Too old to leash train?

[alicia griffin]

I would definitely start him with a jacket indoors, including using the leash. Be sure and test out those jackets/harnesses to make sure you get them on snug enough so that he can't wriggle out if he gets spooked. Getting out of a jacket indoors is a learning experience, outdoors it could be a disaster.

Also, don't expect him to just jog along with you on the leash, he will be much too interested in exploring everything around him. One trick I have used to get a cat to follow my 'lead' is to use a wand toy or laser light to 'guide' them in the direction I want them to go. Eventually they will learn to do it without the helpful props, but until then these are really useful to try to (literally) keep him on track.

I was wondering if they actually walk on a leash or if you just follow them around. Because when I try it with Henry, I'm pretty much just following him as he climbs in the neighbors' bushes. I would love to get him to "walk" !!

 

[NikkiA]

I was wondering if they actually walk on a leash or if you just follow them around. Because when I try it with Henry, I'm pretty much just following him as he climbs in the neighbors' bushes. I would love to get him to "walk" !!

It takes time. Carrying a wand toy or treats helps. Diablo has even gone running a few times with me, when he is really rammy.

 

[Hina]

We let Sasha 'walk' us, and that's okay too. As long as he does not go crazy and sleep in the middle of the road or go chasing the raccoon (and he LOVES doing all that), we let him explore. Eventually he will start walking in a straight line - only until the next bug or next interesting thing !

 

[Kristin]

I use treats to coax Zeddie to follow me. Jimmy refuses to walk on a leash at all (unless he is in the backyard)...I use the stroller for walks that are more about getting to a destination or actual movement. If I don't care about where we are going, I usually just leash the cats in the backyard