Most people have the idea that cats can't be trained. They think any behavioural problems a cat has can't be changed because cats are supposed to be totally self-centered and independent. More people are finding out that you can in fact train a cat to solve a lot of common behavioural problems.
Some people might wonder why they should take the time to train their cat. There are several reasons, including being able to have a better connection and relationship with your feline companion. Training will make your cat more active and responsive to you and its surroundings. It can make frightened and shy cats more confident and outgoing. If you have a dominant cat you can make them less aggressive.
If you are using treats when training, to make it easier you should not leave food out so the cat can eat any time it wants. If you put your cat on a regular feeding schedule and remove any uneaten food it will make the treats you are using for training more effective. You need to also remember your cat is not a mind reader and you have to be very clear on what you want them to do. Another thing to remember is to never lose your temper, if your cat is not responding to you take a break and try again later.
One type of behavioural problem that your cat might display is scratching. When it comes to scratching it is important to remember that this is a natural and inbred action. It is impossible to get a cat to stop scratching, but they can be trained to only scratch on acceptable objects rather than your favourite armchair.
A cat will scratch for many different reasons. They do this to remove the dead outer layers of their claws. They also use scratching to mark territory and to stretch their bodies and flex their feet and claws. If you have scratching objects which are convenient and appealing to your cat they will use these.
To find the perfect scratching item for your cat you should observe where and what they seem to want to scratch on most. You will want to notice where these objects are located such as near their bed or by the front door.
After you have decided what and where they prefer substitute similar items in these locations. There are many different scratching posts available including rope wrapped posts, cardboard or even logs are sometimes preferred. Now cover the area where they usually want to scratch with something they find unappealing. Aluminium foil works well for this purpose because most cats don't like the noise it makes when touched.
After your cat is consistently scratching on the desirable object you can remove the foil from the other item. You should never punish your cat for scratching. Just tell them no and provide something acceptable for them to use. Punishment won't change the bad behaviour and can make your cat afraid of you or its environment.
Depending on what kind of behavioural problems your cat is having will determine what type of action is necessary. You should always check with your vet if your cat starts misbehaving and being aggressive. These can be signs of an illness or condition. There is also professional help available. There are people who can help you to combat your cat's bad behaviour. These types of people are cat behavioural specialists and can be found in your area.
To make sure your cat stays healthy and will enjoy a long life, you might want to consider buying cat insurance in case their will be unforeseen medical expenses in the years to come. You have health insurance on the rest of your family and for peace of mind you might want to get pet insurance on your feline companions.
About the Author:
Please call us at Animal Friends Insurance on 0844 55 70 300 to purchase a pet plan to cover your companion quote and buy online from AFI - an ethical insurer.
There is nothing more pleasing to an avid bird hunter than to watch a well-trained sporting dog do what it was bred to do: hunt. Likewise, there is nothing more pleasing to a pet owner than to watch their well-trained family dog interact in a calm and controlled manner with family and friends.With step-by-step instructions and detailed photographs and illustrations, this book provides proven information for achieving the best of both those worlds. Everything is discussed from choosing a sporting breed (retriever or pointer), to basic family-friendly obedience commands, to introducing the dog to the sound of a gun, competing in field trials and hunt tests, using an electronic collar, and keeping your sporting dog happy and healthy. It even covers how the nation's top trainers troubleshoot some of the more common problems faced in the field.
Make your dog a real member of the family! Find out how in Dog Training for Children and Parents. Author and trainer Michael Tucker provides thorough, easy-to-read instructions that children can follow and that adults will find accurate and entertaining. By training their dog, children gain a sense of achievement and develop a bond with the pet that will last a lifetime. From essential commands to tips on care and tricks, Dog Training for Children and Parents provides useful, understandable guidance for everyone in the house.A Howell Dog Book of Distinction
Produced by the award-winning maranGraphics Group, Maran's Illustrated Guide to Dog Training is a valuable resource to a wide range of readers - from individuals picking up their first puppy to those who are looking to eliminate their pet's annoying behaviors. Instead of describing the myriad ways to perform each task, Maran's Illustrated Guide to Dog Training shows you the best way, while the full-color photographs and clear, step-by-step instructions walk you through each task from beginning to end. Thorough topic introductions and useful tips provide additional information and advice to help enhance your dog training experience. Maran's Illustrated Guide to Dog Training is packed with essential information for teaching simple commands and performing the most impressive tricks. Maran's Illustrated Guide to Dog Training costs less than the price of one private training lesson, and will be a permanent resource that can be accessed at any time.
This easy to follow DVD will help you train your dog, step-by-step to achieve the most pleasing results. Just Pop-in the DVD and let us show you how you can make your dog into a pleasant and playful part of the family. An internationally renowned certified dog trainer and Director of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert's Animal Center in Madison, N.J. explains in detail, through demonstration, the most effective ways to train your dog to become a more obedient companion to avoid house training accidents, destructive behaviors, jumping on guests and much more. This DVD helps bridge the communication gap between dog and owner to promote a long healthy and happy lifetime with each other. Color, Run Time: 60 mins.
Leave a Reply