Getting
Started - Invisible cat
Withholding the goods
Unlike pet
training methods that rely on harsh punishment and scolding, gentle
methods rely on the pet wanting something from you such as your
attention, a foot treat, playtime, etc.
So, if
you give your pet everything he or she wants for free, then it
will be hard to find a motivator or reward to use for
training. It's hard to shape new behaviors if you are not able
to get your pet's attention.
If you are having behavior problems with your kitten, you start
the "Invisible Cat" method by deliberating giving your kitten
quality attention for doing
the behaviors you do want, such as using the litterbox, scratching the
post, not resisting a harness and leash, being gently handled,
playing with toys and otherwise being friendly, relaxed and
cooperative.
Otherwise
ignore the kitten. Pretend your kitten is invisible. Do not
allow the kitten to initiate getting your attention or getting you
to respond to a demand - even if it's an adorable one!
Instead, be stingy
with your attention to raise the value of it. Then, you can
dole out attention during training sessions to reward your
kitten for learning from you.
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