MOLLY DEVOSS, CFTBS, CCBC, FFCT, CRM
Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Fear Free Certified Trainer, Certified Reiki Master/Teacher
Available for Nationwide Consulting
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Operant Conditioning is used for feline behavior modification. To help you understand what that means, I've created a simple chart below. I only use Positive Reinforcement (+R) for training cats (any species) because it is the most effective and least erosive to your bond with the animal.
Examples of each of the quadrants:
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+R Positive Reinforcement - Giving your cat a treat when he does something "good".
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+P Positive Punishment - Spraying your cat with water when he does something "bad".
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-R Negative Reinforcement - We use this in shelter work where a cat is afraid and hissing because it sees us as a threat. We wait for calm behavior and then back away, thus reinforcing "calm".
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-P Negative Punishment - When the cat is doing something obnoxious, you take away your attention.
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Another chart I created with a little more detail:
