Cat training is simply the process of changing a cat’s natural behavior for companionship or entertainment purposes. Many people think that teaching a cat how to behave is simply teaching them tricks or playing games. This couldn’t be further from the truth as training a cat requires a commitment from both the cat and the owner.
There are a variety of methods for cat training ranging from treats, toys, or even clicker training. If you choose to use clicker training then you will need to purchase a small, battery-operated clicker and insert it into the cat’s collar. When the clicker is pressed, the cat associates the sound with whatever action is associated with the click. Clicker cat training can be difficult if your cat is mischievous, so you may want to supervise this type of training to ensure that your cat doesn’t accidentally trigger the clicker.
Positive reinforcement is often the most popular method used for cat training. By providing your cat with something positive to do, such as a toy or food when they perform a correct action, you can teach them through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is very effective because it replaces the negative behavior with something good. This replacement behavior is much easier to maintain than the removal of the undesirable behavior and, therefore, proves to be more effective overall.
A great tip for cat training that has proven useful for many cat owners is for them to offer their cat rewards during cat training. This is especially helpful when the cat learns a new behavior such as scratching. Since cats learn from sight, offering them a treat whenever they scratch where they should not be highly recommended. Another great tip for cat training that offers great results is for the owner to offer their cat some type of affection while they are learning a new behavior. Cats love affection and, when rewarded, will quickly pick up on the trait. Just as with clicker training, this technique is great at removing negative behaviors that cats have been taught while still allowing them to learn new desirable behaviors.
Some people prefer to use a combination of treats and positive reinforcement while training their pet. Although treats may seem like a simple solution, it does have a couple of distinct advantages. If the pet owner likes the sound of the clicker, they can set the clicker anywhere from thirty feet to three feet away and then simply call the cat by name when the clicking sound is heard.
Even though this method may seem ineffective on some animals, the clicker works well for cats. The sound of the click, combined with the owner’s voice, works to reinforce the desired behavior. However, if the cat doesn’t listen to the command, the owner simply clicks the treat and offers the cat a second treat as a positive reinforcement. Over time, this type of conditioning will have the cat respond well to the command without ever receiving a treat for good behavior. Learning how to train a cat to do anything can be an effective tool in gaining the loyalty of your feline companion.
Learn how to train your cat the right way!