Service Cats: What Is Clicker Training & Operant Conditioning & Do They Work With Cats

Welcome, to Service Cat Monday with RaenaBelle. That’s right, in keepin’ with the thought that sis Dezi is off at Summer camp (it’s really virutal, she’s right here), I’s takin’ over the bloggy includin’ Service Cat Monday. You all ‘member to tell her I’s did a good job, K? Anyways, I think I’s s’posed to get the disclaimer stuffs outta the way furst. The followin’ post will be written in human English fur translator and reader ease. Our Trainin’ posts aren’t meant to be a step by step training manual but rather, Tips/Tricks/Techniques that mommy has used/developed throughout her many years of training animals, cats on purrticular. Training is all about Repetition and Rewards and takes time. Ifin you have any questions or topics you would like us to cover, purrlease leave them in the comments section or send us an email. Ifin askin’ about behavioral issues, purrlease be as specific as pawssible. And, ifin you’ve missed any of the posts in this series, you can ketch up by clicking the links below. Now, let’s get to our question. 

 

 Raena sits on butterfly scratcher in harness

 

Layla, from Cat Wisdom 101 asked, “What are your thoughts on Clicker training and Operant Conditioning?” Well, we explained a bit about Clicker training in a prior post, but we’ll talk a bit about it for those of you that missed that post. First, let me explain what Clicker Training is. The trainer, holds a small clicker in one hand, a treat in the other, and clicks the clicker when the animal performs correctly, immediately followed by a treat as the reward. The hopes are that the animal will eventually learn the behavior and will no longer require the clicker to perform the appropriate action. Operant Conditioning is when behavior is modified based on rewards and punishments.

 

Clicker
Photo courtesy of Petco

 

We can tell you right away, that altho’ mommy believes most actions taken by animals, both of the two legged variety and the four legged, are somewhat a result of Operant Conditioning; it is in NO way a form of training she approves of. The reason for that is the necessity of a Punishment for incorrect behavior. For Operant Conditioning to truly work, there must be the risk of punishment. And as you know, mommy doesn’t like the idea of punishing us. Mommy says there’s a huge difference between Positive Reinforcement Discipline and Punishment. So, that’s our thoughts on Operant Conditioning. Now, what about that Clicker Training? 

 

 Dezi pats Raena on head

Operant Conditioning in action. Altho’ we’re not fighting,

sis Dezi is letting me know, she’s had enough.

 

As we mentioned in a previous post, the idea of Clickers was still very new when mommy began training. She looked into them and found at that time, they were quite costly. While preparing for this post, we looked again, and found they still cost a little more than mommy would pay. And then of course, there’s the treats. When using a clicker, you have to have that tasty reward waiting. If you would prefer to use the clicker method but don’t have the money to buy one, you can always use your fingers to snap, or your mouth to make a click sound. Just don’t forget to do it as soon as the appropriate behavior has occurred, followed by a treat. Also keep in mind, that anytime you use treats during training, meals should be adjusted to account for the extra calories. You don’t want training to result in an overweight kitty or doggy. Because of cost, having to carry treats all the time, and the fact that most of the things we do for mommy occur when she’s not exactly dressed, we’re not fans of Clicker Training either. That being said, it is a great tool if that’s the method you want to use. 

 

 Raena with silvervine on cat tree

Enjoying some silvervine after a training session.

 

So, our thoughts are pretty simple. Clicker Training is a great method for dogs and can be successful with cats as well. But, it’s not a method mommy chooses for numerous reasons. And altho’ we’re probably all acting a bit due to Operant Conditioning, it is NOT a method of training mommy likes or recommends. Please, Do Not Punish your cat or dog, especially during training.

 

 Dezi eats treat atop cat tree

And sissy gets treats even when it’s mine’s training session.

 

Well, I’s sure hope we answered awnty Layla’s question. As most of ya’ know, mommy’s purrfured method of training is the Love Rewards method. It works, needs no extra props and can be successfully used for both cats and dogs. Remember, ifin you have any questions, purrlease leave them in the comments or send us an email. And ifin you missed any posts in this series, click the links below.

