Your Cat Training Should Not Be Corporal Punishment!

Out of all of the techniques involved in cat training, probably punishing your cat is the toughest part of the entire cat training process. For the trainer, there are varieties of modes to punish a cat which can be in the form of words, actions or it can be physical punishment as well. But there are things which one should keep in mind while punishing a cat during the initial phases of the cat training sessions.

Below are some facts which need to be considered while punishing your cat during the cat training.

Do it at “just the right time”. You should find an exact time when your cat will be punished while cat training. It would be better if you punish the cat immediately after the cat has done the misbehaving. The reason being is that the effect of immediate punishment would be greater than if the punishment is conducted at a later time. If you don’t punish the cat immediately after the mischief, then the cat will not be able to relate the punishment with the mischief. Remember that your cat is not a human being, so he will not be able to recognize the similarity as we do. Due to this, if the punishment is given following the unwanted behavior, the cat will have a message that the punishment was given because of the mischief which had just taken place. If you can, follow the punishment immediately with the action you want.

While conducting your cat training you should always keep in mind that the punishment is not meant to harm your cat so you should take care not to be too aggressive. One cat training technique that doesn’t work is brute force. Physical punishment may make him fear you, but it is unlikely to establish the behavior you want. Remember that your cat is a living being although he doesn’t have the same sense of what is right and what is wrong as we do. By being too aggressive you may harm them physically and not correct the problem at all. Whether it is during cat training or in any situation, you should always be aware of the fact that if you harm your cat physically then it could be an offence against the animal and will also irritate the cat. Also, due to excessive punishment your cat can become aggressive and this can be harmful and risky. Negative reinforcement does have its place in cat training, but it must be used judiciously.

During your cat training you have lots of options which can be used to accomplish your cat training needs. For example, try startling your cat into behaving better with a squirt gun, a whistle or a beanbag. Most cats abhor loud noises and being wet; they will avoid whatever is regularly associated with them. The key to this cat training technique is to make sure your cat doesn't come to associate you with the water, noise or sudden motion. If he does, he may become frightened or continue the bad behavior behind your back. One of the best ways to correct him is through motivation. You can motivate your cat to behave the way you want him to. Motivation can be provided as praise, petting, food or toys. Throughout your cat training, if the cat behaves well or does something which is better than he was asked or taught, then you should always reinforce that behavior in the form of rewards.

Sara is a Cat Behavior Specialist who owns Cat Training Secrets, a site which helps people learn more about cat training.