Clicker training is a reinforcement or reward for a cat when training them. Clickers are used most often for support when training a cat for a reward. Cats associate the clicker with good behavior they will use for a long time. Clicker training is associated with the 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, the 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. Using a clicker 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 trip, the clicker is a good item to carry along with you. Cats can get distracted by other people or animals in the area. Using the clicker will reinforce the behavior that you have taught them. In addition, a clicker can help you with having your catwalk with you instead of wandering around.
With the clicker, a cat can be trained using three easy steps:
- Get a behavior.
- Mark a behavior.
- Reinforce the behavior.
Getting 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, they get a treat. Start with very small treats in your pocket. Clicks, Treat, Click Treat do this a few times until you see the cat coming for the treat on the click. Next, mark 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 through the hoop once it does click, treat. Continue to do this until the cat goes through the hoop on its own or your command. Reinforce the behavior Have snacks handy, so when you see your cat go through 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 focuses 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 colors. 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 the 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 to have patience, love, and the clicker.
