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Thread: Clicker training for cats: Has anyone ever tried that? (update #10)

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  1. #1
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    Clicker training for cats: Has anyone ever tried that? (update #10)

    I heard about that a lot lately, obviously it has a very positive effect on cats. Now I'm thinking about trying this with Lily because I think one of the reasons she's bullying Luna is that she is bored and unchallenged. Lily is a smart girl, and maybe she would enjoy learning something new. However, I have no idea how to start. lol There are several books on the market and I think I will order one of those. Hope Lily will like the training.
    Last edited by Kirsten; 05-30-2013 at 10:47 AM.

  2. #2
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    Sure it works with cats as well as dogs! I find clicker training quite easy. The thing with a cat will be finding the high value treat to reward with. Something the cat never normally gets, it is just used for training and it is irresistible to kitty. Maybe some fish? Canned or cooked. You'd just need a little each time.

    The way it works: you mark the behavior you want with a click and then immediately follow up with a high value treat. The idea is, that it is easier and quicker for the human to CLICK than it is to get the treat to the pet, praise the pet, pat, etc. You something to quickly and clearly indicate THAT is what I want you to do! Start with something easy to introduce the sound so kitty learns to connect the sound with what she is doing and a reward.

    I've known cats trained to shake - one cat would jump up on a table next to the front door at the sound of the doorbell, and as visitors entered, kitty would hold up a paw. Visitors were instructed to shake and say hello prior to meeting with the humans, lol. That is more advanced and you train that in stages. So there is plenty you can do with a cat!
    .

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Freedom View Post
    Sure it works with cats as well as dogs! I find clicker training quite easy. The thing with a cat will be finding the high value treat to reward with. Something the cat never normally gets, it is just used for training and it is irresistible to kitty. Maybe some fish? Canned or cooked. You'd just need a little each time.

    The way it works: you mark the behavior you want with a click and then immediately follow up with a high value treat. The idea is, that it is easier and quicker for the human to CLICK than it is to get the treat to the pet, praise the pet, pat, etc. You something to quickly and clearly indicate THAT is what I want you to do! Start with something easy to introduce the sound so kitty learns to connect the sound with what she is doing and a reward.

    I've known cats trained to shake - one cat would jump up on a table next to the front door at the sound of the doorbell, and as visitors entered, kitty would hold up a paw. Visitors were instructed to shake and say hello prior to meeting with the humans, lol. That is more advanced and you train that in stages. So there is plenty you can do with a cat!
    Interesting! I agree it would be hard to find such a treat, especially when your cat is on a diet! Another thing is, Lily always comes running when I grab for a treat, she knows the sound of the treat box, etc. I hope the instructions in the books will help me with that. Anyway, I think I will give it a try.

  4. #4
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    Perhaps you can find the books at the library?

    Also, search on youtube!
    .

  5. #5
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    I can see me clicking away at My Cats while they make circling motions with their paws at their head.
    Hes gone batty , even more than normal they sigh.
    THE RAINBOW BRIDGE FOUND HOTEL ANGELS HAVE A NEW FRIEND IN CORINNA.


    ALMOND ROCCA BATON AND ELLIE ANGELS ARE GUARDIANS TO ETERNAL KITTENS ROCC-EL AND T TEEN ANGEL, ALMOND ROCA , VLAD , PAWLEE , SPRITE. LITTLE HEX, OSIRIS AND ANNIE ANGELS.
    EBONY BEAU TUBSTER AND PEACHES BW SPIKE & SMOKEY


    NOW PRECIOUS AND SAM ARE TOGETHER WITH ETERNAL KITTENS SAMMY ,PRESLEY, SYLVESTER AND SCRATCHY JR , MIGHTY MARINA, COSMIC CARMEN, SAMSON ,UNDER KITTY AND SUNKIST AUTUMN & PUMPKIN.
    MIA AND ORANGE BLOSSOM ANGELS HAVE ADOPTED TUXIE , TROOPER , SONGBIRD AND LITTLE BITTY KITTIES MIA-MI BLOSSOMER, TUXEDO AND DASH AS THIER ETERNAL KITTENS.
    PRINCESS JOSEPH AND MICHAEL ARE CELEBRATING 19 YEARS AS LUCKY FOUND CATS

  6. #6
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    I went to our local pet store today, hoping to find a clicker and a book with instructions, but they were sold out. Now I've ordered them on amazon, should be here in a few days... I'll keep you updated. :-)

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