Pets who
are adored by their human
families, quickly find out how
to get what they want
and then begin
to do whatever they want. When
the pet becomes invisible,
they quickly find out how to
deliver what the pet parent
wants, to
become
visible again.
What is "The
Invisible Pet?"
(A = It's a strategy)
The "Invisible Dog" or
"Invisible Cat" is a behavioral
modification technique
recommended for some pets where
the owner pretends s/he can't
see or hear the pet. The
goal of this technique is to
avoid the need for punishment by
making human attention
more valuable.
If the dog or
cat can get human attention at
will, that attention becomes
less valuable, and therefore
less of a reward.
The Invisible Pet is also useful
during some behavior
modification strategies as a
time buffer between the OLD way
things were, and the NEW way
things are going to be.
Essentially, the Invisible Pet
means that until the pet can pass the test
below everyone in the home
pretends the pet is invisible
unless
the pet is doing "work." (Work
is explained below.)
If
it is necessary to
interact, (e.g. grooming, or
pick up pet to put into the
car) then
just,
"Act Like A Robot"
(i.e. do whatever need be
done, but show no emotion). If the pet jumps in your
lap, calmly put the pet back
on the floor with no emotion
(like a robot).
Exactly what do I
do?
(A = It's what you don't
do that counts)
During this
period, unless the pet is
working, the pet parent must
act as if the pet does not
exist.
Pretend he or she is
invisible. This means:
-
do not
greet the pet at the door
(just walk on by and then
ask for a SIT to earn a
greeting).
If the pet does not sit on
the first instruction then
turn a cold shoulder and pet
is invisible again.
-
do not pet the dog or cat
when it lays its head in
your lap - or any time
the pet "asks"
-
do not
play with the dog or cat
when he or she brings you a
toy
-
do not
make eye contact with the
pet (except as a reward for
following an
instruction on the first
request)
-
do not
speak to the pet (except to
give a
instruction such as "sit")
-
do not
respond to any
pet initiation of
attention or interaction
-
do not
correct
or punish the pet (if necessary
put the pet in time-out for
5 - 10 minutes)
-
provide food and water
asking
for a sit first or without comment
at regular times
For
how long?
Unless directed otherwise,
begin with 3 days of
complete
Invisible
Pet. This means that there is
NOTHING the pet can do to
get your attention. It
takes about this long for
the pet to realize this is a
pattern. After 3 days,
begin the "Learn to Earn"
program where the pet can
"earn" 7 seconds of praise,
before reverting back to
"Invisible". It is a
gradual process of returning
to normal, with the pet
learning to earn everything
(food, greetings, play,
etc.) and as the behavior
improves, there is less and
less earning required.
When can I
give attention during this
period?
(A = when the pet is working for
praise)
You can give the pet attention
only WHILE the pet
has
Learned to
Earn it.
A pet "works" when he or she is
doing something you asked them
to do. You can
talk to, reassure, and pet the
dog or cat
for 7-8 seconds
while it is
actually doing
a Sit-Stay or Down-Stay you
requested
-
in the
act of responding to any cue
you give
Dog Cues
-
resting quietly in the pet's
portable kennel or any other
place you designate
-
""Close
Tethered"
dog while quiet
and relaxed
-
a dog
chewing on an approved chew;
cat scratching a post,
eliminating in the box
-
waiting (not dashing) before
going through any exterior
door
How does the pet become
"visible" again?
(A = By passing a test)
The pet "earns" becoming visible
again, by demonstrating that he
or she will work for praise
in a novel situation.
Here is the test:
DOG:
Without any food
or treats, ask the
dog to perform every
instruction it
knows. The
pet must respond to a minimum of
following instructions for
Sit, Down,
and Stay for
at least 10 seconds (without you
moving away - the pet must not
move).The only reward is
your praise.
The dog must
happily respond within 2 seconds
of each
instruction.
If this test is passed, then the
dog gradually earns more
privileges in proportion to the
responsiveness. If the dog does
not value praise enough to do
these simple jobs, (during any
test) he or she
becomes
"Invisible"
except for
working the "Learn to
Earn" exercises.
This emphasizes that human
praise and attention are very
valuable commodities. To shape
any new behavior - such as the
accepting of gentling exercises
- go back to "Invisible Dog"
until you see cooperation when
coupling new exercises with
treats and praise. If the dog is
just not responding, then
request additional consulting.
CAT:
The cat
must
consistently do any positive behavior
that you are targeting to replace a
negative behavior. The cat will sit
and/or come more than 50% of the time
when requested. The cat must allow
gentling exercises without tenseness or
aggression.
If this test
is passed, then the cat gradually earns
more privileges in proportion to the
responsiveness. If the cat does not
value praise enough to do these simple
jobs, (come and/or sit half of the time)
he or she returns to being "invisible"
and learning that human praise and
attention are very valuable commodities.
It is too
difficult, I can't ignore my
pet!
This
technique is often difficult on
pet parents but is a very
important step in the behavior
modification process.
Many pets for a short period do
get worse before they get
better. When your pet
gradually realizes that his or
her happiness is "earned" you
will see life with your pet will
get easier.
It is human
nature to occasionally make
mistakes and feel frustrated. Do
not take any frustration out on
the pet. Take a time out for
yourself, and just keep going
with the program. Call
1-800-372-3706 ext 87 for
support and assistance.