines through when looking at their behavior: they like to play and get bored easily. Not only that, but dwarf hamsters also show signs of emotions. With time, they learn to react to your presence with affection and enjoy your attention and the security your company brings.
All of these are signs that your dwarf hamster is a smart little creature, but none more than the fact that you can train them to react to being called.