 

Till the next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee 

 

Service Cats

 

What to Look For      Training Foundations      Train Kitty To Massage

Smelling Disease      Do You Need One      Who Bears the Cost

Housing Laws & Exceptions      Accommodations & Common Sense

When the Handler Dies      Proper Training Methods Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Easiest Task to Train      Getting Kitty Ready for an Outing

Discipline: Stop Countersurfing Kitty      Internal Disputes

Calling Emergency Help      Just What Is Kitty Capable of

Shad: Original Service Cat      Harness, Vest, Leash or Stroller

Dezi, the Wheelchair & Chest      Round and Round We Go

Tumble & Fall Response      Raena Calls for Help

The Rest of the Story     Raena & the Wheelchair Pt. 1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3 Pt. 4

When to Train      Explaining Rewards & Kitty’s Feelings

Stop Kitty’s Begging     Calling For Help Options Pt. 1

Medicating Kitty

Training the Pig Headed, Stallion Strong, Submissive Pup & Conniving Cat

Cats Love Training & Social Media Downfalls

Reintegrating the Scared or Bullied Cat      There’s No Bully Cat Breed

Going for a Walk When in a Wheelchair     Calming the Tiger Pt.1 Pt. 2 Pt. 3

Surviving A Remodel      Taming A Feral Cat

Designer Cats & Scent      DNA Doesn’t Change     Fighting or Porsturing

Blest Sunday: Blogger Recognition Award

Hey, is anypawdy out there? Guess who? It’s me, RaenaBelle. Yep, with sis Dezi off at Cat Scout summer camp havin’ all the fun, I’s here hangin’ with mommy and takin’ over Blest Sunday. I’s might not get to be a Cat Scout, but hey, I’s still queen of our castle. MOL  Okay, so maybe I’s not takin’ over, cuz sissy didn’t really go anywhere. As ya’ll know, we’re all ‘bout the truth. But, we do like bein’ pawrt of the community, and purrticipatin’ in events that we might only do virtually. And Cat Scouts is one of those. 

 

 Dezi in tent at cat scouts summer camp

 

          It sure is Raena. We were so blest years ago to find Cat Scouts. It’s a small community, but a community that cares ‘bout it’s members and others. Me’s made such amazin’ furiends there. Some of those furiends are pawrt of blogville as fellow bloggers and some aren’t. Ya’ know, bloggin’ isn’t fur everypawdy, but a cat luvver is a cat luvver and enjoys sharin’ fotos of their gawjus kitties and spendin’ time with other cat peeps. And, Cat Scouts is just one of the places one can do that. 

 

 Blogger Recognition Award Badge

 

And one day, I’s gonna get to be a Cat Scout too. In the meantime, I’s wanna fanky fank the peeps and kitties of Kittyclysm. A while back they gave us the Blogger Recognition Award. Here’s the rules:

 

  • Thank the blogger who nominated you and provide a link to their blog

  • Write a post to show your award

  • Give a brief story of how your blog started

  • Give two pieces of advice to new bloggers

  • Select 15 other bloggers you want to give this award to

  • Comment on each blog and let them know you have nominated them and provide the link to the post you created.

          And since our bloggy is called DezizWorld, me will tell you how we started. Befur Cat Scouts, there was another site fur cat luvvers to get together and show off fotos of their amazin’ kitties. While there, we met Timmy and Buddy of Tomcat Commentary and Blues Lounge. One day they asked ifin any cat would like to be a guest blogger fur them and me jumped at the chance. After all, sis Lexi had her facebook page, so me wanted to do somethin’ on me’s own too. They told us all we needed to do was create an account on WordPress. Well, me couldn’t get to that fast enuff. But with mommy’s limited knowledge of catputers and stuffs, befur we knew it, we had our very own bloggy. Okay, so it might have taken mommy a whole 24 hours to get all set up, but all she did was follow the instructions on the screen. She had no idea, we were creating our own bloggy. But we did. And we’ve been here ever since. And ya know what? We’ve never looked back. Our accidental bloggy has been the source of great furiendships and adventures.

