Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

TygrBright

(20,733 posts)
3. The real secret is to let the kitteh walk you.
Mon Feb 18, 2013, 06:11 PM
Feb 2013

Our ornjboi started in harness with a leash when he was a kitten. We gave him treats when we put it on, treats when we went outside and he didn't pull. We walked with him in the direction he wanted to go. When he headed off someplace he wasn't supposed to go, we'd just stand still, and let him pull. When he stopped, we'd give him a treat.

When he walked in a "good" direction, we'd give him a treat.

Are you catching the drift, here?

He has grudgingly conceded that he'll wear the harness and leash, and walk us in all the hoomin-approved directions and places. We have grudgingly conceded that we'll stand quietly while he investigates in minute detail the microscopic life forms in a single square centimeter of territory. And that we'll allow him to jump up on SOME walls and fences, and walk along them. And that we'll SOMETIMES put him in the lower crotches of a tree in the back yard, and let him clamber a little.

And when a SUDDEN, LOUD, SKEERY NOISE!!!! happens, we'll hang onto the leash, slowly reel him in hand over hand, pick him up, and head quickly indoors, and, yes, give him a treat.

He gets much enjoyment from his walkies. We get much enjoyment from his enjoyment.

encouragingly,
Bright

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Pets».Oskar the Blind Cat - Mo...»Reply #3