Cat Clicker Training

What is Clicker Training?

To fully understand what cat clicker training is, we first need to discuss the difference between classical and operant conditioning.

Classical conditioning is a behavior that is adopted out of habit. Your cat may come to associate a certain person, object, place or even his own behavior with either positive or negative feelings according to his initial experiences. When he comes into contact with any of these things again, he will react according to his past experiences without really thinking the current situation through.

This behavior is considered automatic because your cat wasn't thinking when he learned the behavior, he was simply reacting to the situation at the time.

Operant conditioning is an extension of classical conditioning, and is based on a positive reward system. To put it simply, when operant conditioning is in play, your cat isn't just reacting out of habit, he's choosing to repeat a behavior that brings him pleasant consequences.

Now which would you rather have, a cat who simply reacts, or a cat who thinks? If you voted for a thinking cat, then read on.

How Does Cat Clicker Training Work?

Cat clicker training can be used to train your feline in a positive way. Let's break it down into three main steps.

1. Witness the behavior you want your cat to perform.
2. Click the moment it happens so your cat makes the connection between his actions and the click.
3. Reward your cat immediately after you click so he makes the connection between the action, the click and the treat.

In a nutshell: positive action equals click equals reward. It has to happen just that quickly because this is the way animals connect their behaviors with the resulting consequences.

Why do we use the clicker instead of saying "good kitty"? Your cat hears you speak all the time, sometimes in happy tones, sometimes in irritated tones, but speaking is nothing out of the ordinary to him. It's not likely to gain his attention at the precise moment of his actions the way the clicker will.

On the other hand, the sound of the click is sharp and unique. It immediately grabs his attention, causing an instant association between his actions and the sound. Follow this immediately with a tasty treat or loving stroke and you've marked the occasion with a positive reward, something your cat will take to heart.

Repeat these actions with the same positive behavior a few times, and your cat will begin to repeat the behavior because he understands he will be rewarded for it. Now you've got your cat thinking, rather than just reacting.

How to Begin

The first step in cat clicker training is to associate the sound of the click with a reward.

Give the clicker a click to gain your cat's attention and immediately give him one of his favorite treats. Make sure it's just a tidbit so it's quickly consumed, leaving him wanting more. Repeat this lesson about five times in a row, pausing for a few moments between each treat so your cat gets the idea that it is the click that means treat, and not that it's just you treating him.

Once your cat makes this association, you can use the click and reward system to reinforce your cat's good behaviors.

Eliminating Unwanted Behaviors

Cat clicker training cannot be used in the opposite fashion to mark unwanted behaviors followed by some form of punishment. It must always carry a positive connotation for your cat.

You can use your clicker to replace your pet's unwanted behaviors with those that you do want. If your cat is misbehaving in some way, offer him a physical distraction and then watch for a behavior you do want. Click and reward him at the exact moment he does something good.

When he doesn't receive a reward for his less than pleasant behaviors, he'll spend more time and energy on the actions that bring him a reward. The process takes some time, but it can work if you stay on top of the situation.

Conclusion

Physically punishing your cat for unwanted behaviors is simply a bad idea. It doesn't teach your pet anything but to fear you, and that will not foster a close relationship between the two of you.

Cat clicker training can be a positive experience for you both. You will gain your cat's trust and affection, and teach him to behave in ways you can live with. Isn't it great when everybody wins?

External Links

• ClickerTraining.com, clicker training kit for cats.

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