Leash Training

[Charley]

I think I might just do some short trips to the vet office since we need a few things like Jengo's flea treatment and place him in the carrier and let him out and walk on the leash once there. We still need to walk him around the house and in the back yatd first. I see some great potential for him though.

Just curious the best way to deal with the car rides if they are harness and leash trained.

I have the opportunity to take him with me on certain travels, that could be a nice thing for him once he calms down.

 

[John Campbell]

Hi guys, I need some advice about training Thor (16 wks) on his leash. He is 100% harness trained, and it doesnt bug him to wear at all. I have been taking him to Petsmart, Lowe's, and in the front yard (not fenced) on the leash, but he doesn't seem to want to follow, and I feel bad pulling him around. He only wants to walk where he wants to go, which isn't really walking, more like a quick walk to sit. Any suggestions on getting him to follow, or continually walk? How do others do with actually going on a walk. Do you think he will get better? I don't want to ruin it so he wont want to use the leash at all. Please let me know what you think! Thanks for your help everyone

For Elsa I put the leash on her and then let her play with the teaser wand with it just being attached loosely... Out side.. Cats are cats, and sometimes they get preoccupied with something and no amount of pulling is going to work.. Some times it is best to let them go at their rate..

This video is taken at Interstate Rest Stops... Many times they need something ahead of them to keep them interested and entertained.

 

[Chris Elliott]

Any tips for getting them to stop rolling around and biting the leash? We try to detract with treats but then little one still gets all tangled up.

You might try the bitter apple or other cat deterrent spray on the leash. My cats have only shown a bit of interest in biting leashes. Oni came leash trained and she automatically untangles herself if the leash gets underfoot. Ziggy isn't so graceful, yet.

I agree with Cary about cars. It's up to you. The safest might be to have them wear a harness/walking jacket and clip that to a seat belt. They may not be real happy being fixed in place, though.

 

[Kristin]

When I take Zeddie out I just follow her...until I get bored or need to get somewhere. Then I either coax her, or pick her up. I find that using toys just fills up my hands and I need them. In pet stores, she is pretty good at listening, or I bribe her with toys/treats.

 

[Carykd7kau]

When I take Zeddie out I just follow her...until I get bored or need to get somewhere. Then I either coax her, or pick her up. I find that using toys just fills up my hands and I need them. In pet stores, she is pretty good at listening, or I bribe her with toys/treats.

Know what you mean. They are busy little babies.

Good to see you up here Kristin. We missed you.

 

[Patti]

Try keeping tension on the leash at all times and hold it above the cat. If it is loose and flopping around it becomes a toy begging to be played with. Notice in the video John posted the leash is always over and behind Elsa with little to no slack. Consider using a retractable leash so that you can control how much leeway is available.

I would never recommend letting a cat roam free in the car while driving, if he gets down around your feet and you need to step on the brake suddenly you could be in trouble. Or he could jump up on the dashboard in front of you obstructing your view.

I have used both a leash attached to a tie-down in the back and a pet seat belt in the front seat - I prefer the latter as I've had cats get tangled in the leashes and are out of reach when this happens, whereas a seat belt in the front seat may be more restrictive, but provides immediate control of the cat.

 

[Kristin]

Know what you mean. They are busy little babies.

Good to see you up here Kristin. We missed you.

Its been a busy few weeks. Just got a new job, so I am working 3 (one of which is promoting myself) and am going to be volunteering at the local SPCA. It is gonna be a busy summer

 

[Patti]

It's always good to stay busy

 

[John Campbell]

When I take Zeddie out I just follow her...until I get bored or need to get somewhere. Then I either coax her, or pick her up. I find that using toys just fills up my hands and I need them. In pet stores, she is pretty good at listening, or I bribe her with toys/treats.

Glad to see back Kristin.. Wondered what happened... Like you feel off the map.. No Posts in a couple of weeks.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Come to think about it, how many dogs do see "free" in a car? I suppose cats would be no different. SVs are a bit like dogs...

Yes, when we would take Mu to the park with our beagle, they'd both have their harnesses attached to the seatbelts so they wouldn't be thrown through the windscreen in the case of accident.

Mostly nowadays, when I travel with cats in cars I set up a large crate or Sturdicage (show cage) on the back seat so they have room for litterbox and cat bed but it can be secured in backseat (The Sturdicage has loops for passing the seatbelts through)... they can see out and they have room, but they can't be wandering out under the driver pedals or distracting me while I drive. Roaming free in the car they can get bored and want mama's attention and that can end up a bit dangerous...