Cat training with a clicker
Clicker training is a reinforcement or reward for a cat when
training them. Clickers are use most often for support when
training a cat for a reward. Cats associate the clicker with a
good behavior they will use for a long time. Clicker training is
associated with classical condition (they associate the sound
with food.) and operant conditioning (cat performs movement to
receive food).
Why use a clicker and not tell a cat or make a sound to get your
cat to do a trick? A clicker has a sound a cat can hear and
associate good behavior. With words, our tones in our voice can
change from time to time, which a cat can become confused with
the training. With talking for the commands, a cat could mistake
the commands. With using a clicker, it is more of a training
tool to get the behavior started with the cat. Then you can put
the clicker away for that behavior or trick once a cat has
learned the behavior
When taking the cat out for a walk or on a trip, the clicker is
a good item to carry along with you. Cats can get distracted
with other people, or animals in the area. With using the
clicker, it will reinforce the behavior that you have taught
them. In addition, a clicker can help you with having your cat
walk with you instead of wondering around. With the clicker, a
cat can be trained using three easy steps: Get a behavior, mark
a behavior, and reinforce the behavior. Get a behavior is the
first step. A good example would be for the cat to jump a hoop.
The cat will have to know that when you click that they get a
treat. Start with very small treats in your pocket. Clicks,
Treat, Click Treat do this for a few times until you see the cat
coming for the treat on the click. Next marking the behavior:
You will have to show the cat the hoop. Once the cat touches the
hoop, click, treat. Then show the cat to go though the hoop once
it does click, treat. Continue to do this until the cat goes
though the hoop on its own or your command. Reinforce the
behavior Remember to have snacks handy so when you do see your
cat go though the hoop a snack is available.
Training a cat with a clicker can be fun for both you and the
cat. Taking steps in training will be rewarding to you and the
cat. Try not to rush a cat in training, as they can become
confused especially if they did not get the step before down.
The training will take time and steps to achieve this behavior.
Patience, love, and rewards will be the key factor in training
your cat.
The clicker is a good exercises tool for a cat. 10 to 15 mins a
day you should get your cat to exercises. For exercising, you
can have the cat use a hoop, play with a toy, and climb on the
scratching post or something that focus on the cat getting
exercise. Exercises will help the cat to stay healthy and help
to keep it out of mischief.
Clickers can come with books to help you train, treats, and a
clicker. Clickers come in many different size shapes, and color.
You will want to research the clickers out. Check out a pet
store, Internet sites give lots of information on training and
using a clicker. Check out companies that make the clicker by
using Internet to see what kind they offer and any additional
information that you might need to get the process of training
done. Check out articles about the clicker. Talk to someone that
has used one. Talk to your area veterinary about training with a
Clicker
Once you have used a clicker, the cat will get good exercise and
be a healthy cat. The cat will be happier and you will be
happier with the new behaviors that you have taught your cat.
To sum up training your cat, important things to remember is
have patience, love and the clicker.