Clicker Training for Clever Cats: Learning Can be Fun

There is a method of learning to which no mammal is impervious—not even cats. 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 favorite game. Because cats are intelligent, they quickly understand what kind of behavior gets them a click and a reward, and they will experiment in order to find out what else might work. This manual explains what classical conditioning involves, why it works with every cat, how to avoid mistakes, and how to use rewards properly and develop chains and sequences of behavior, as well as small tricks.

Martina Braun is an animal psychologist specializing in behavioral therapy for cats and dogs.