 

 Dezi lays in chair and looks pretty

 

          As fur advice to new bloggers, we would tell you, above all…be truthful…even when it hurts. You can never go wrong with the truth. And, have fun. Whether you have a thousand visitors or 1, bloggin’ is a great way to chronicle the life/lives of your fur baby/ies.

 

 Raena lays on floor

 

Y, Sissy, that’s great advice. Altho’ I’s not been bloggin’ as long as you have, I’s luvs every minute. I’s enjoy visitin’ our furiends and keepin’ up with what they’re doin’. I’s would say another ‘purrtant thing fur new bloggers to keep in mind, is visitin’ others. And, don’t give in to the purressure of writin’ what everypawdy else does. Be true to yourself. Find your voice and stick with it. No blog is fur everypawdy, but ifin you put yourself out there, you will find furiends.

 

Dezi's selfie while laying on arm of the chair

 

          That’s great advice Raena. Me’s actually purroud of ya’. Now, we’re also s’posed to nominate 15 other bloggers fur the award. The truth is, there are lots of amazin’ blogs out there and we think they all deserve the Recognition award, but we just can’t list them all. So we’re only gonna list a few. But, all of you feel furee to take this award, cuz you deserve it. 

1. Momma Cat and her Bear Cat 

2. The Canadian Cats 

3. Noir Kitty Mews

 

Those are some great nominees sissy.

 

 Blest Sunday purple kitty clip art graphic

 

          Fanks Raena. Now, as everypawdy knows, today is Blest Sunday. We wanna remind everypawdy to take a minute today and every day to give thanks fur the blessings in your lives. Fank you all fur bein’ our furiends. We are so blest to have you all and be a pawrt of the bestest kitty groups in the universe. 

 

 Raena lays on shower bench

 

Don’t furget our Sunday Selfies with the Kitties Blue sissy.

 

Till the next time………………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee   

Chatting Cats: Off To Summer Camp Cat Scouts Style

Hey, is anypawdy out there? It’s me, RaenaBelle. And, it’s furinally Furiday!!! Woo MeOWWWwww You all know we drink outta fountains, right? Well, we have one on the bathroom vanity. It’s been there since I’s came here. I’s ‘member when I’s was a teeny little girly and would look way up there and watch sis Dezi lappin’ up that furesh water. It looked so tasty. I’s couldn’t wait fur the day when I’s was furinally big enuff to get up there and have a drinky fur mineself. Well, I’s didn’t have to wait too long. As ya’ll know, I’s growin’ like a weed. Least, that’s what mommy says. Anyways, I’s been enjoyin’ that fountain fur quite some time now. But, last night I jumped up there to get a drink and found one of mommy’s coffee cups sittin’ right beside it. Have ya’ heard that sayin’ ‘bout curiosity and the cat? Well, I’s don’t believe it’ll kill me, but I’s sure am a curious girly. So, I’s had to check out why mommy would be leavin’ her coffee in the bathroom. After all, she never drinks in that room, ‘specially not coffee. I’s looked down into that cup and…OMC  that wasn’t mommy’s coffee, there was teethies in that there cup.

 

Dezi atop the Liberty cat tree

 

          RaenaBelle, what in the world are you meowin’ ‘bout now?

 

 Raena lays on chair back

 

Mommy’s teethies. Did you see ‘em? They were just floatin’ there in that coffee cup.

 

          Yeah, me saw ‘em. Mommy says that’s the way she’s s’posed to brush her teethies these days. But me doesn’t think you’re s’posed to be drinkin’ the water in there with ‘em, much less, cleanin’ your paws. 

 

Why sissy? I’s bet those teethies would be great fun to play with.

