by Pet Professional Guild Cat Committee | Feb 7, 2018 | Animal Behavior, Learning Theory, Pet Guardians, Training
By Paula Garber and Francine Miller Cats learn best when they are comfortable and free from distractions. They are sensitive and will flee from any threat or uncertainty (and we don’t work with them on a leash!) The best place...
by Pet Professional Guild Cat Committee | Jan 5, 2018 | Animal Behavior, Learning Theory, Pet Guardians, Training
By Paula Garber and Francine Miller In clicker training, primary reinforcers are things that are instinctively or inherently rewarding to a cat. Reinforcers for cats should be given in small amounts and frequently to maintain learning momentum. For cats who...
by Pet Professional Guild Cat Committee | Dec 6, 2017 | Animal Behavior, Learning Theory, Pet Guardians, Training
By Paula Garber and Francine Miller Why train a cat? Why indeed. Myths about the trainability of cats abound: “Cats can’t be trained because they’re too independent.” “Cats are difficult to train because they are not food motivated.” “Cats don’t...
by Eileen Anderson | Aug 10, 2014 | Learning Theory, Pet Guardians, Training
Some dog trainers who use tools such as shock, prong, or slip collars, or startle the dog with thrown objects or loud noises, claim that these things are done only to “get the dog’s attention.” They may further insist that …
by Eileen Anderson | May 24, 2014 | Learning Theory, Pet Guardians, Training
I am mystified by one particular argument of those who use protocols for fearful or reactive dogs other than desensitization/counterconditioning (DS/CC). These other protocols often use negative reinforcement; if not that, then sometimes desensitization without...
