Problem: Article: Perhaps the most challenging part of getting your hamster to use his or her ball is finding a time that they actually want to use it. You’ve got to time this properly, because if your hamster is tired or just not in the mood, they’re not going to do anything, and they’ll just sit there. Consider:  Choosing a time when your hamster is active. Don’t choose a time directly before or directly after feeding. Once you’ve used the ball a few times, it should be easier to figure out when your hamster wants to play in his or her ball. Hamster balls often have two designs to open them. Either way, you’ll have to twist the ball or the entrance open in order to let your hamster in. Make sure to do this gently, as you don’t want to damage your ball.  Some hamster balls are separated into two sides, and you’ll twist one side off the other to open it. Some hamster balls have a small circular opening on one side of the sphere. You’ll have to twist the door of the ball open to let your hamster in. If your hamster ball is designed differently, consult your instructions. Best practice is to open the ball and allow your hamster to enter on their own accord. You don’t want to throw your hamster in there and traumatize him or her for no reason. If your hamster does not want to go in, try again later.  Open the ball and direct your hamster toward the opening. You can guide him or her, but don’t throw them in against their own will. Try putting a treat in to lure your hamster in. If your hamster goes for the treat, slowly close the ball and allow your hamster to eat the treat before anything else. If your hamster is still reluctant, place the ball inside his or her cage to allow him or her to get used to the ball. Just make sure to watch them, as they might hurt themselves playing in a ball that is not secured. Once your hamster has boarded the ball on their own accord, twist the ball shut and make sure it clicks and is secure so your hamster cannot escape. This is extremely important, as you don’t want the ball to open while your hamster is running around. After you’ve loaded your furry friend into his or her ball, apply a little tape to two sides in order to provide an extra layer of protection against the ball opening. This will serve a dual purpose of keeping your hamster safe and making sure he or she does not escape into the wilds of your home.  Apply the tape smoothly to the crack that separates the two sides of the sphere (or on the entrance to the ball). Make sure that the pieces of tape are not available inside of the sphere. You don’t want your little friend chewing on or swallowing the tape. Make sure your ball is dry when applying tape. Once your hamster has boarded, the ball is secure, and taped, then move the ball to a flat surface where your hamster will safely be able to move around. Carpet is best for this and will limit the vibrations and other stresses to the ball and to the hamster. If they stop, do not force them to roll. It either means they are sniffing their surroundings or just tired. If they stop rolling for at least 7 minutes, it means they are probably tired and let them back in their cage.  If they get stuck in a corner do not pick them up and move them because they are probably just resting. They can get out on their own. One mistake people often make with hamster balls is to let their hamster roam around freely in their ball. This could have potentially devastating and certainly dangerous results. In order to prevent your little friend from getting hurt, you need to monitor your hamster at all times when he or she is in a hamster ball. Consider:  Sitting on the floor with your hamster when he or she is in the ball. Closing off an area, like a living room or bedroom so that your hamster won’t be able to leave your site. Make sure that your hamster won’t be able to access any stairs or similar hazards while in his or her ball. Never let your hamster roam around unattended – in or out of a ball.
Summary: Pick a play time. Untwist the ball open. Allow your hamster to enter the ball. Twist the top back on. Apply packing or scotch tape as an extra measure to keep the ball shut. Put the ball on a flat surface, if it is not already. Leave them alone while they are in the ball. Monitor your hamster at all times.

Problem: Article: You can find coatings specifically made for this purpose. The idea is they taste bad, and then your horse doesn't want to crib on that surface. Another option is hot sauce from the grocery store. Use a paintbrush to add a thick coating to the items, and then let it dry.  Look online or at your favorite equine store for bad-tasting coatings. You could also try non-toxic soap. Place the collar just behind the horse's jaw, and tighten it around the neck. This collar won't affect the horse's eating or drinking, but it's just tight enough to prevent it from cribbing.  Generally, horses don't seem to find these collars uncomfortable. However, you should check under your horse's collar often. The horse can develop lesions due to how tight it has to be prevent cribbing. Take the collar off when your horse is exercising. This option fits over your horse's mouth, allowing it to still eat and drink but blocking it from cribbing with a metal bar. While these also don't seem to be uncomfortable for the horse, they may not be as comfortable as wearing a cribbing collar. Cribbing rings prevent the practice by not allowing the horse to make contact between its teeth and the object it is cribbing. The ring is inserted around the front teeth, but it can fall out easily. It may slightly inhibit your horse's ability to graze. Your vet should put the cribbing ring in. While this board won't stop your horse from cribbing, it does allow your horse to do it a little more safely. This can be a solution if you simply can't stop your horse from cribbing. You may need to discourage your horse from using other boards in the area by using a bad-tasting coating.
Summary:
Apply a bad-tasting coating to the objects your horse cribs to discourage the behavior. Use a tightly applied cribbing collar for an easy solution. Put a cribbing muzzle on your horse if a cribbing collar doesn't work. Try a cribbing ring around your horse's teeth if other options are unsuccessful. Cover a board with rubber for your horse to use for cribbing.