2021 ANIMAL STORIES MAGAZINE

2021 PET MAGAZINE LINCOLN DAILY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2021 Page 49 If you want to train a cat, you must first understand a cat’s temperament and personality. Cats tend to be “less social, more independent, less inclined to work for praise and not as easy to motivate.” Positive reinforcement and clicker training can work with cats and usually involve rewarding them with treats. To begin positive reinforcement training, find a treat your cat “goes crazy for” and reward the cat when it shows the desired behavior. When you reward cats, they are more likely to display that behavior in the future. For clicker training, use a clicker or even a (retractable ballpoint) pen: When the cat does the behavior you want, do the click and then offer the cat a treat. The treat can be either food or a toy depending on what the cat prefers. As certified Animal Behavioral Consultant Amy Shojai says, “Training strengthens the bond between owner and cat because suddenly you are communicating. The cat realizes that they can control the outcome by their actions.” Some experts say you should avoid punishing a cat, which can make the cat learn to run away. It can also cause stress and problem behaviors. No matter which method you choose when training your pet, it is important to commit yourself to the process. Stay positive because pets can sense when you are upset. Be patient with your pet because training is really long- term relationship building. [Angela Reiners] Resources: Babcock, Pamela. “Positive Reinforcement vs. Alpha Dog Methods.” https://pets.webmd. com/dogs/features/dog-training-positive- reinforcement-alpha-dog-method#1 Clark, Mike. “7 most popular dog training methods.” https://dogtime.com/reference/ dog-training/50743-7-popular-dog-training- methods Shojai, Amy. “How to Clicker Train Your Cat.” https://www.thesprucepets.com/cat- clicker-training-554058 Valentino, Steven. “Most Effective Dog Training Tips According to Science.” https:// topdogtips.com/most-effective-dog-training- methods/ WebMD Veterinary Reference. “Training Tips for Your Cat or Kitten.” https://pets.webmd. com/cats/guide/kitten-training-tips#1