Contrary to what many people think — and what your cat may want you to consider — you could , in fact , train a cat . But what about clicker training for cats ? Does the positive reinforcing stimulus method that ’s often used to train dogs work on our feline friends , too ?
consort to professional CT trainer , you may dead clicker train a cat . “ I use clicker grooming quite a lot with cats , ” says Dr. Marci Koski , Ph.D. , a certify feline behavior and training advisor who runsFeline Behavior Solutions . “ It ’s not just fun , it can also really aid with behavior issues , too . It ’s a really great tool . ”
With right clicker training , you could learn your cat tricks , guide them through legerity course , encourage them to visit the veteran , and help chill out their behavior around other animals . You just require to know how to tweak this popular training method so it ’s kat - favorable .
What is Clicker Training for Cats?
Also known as “ print and reward , ” clicker training bank on a small handheld clicker ( which makes an actual “ click ” speech sound when constrict ) to show your cat the exact bit they ’ve done something you want them to do . Each metre they get word the click , your cat will get a reward .
Koski says that hombre can be clicker trained at any old age — in fact , hers was 10 age previous when she trained her . Susan Bulanda , a certified member of theInternational Association of Animal Behavior Consultants , agrees , saying kitty make idealistic students since they ’re course more fighting and curious .
Benefits of Clicker Training for Cats
“ Clicker education can really open up a new manner to transmit with your cat-o'-nine-tails , ” Koski pronounce . A clicker let you instantly admit any good behavior — which is why she recommends get a clicker with a strap . That room , you’re able to keep it close at hand , so you ’re always quick to reinforce whenever you “ catch ” your cat doing something good .
Clicker breeding can also be used as a reward system for mental exercise , like learning new tricks , as well as any behavior you desire to reinforce — from bravery in the car to clawing up a scratching post alternatively of a sofa .
Clicker Training for Cats: Before You Begin
“ Before you’re able to clicker train a cat , you must regain a very special kickshaw that the Caterpillar loves , ” recommend Bulanda . That ’s because clicker preparation is all about reinforce demeanour at once after scar them with a click . “ You need to figure out what your African tea is willing to wreak for , ” Koski says . “ That is often the surd part . ”
Most cat do well with a favored treat , though Koski advise finding a low - calorie variety since you ’ll be hand out a lot of them . She recommends using a treat that come in a squeezable thermionic valve for well-heeled dispensing , belittled pieces of plain fix chicken white meat , or piece of dry food . accord to Bulanda , whatever treat you choose , it should be used only for clicker training .
It ’s guileful with cats who are n’t solid food - actuate . Koski suggests reward those cats by brushing or pet them , engaging in active maneuver with a favorite toy , or just proffer supernumerary affectionateness and attention .
You do n’t require to chip at out much fourth dimension for a clicker training session . Each one should only last a few minutes . Just be certain to set up in a place with minimum distraction , where your kat already feels comfortable . And if you ’re planning to instruct trick that command prop , be sure to limit those out ahead of prison term .
How to Clicker Train a Cat: 4 Easy Steps
1 . descent up on high - note value treat or rewards . Once you work out out a advantage that your cat is eager to work out for , verify you have plenty of it on hand when you ’re ready to take off breeding ( in the fount of treats ) or prosperous entree to it ( in the case of non - food reward , like toys ) .
2 . make a contact between clicker and reward . When first starting out , there ’s no penury to waitress for undecomposed behavior when you prepare . but click , give your reward , wait for your cat to corrode it or enjoy it , and then repeat about six to 10 times for a totality of about two moment .
Koski recommends doing this over a series of three sessions . “ By then , your cat should translate that when they get a line the click , a reward magically appear , ” she say .
3 . Click and reward to reinforce good behaviour . Now you’re able to embark on using the clicker to mark any positive behavior : when your cat gives you a high five , uses a scratching post , or walks by a cat frenemy without hiss and growling . If you do this systematically , your cat will learn what you require them to do . Just remember that the click itself is not a wages . It ’s simply a signal that your cat did the good thing and a delicacy is come right away . Nor is it a command . You ’ll still need to use words or hand signal as actual commands . And do n’t forget to keep sessions short : a few minutes is plenty .
4 . Switch up your advantage . Once your cat has mastered a certain dictation , you’re able to continue reenforce it on what Koski calls “ a varying schedule . ” There should still be a wages each time the positive behavior befall , but it does n’t need to be a high - note value handle each clock time . Sometimes it will , but other times it can be a less alluring goody or even just unsubdivided praise .
“ It ’s the exact same psychological science behind time slot machines , ” Koski says . Once you ’ve link a stimulus with a high - value reinforcement , introduce different reinforcement unpredictably can be even more motivating because there ’s always a hazard your cat will “ win ” the prized reward .
Other Helpful Tips
As with any type of training , it may take some meter for your cat to “ get it . ” Here are some significant “ dos and don’ts ” to keep in mind when clicker training your cat to help you deliver the goods .
DO pick out a clicker that works for your cat . A penetrating , flashy click that might put to work well for dogs could frighten some bozo . Koski favour rounded , flat clickers because they run to be quieter than the common box character . If that ’s still too loud for your cat , she suggest enclosing it in your palm to strangle the noise , holding it behind your back , or even place it in a wind cone . If your catstilldoesn’t like the noise , she read you could just click a pen or even try using a Snapple lid — just be logical with whatever “ click ” you and your cat settle on .
If you ’re try out to train multiple cats , DO start up them out singly . Koski says it ’s essential to instruct each cat their own clicker affiliation and commands individually . Otherwise , you risk send off mixed subject matter whenever you click . Once all the cats experience their commands , you may work with more than one at a time .
DON’T expend a clicker to penalise unwanted behaviors or to get your cat ’s aid . You want a elementary , clear connection between behaviour , click , and reward . Introducing any other elements addle your message and weakens the feedback loop .
“ At first the clicker is go to experience awkward , and there ’s a bunch to concentrate on , ” Koski says . “ Sometimes it feel like you take three hand . But hang in there . You ’ll get more comfortable , and it ’s sport to see succeeder while open a whole newfangled line of communication between you and your big cat . ”
