Why are domestic cats more difficult to train than dogs?

Answer 1

Hi there...most people are not aware that cats are very capable of learning more command behaviours than most dogs if the proper techniques are applied.

As a professional animal trainer for over 20 years I specialize in training both domestic and exotic cats. Both my housecats not only understand obedience commands (come, sit, down, etc) but are also toilet trained, can flush the toilet, go to wherever I point, follow a target anywhere, jump through hoops, roll over, fetch, take apart a 3-D layered puzzle, wave, give a high-five, raise a paw to ask a question, fetch, do agility (like dog agility), walk on a leash in public and so much more. They understand both visual and verbal cues/signals as well and learn most new behaviours quite quickly within a matter of days and for the more complex behaviours such as balancing and walking on a ball in a month.

Training is conducted using operant conditioning through positive reinforcement. We never coerce/mold an animal to learn rather reward desired behaviour with food, praise (most cats only work for food) or toys and always ignore undesired behaviour so that extinguishes itself over time. This is the key technique to train any animal including goldifsh. Yes! You read that correctly... even small fish can be trained to learn new behaviours! Here's some videos of goldfish playing football, soccer and going through a hoop: http://www.fish-school.com/gallery.htm

Answer 2

Train a cat? Ha ha ha!!!! We are here to serve, not the other way around.

Nah, it depends on the cat. Some cats are more outgoing and respond to treat training. Others simply don't care, and have to be removed from countertops or computer rooms until they get the point.

As a shelter, we never recommend cruel tactics, as some suggest, just a firmly closed door, or "No, doofus, for the thousandth time!" We work with the animals' personalities, not as the dominating human who is All-Powerful. Sometimes they know a lot more than we do.

And, cats are wired differently.

But then again, as proven over and over in THIS forum, some dogs require special handling, too :-)

Answer 3

First, my condolences. Secondly, if the puppy is on public estate, there will have to be a leash legislation. So no, it isn't authorized. My sister even has her puppy on a leash if he's on her entrance garden. And it isn't very morale of the landlord of the puppy to only depart the cat. I could name and file the incident to the police ASAP, above all due to the fact that you may have a small youngster. I had a cat ran over via a auto, so my cats are not out of doors animals, I preserve them within the apartment (I have a better situation now besides). So should you plan on getting a brand new cat, I could definately be trained from this terrible enjoy.

Answer 4

Cats have only been domesticated over the last 15,000 years, whereas dogs have been our companions for an immeasurably longer period. Also, dogs are pack animals, and naturally wired to adapt to a family setting. With the exception of lions, cats are solitary animals that have no use for close-knit family units and part of this was passed on to their domestic descendants.

Answer 5

Domestic cats are easier to train than dogs because they are naturally well behaved and maintain their own care all they need is a little love

Answer 6

I think cats are more stubborn, and basically they really don't care if you're pleased or not, like a dog does! I mean you ever see a cat get excited over being praised???

Answer 7

as the saying go's Dogs have owners and Cats have servants

Answer 8

you cant train cats, you can only make them scared of things

Answer 9

michigal1 is pretty much on the money. Dogs are eager to please, cats are eager to catch birds and mice and that's it.