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Can Cats Be Trained Like Dogs?
When people think of training their pets, many immediately picture dogs. Dogs are notoriously trainable creatures, but with some patience and persistence, even cats can be taught tricks, commands, and more.
Cats and dogs respond differently to training, but you can still benefit from the same techniques you would use for your canine counterpart. The key is tailoring the method according to your pet's personality and motivations.
First and foremost, dogs tend to have a higher threshold for learning than cats do. This means your cat may take longer to pick up on new commands or tricks compared to a dog - particularly if the latter is very hyperactive or has an extremely low threshold for sensory input.
Another important point to keep in mind is that cats tend not to accept low-value rewards as easily as dogs do. This is because they are primarily hunters, and their predatory instincts drive them to chase down and capture prey.
Cats that exhibit behavioral problems, such as biting or jumping on you, may exhibit aggression towards humans and other animals. If your feline friend is having issues, professional assistance may be necessary to address the underlying causes.
Fortunately, there is an increasing number of professional pet trainers who specialize in working with cats. These experts can give you all of the tools and resources necessary to help your cat become a well-behaved member of the family.
Start by providing positive reinforcement, such as treats or extra kibble. Targeting is another option; hold a favorite toy or treat near your cat and reward her when it follows it. Luring, on the other hand, involves having your feline chase after an object held just above her head.
Once your cat has learned how to sit on cue, you can work on other behaviors like coming, shaking, and laying down. Start with a low-distraction environment such as an area where they won't have much access or an empty litter box.
Once you're through with that, progress on to LAT and other advanced training techniques. As your pup improves her response to cues, she'll get closer and closer to their feline companion - something which can be exciting for both of them!
To make the training process more successful, be consistent. That means not altering the method when your cat doesn't respond or shows up at the same time when he does respond. Doing so will only put stress on your feline friend, making it harder to train her and eventually leading to her losing interest in participating in sessions.