 

 Dezi rolls on Yeowww nip toy

 

          Yeah, you try fishin’ ‘em outta the cup and playin’ with ‘em and see what mommy says. Me’s bettin’ all your treats fur a week that she won’t be amused.

 

 Raena lays on floor and look at camera

 

Oh sissy, you know mommy can’t be mad at us. ‘Specially not cute li’l ol’ me. Anyways, don’t you have a cat scouts trip to pack fur?

 

 Dezi in her Sabertooth Cat Scout uniform

 

          Me sure does, Raena. Me’s so x’cited. We’re havin’ Cat Scouts summer camp fur the next week. Yep, a whole week. We’re gonna be campin’ and hikin’ and climbin’ huge mountains. It’s gonna be a great adventure. 

 

That’s not fair sissy. Just not fair at all. I’s wanna be a cat scout too. 

 

 Dezi sits on floor with backpack and camping supplies for cat scouts summer camp trip

Me sure hopes me didn’t furget anythin’.

 

          It’s fair Raena, me’s been a cat scout fur years now. Maybe mommy will let you join someday, but right now, cat scouts belongs to me. It’s the only-est thing me doesn’t have to share. Least not all the time. You’ve gotten to go to some of the pawrties we have, but this adventure is really ‘purrtant. We usually have quests or jamborees to show off what we’ve learned in scouts; but, it’s been a while, so this adventure is countin’ as 2 quests. We’ll be competin’ against the other patrols to see who’s the better scouts. 

 

 Raena lays on liberty cat tree

 

That doesn’t seem very scout like sissy?. Mommy says it’s not to see who’s better, but mostly ‘bout who can answer the questions faster.

 

 Dezi rolls around on the liberty cat tree

 

          Yeah, it’s ‘bout that too Raena. It doesn’t really matter who wins, cuz we’re all great scouts. It’s just that the winners usually get a trophy and braggin’ rights. Me’s patrol, Wally’s Warriors, have won a lot of times. So, are ya’ gonna wish me luck?

 

Sure sissy. I’s do hope you do well and bring home the trophy. I’s never seen a trophy befur. I’s’ll sure miss ya’ while you’re gone tho’. 

 

          Aaaaaaaaw Fanks Raena. Me will miss you too…sort of. It’s gonna be up to you to take care of mommy while me’s away. Can ya’ do that? 

 

 Raena rolls around on the liberty cat tree

 

Of course I’s will take care of mommy sissy. Maybe she’ll take me fur a few strolls and give me some extra treats and cuddles. Yeah, I’s gonna luvs spendin’ time with mommy. I’s’ll have her all to mineself fur a whole week.

 

 Dezi lays atop the Liberty cat tree

 

          Yeah, don’t get too comfy Raena. Me’s comin’ back home. Ya’ know, we have lots of new members joinin’ fur summer camp. Ifin any of ya’ out there have been thinkin’ ‘bout joinin’ Cat Scouts, ya’ oughtta do it. We have great fun. We’re a small community, but we all look out fur each other. Like me said, there’s lots of pawrties and fun to be had, but, there’s also the camaraderie and valuable lessons we learn. While most of Cat Scouts is of course virtual, we also make an impact in the real world. Lots of scouts send birthday cards each month to some peeps who have to live in community homes like nursing homes and such, and we help each other and our families when we can. Well, guess me needs to go pack.

 

You have fun sissy. Mommy and me will be fine. We’ll miss ya’, but we’re very purroud of you too. I’s’ll help ya’ pack. Do you have enuff batteries? 

 

Till the next time…………………………………………Be Blest!!!

 

Raena: Navy Blue 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

 

Luvs and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

RaenaBelle and Deztinee

Chatting Cats: Where’s the Goose #ChewyInfluencer

Hey Raena, has it stopped rainin’ yet?

 

 Dezi and Raena lay together on the floor

 

          I’s don’t know sissy. Do I’s look like Mother Nature? 

 

Don’t be a smarty pants Raena. Me wanted to know ifin it was safe to come out and meow ‘bout those noms we tried the other day?. 

