Thu, 19 Jun 2008
When most people think about animal obedience work, cats are not usually the first candidates to spring to mind.
We usually associate cats with words like distant, autonomus, and laid back ; they like doing what they want, pretty much as and when they feel like it.
You might be excused for thinking that way, this is not really the right training material!
However ; many are deriving a great deal of pleasure from training their cats in basic and advanced obedience work and tricks (from sit, stay, come to jumping through hoops, twirling, and high-fiving) - and they are completly convinced cats love it, too!
The benefits of training your cat
Only because cats lead solitary, individual lives does not mean that they necessarily want to do so.
In fact, cats are fabulous affectionate and loving by nature ; they just need you to demonstrate your leadership and initiate the rapport-building process.
Cats are often undervalue when you want to train them, simply because most of the owners has very little need to attempt any sort of training at all. Unlike with dogs (whose ability to learn is very well documented) there is no need to train cats in the basics of pet protocol like house training and bathing.
So few people do not know of their cat's abilities in this area.
Training your cat is a fantastic way to enrich cat's life:
- It develops a strong conection between you and your cat
- Because training emphasize your authority (your cat has to do what you want to get what he wants), it helps to curb dominant behavior
- It keeps your cat's mind active and stimulated
- It's fantastic reciprocal play, and teaches good social skills
- Eager and highly-strung cats get quiet and alleviate by the effect of quotidian training
how do I train my cat?
There are two popular methods of training a cat: target training and clicker training.
- Target training is where you attract your cat's attention and then obtain desired behaviors through the use of a designated tool. For example, during the beg command, a particular target training tool called a training wand is used to attract the cat's attention upwards, and to encourage the cat to rise up on his haunches and beg.
- Clicker training is a form of operant conditioning (which is where the animal is taught to form a conscious association between a specific behavior and a result.) A small mechanical noise-maker (the cliker) is used by the owner to make a short, distinct noise. The clicker is clicked at the precise moment that the cat performs a desired behavior; for example, during sit, the clicker is clicked at the very instant that the cat's bottom touches the ground. Right after the click, the cat is fed a small and tasty treat. With repetition, the cat gassociates the click with the food, and recognizes his ability to earn treats by performing the desired action on command. The clicker is a particularly valued training tool because it allows the trainer to pinpoint the exact behavior that is being rewarded: without the clicker, it is too easy for the cat to form associations between the treat and a completely unrelated behavior .
Practical tips for training your cat
- Remember you must be patient. Your cat like any other animal has his own abilities and preferences. He will learn some tricks quickly, but may have problems learning others. Make allowances for his personality, and do not lose your temper if it does not go exactly where you want.
- If you are free-feeding your cat (leaving food out at all times for him to eat as and when he feels like it), stop doing this. Enforcing a feeding schedule has two main benefits: it increases the reward-value of food treats as training devices, and also introduces a semblance of routine into your cat's life (which, believe it or not, most cats actually prefer.)
- Train smart. If you are using food treats (which is highly recommended to achieve the desired results) then schedule training sessions for just before mealtimes: your cat is natural desire for food at his regular mealtime will sharpen his focus and increase his desire to obey you (so he can get a treat.)
- Take baby steps. When training your cat, it is best to build up a solid foundation of the basics before attempting to expand his repertoire.
- Cats have pretty short attention spans, and low boredom thresholds. Keep lessons short and interesting; and always try to end on a positive note.
An example of successful cat training in action
Training your cat to sit on command
Sit is a great basic command for your cat to know, because it serves as the foundation for a number of other, more advanced tricks and commands .
- Make your training wand extra-effective by smearing the tip in a little tuna oil, and use it to attract your cat's attention (wave it around, trail it past his face, etc.)
- Once he is come over to you, place the wand just over his head, so that it is slightly behind the crown of his head.
- He will tilt his head back to keep his eyes on it. When he does this, he will naturally sit down (since otherwise, his neck can not bend back far enough to allow him to keep watching the training wand.)
- As he sits down, say the word Sit, which will be the verbal cue for this command (your cat will grow to associate the command with the act of sitting, and eventually will learn to sit down whenever you ask him to.)
- As soon as his bottom touches the ground, click the clicker. It is important that you time this precisely.
- Directly after clicking, give him a small food treat. Make sure it is cut up very small; if it takes him more than two seconds to eat it, he will forget why you gave it to him.
- Repeat this process a few more times, and over the next few weeks, keep doing so until he is comfortable with what is expected of him. When he is able to sit down on command, you can phase the clicker out ; but still give treats sporadically .
About the Author
Alain Matos is a successful article writer and entrepreneur
For step-by-step advice on how to train your cat in a huge variety of other obedience commands and tricks check out the Complete Cat Training book ; it is full of training how-to, as well as a huge amount of detailed information on solving problem behaviors, cat psychology, and how to develop a more rewarding relationship with your cat
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