Clicker Training for Clever Cats

Wrong! There is a method of learning which no mammal is impervious to - not even the cat. It is called 'classical conditioning', and is used in a very specific way as part of clicker training. Every click results in something positive for the cat: a treat, a cuddle, a favourite game. And because cats are intelligent, they quickly understand what kind of behaviour gets them a 'click' and a reward, and they will experiment in order to find out what else might work. This manual gives you the knowledge and the chance to explore a new world together with your cat.



Martina Braun is a qualified animal psychologist, and she specialises in behavioural therapy for dogs and cats. She lives in Basel where she has her own animal psychology practice. Martina lives with several cats, one of whom is pictured in some of the photographs in the book; the others are of cats who attended her surgery with behavioural problems.



- What does classical conditioning involve, and why the clicker works with every cat

- How mistakes can be avoided, and how to use rewards properly and develop chains and sequences of behaviour.

- How to practise small tricks - 'sit, 'down', and 'stay, 'go and lie down in the cat carrier', or 'Home! Now!'

- How you can use the clicker to resolve your cat's problems (e.g. when scared) and eliminate bad behaviour (aggressiveness, or scratching the furniture).