The theory behind clicker training is that the cat will learn to link a sound (click-clack) with a reward (tasty treat). The nice thing about a clicker is that it is a distinct sound which is only associated with a reward. Thus, the cat is much more likely to respond. [2] X Research source Reaching the Animal Mind. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Scribner Book Company. Although you can train a cat using just words, it can be more difficult. Because you use words in everyday speech not directed at your cat, the cat probably won’t pay a lot of attention to them. Furthermore, if you use a command word such as “shake,” the cat will likely hear the word in other contexts and not know when it is expected to respond. [3] X Research source Reaching the Animal Mind. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Scribner Book Company.
You may want to try buying a small amount of several different cat treats to try them out and see what your cat likes best.
If your cat has just woken up, it may be groggy. If this is the case, give the cat five minutes or so before you begin training.
Cats only have a short attention span, so don’t try to continue your clicker session beyond about five minutes. [4] X Research source Feline Behavior: a Guide for Veterinarians. Bonnie Beaver. Publisher: Saunders.
Each cat learns at a different pace, but most will figure out the link between the clicker and the treat after two or three five-minute sessions. Be consistent, repeating the clicker session once or twice a day, every day, until the cat makes the association. [5] X Research source Feline Behavior: a Guide for Veterinarians. Bonnie Beaver. Publisher: Saunders. You will be able to recognize when your cat has discovered the connection, because it will gaze at you expectantly and perhaps lick its lips after your press the clicker.
Work in a peaceful place with few distractions so that the cat concentrates solely on you.
If the cat spontaneously lifts the correct paw at any time during the training, immediately click, say the command and reward. This sends a strong message that the behavior you require is to lift the paw. [9] X Research source Reaching the Animal Mind. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Scribner Book Company. You want your cat to enjoy these sessions. If the cat seems uncooperative or disinterested, don’t force this issue. Let it wander off and try again another other time. [10] X Research source Reaching the Animal Mind. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Scribner Book Company.
It may take several sessions before your cat starts to raise its paw without you taking it first, and several more before it will do it on command.
The click promises a reward, and the command tells the cat the required action to get it. Your goal is to get the cat to respond to “shake” without the click because it associates the command with a treat.
However, do reward the cat at least every three to four times so it doesn’t get disheartened. [13] X Research source Reaching the Animal Mind. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Scribner Book Company. Always conclude each session with a treat. Ending the session with a treat gives the cat consistent, positive reinforcement of the desired behavior. [14] X Research source Reaching the Animal Mind. Karen Pryor. Publisher: Scribner Book Company.
