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Cat Training The BasicsIf you have ever tried to train a cat or
any pet, you have probably realized that it isn't the simplest process.
Training a cat is not the same thing as training a dog, as cats are not
performance pets like dogs can be. There are three rules to follow when
training a cat; reward, praise, and positive reinforcement. If you can
learn how to use these rules and how to apply them to your cat's
training, you will be able to teach your cat simple tricks - and
perhaps even toilet train it!
Basic cat training tries to encourage good behavior and discourage
bad behavior. Anything you want your cat to do should be rewarding,
enjoyable, and pleasant. Likewise, those things you don't want your cat
to do should be unpleasant, not enjoyable, and should never be
rewarded. It is important to remember that reprimands don't work in cat
training. Punishment will only cause the cat to mistrust you and to
repeat the bad behavior, when you are not around. Sometimes cats won't
align the crime with the punishment and act out with another bad
behavior.
Training will require time and diligence. You should never stray
from your routine. If a cat has a pleasant experience when he does
something, and is rewarded with food or praise, you can bet he will
repeat this behavior. So, help your feline friend achieve a desired
behavior, such as litter box training, with this in mind. When litter
box training, you can control what your cat takes in and determine
where it comes out. A short time after eating, take your cat in an
enclosed room with the litter box. Make him sit in the box. When he has
used the litter box, provide plenty of oral praise and hugs, maybe even
a little treat, and your little friend will get the point. Soon he
won't need to be kept in the box to achieve the desired result.
No one wants their cats to use their new couch as a scratching post.
Of course, initially, they really don't know any better, so make it an
unpleasant experience. Cats don't like to get their claws caught up in
anything, so cover the bottom of your sofa with netting. The cat will
realize this is not any fun and retreat to his scratching post. Once
again, positive reinforcement with the good behavior is key.
As important as it is to reward good behavior, it is also as
important not to reward bad behavior. If your cat does something you
don't like, don't give him a treat to divert him from the bad behavior.
He will associate the improper behavior with rewards and continue to do
it. Instead, ignore him or squirt him with water. He will get your
point. Also, keep in mind that sometimes a cat will behave badly to get
attention. So be sure to schedule regular playtime with your feline and
provide them with plenty of toys.
Once you've accomplished the basics in training, you can teach your
cat to do many things. They have been taught to sit, lay, walk on a
leash and, as mentioned before, even potty trained. Your well-behaved
cat will be the envy of all.
Tags: Cat Training and Behavior Cat Training Cat Training The Basics bad behavior well-behaved cat |