 

          Safe? Of course it’s safe. I’s thought you wasn’t scared?. I’s thought you were purrtectin’ mommy by lookin’ fur spiders and buggies?. 

 

What? Uh, me is. Anyways, let’s meow ‘bout those noms. Me used to eat them all the time befur you were born. 

 

 Stella and Chewy's duck duck goose

 

          Really sissy? You used to get the Stella & Chewy’s duck, duck, goose all the time?

 

This is a sponsored post. We received the Stella & Chewy’s duck, duck goose in exchange for our fair and honest opinion. As always, we tell it like we see it.

Me did. But they started puttin’ too much bone in ‘em and mommy quit buyin’ ‘em. So, when she saw them offured fur review, she said we could give ‘em a try. Let’s see what Chewy has to say ‘bout ‘em.  

 

 

Key Benefits

  • Real raw nutrition in the convenience of freeze-dried. Serve as is or rehydrate by adding warm water.

  • Made in Stella & Chewy’s own USA kitchen with farm-raised duck, goose, and 100% organic-certified fruits and vegetables.

  • Never contains grains, gluten, fillers, artificial preservatives, or colorings.

  • Simple, pristine recipe with limited ingredients and rich in protein.

  • Pet parents and vets report raw feeding supports an improved appetite, digestion, immune system, teeth and gum health, skin and coat, and can help relieve allergies.

Ingredients

Duck (Ground With Bone), Turkey, Turkey Liver, Goose, Turkey Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, Pea Fiber, Sodium Phosphate Monobasic, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Pediococcus acidilactici Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium longum Fermentation Product, Tocopherols (Preservative), Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Copper Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Riboflavin, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Manganese Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement

Caloric Content

130 kcal/oz, 4,650 kcal/kg

 

Stella and Chewy's duck, duck, goose

 

Me’s happy to repurrt that they seem, to have gotten the message. There were far less bones in this bag of morsels. And as you can see by the ingedient list, there’s none of those questionable ingredients our humans worry so ‘bout. It comes in 4 sizes, from 3.5 oz. to 18 oz. and ranges in purrice from $7.99 to $35.99. Stella & Chewy’s freeze dried noms also comes in 5 different flavors. So Raena, what did you think ‘bout the duck, duck, goose? 

 

 Raena looks up from her plate of food with a little bite stuck to her lip/

 

          What? Are you furinally gonna let me meow? I’s liked ‘em fine. Of course mommy had to break ‘em up a bit befur we could eat ‘em, but they were mighty tasty. And ya’ know what makes mommy happy, besides fewer bones? There’s no fish. We sure do get tired of seein’ foods with a meaty ingredient listed like duck only to see tuna listed like 2nd or 3rd on the list. But I’s don’t see any goose sissy? Where’s the goose? 

 

RaenaBelle!!! 

 

          Sorry sissy. I’s give the Stella & Chewy’s duck, duck, goose 3 paws up. It tastes good, has good ingredients and is easy to break apawrt. 

 

Dezi eating dinner

 

Fanks Raena. Me too gives ‘em 3 paws up fur all the same reasons. Mommy lends her thumb up and said she was happy to find fewer bones this time. 

 

 Chewy Logo

 

          Don’t furget how much we luvs Chewy, sissy. They have purroducts fur all the furry, feathered and scaled furiends in your life. And an auto ship purrogram what allows ya’ to save even more money on every order. They have great customer service peeps and the speediest furee shippin’ ‘round. Well, it’s furee fur all orders of $49.00 and up. There’s a low flat rate speedy shippin’ fur all other orders. And, Chewy has the bestest boxes ever. 

 

 Raena bites chewy box out of frustration

 

Fanks fur clearin’ that shippin’ thing up Raena. Let’s go finish eatin’ brekky.

 

Till the next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

 

Dezi: Vibrant Blue

Raena: Navy Blue 

 

 

 

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

 

Deztinee and RaenaBelle