Water/Vinegar for training? Opinions/Ratio

[Trish Allearz]

Erm, I would not be happy at all if any of my kitten owners were using a vinegar solution to spray at my cats. I have no issue with spray bottles of water- but of course, they don't always work, but I wouldn't send my kittens to a home that is going to discipline with water and vinegar. (I'm not saying that's your idea-- obviously, it's not-- but how odd).

 

[admin]

Paige, I use time-out more as a cool off. I've only done it once, but Zeddie was way over stimulated by kids and action.

Kristin, that is different...but using it as punishment? has not worked for me...punishing cats or any other animal just is not recommended...positive reinforcement is...

 

[admin]

Erm, I would not be happy at all if any of my kitten owners were using a vinegar solution to spray at my cats. I have no issue with spray bottles of water- but of course, they don't always work, but I wouldn't send my kittens to a home that is going to discipline with water and vinegar. (I'm not saying that's your idea-- obviously, it's not-- but how odd).

I agree, Trish...

 

[John Campbell]

Thanks for the comments on that Paige... to be honest, I never liked that idea, and with my previous pets, Time out has always worked... I think I will continue that route and use the spray bottles for something else... I never liked corporal punishment on my pets. I know with Jake he would prefer a beating than to be fussed at and Sylvester was the same way. They know by my voice that they did wrong.

 

[admin]

Thanks for the comments on that Paige... to be honest, I never liked that idea, and with my previous pets, Time out has always worked... I think I will continue that route and use the spray bottles for something else... I never liked corporal punishment on my pets. I know with Jake he would prefer a beating than to be fussed at and Sylvester was the same way. They know by my voice that they did wrong.

John, usually with cats, they do not understand time outs...I know leaving the room does work

 

[Jason E]

TIme outs with my brother's cat actually work really well, but its generally just to calm him down and not as discipline. HE isn't a savannah, but does like water, and while we were grilling once I had the squirt bottle from the grill in my hand, and I saw him on the counters. Lets just say it didn't do a whole lot.

 

[Lesley]

Our kittens get wild and out of hand at times as well. I only resorted to a spray bottle of water once, when Spar thought door darting was a good idea. Couldn't risk that. Since then a firm no works. For other transgressions, like climbing blinds and wall tapestries a no and removal has worked. But we have to be very vigilant about it.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

I'm with Marilyn and her advice of NOT using negative reinforcements... positive ones are better for your cat and better for your relationship with your cat. Redirecting when they are doing something you don't like for example. So if they are trying to wrestle with your hand you redirect with a cat toy...

And like Paige, I prefer to reverse the "time out" idea by stopping play and leaving the room when needed. Being deprived of your company is more effective.

Tapping on the nose sounds like a way to make your cat shy of hands :-(

 

[John Campbell]

Our kittens get wild and out of hand at times as well. I only resorted to a spray bottle of water once, when Spar thought door darting was a good idea. Couldn't risk that. Since then a firm no works. For other transgressions, like climbing blinds and wall tapestries a no and removal has worked. But we have to be very vigilant about it.

Thanks for the good words... Did you use just plain water, or did you add some Vinegar like the breeder recommends... Sounds like I will use that only as an absolute last result. All of my pets I have treated like family. Myself, Jake, and Sylvester would all set down to eat at the same time. They knew that begging would only make it take longer. Sylvester was a little more hard headed and was vocal about it... But that is about it. That plan worked great, and I hope I can get Elsa into that plan as well... It really takes some displine for a cat to wait for everyone's food to be ready... especially when he see's his ready...

 

[John Campbell]

WOW, A lot to think about, and much more than I asked for, but information that I need. I do not ask for advise just for asking... I try to heed all of it. I am new to Savannah's and you all are the experienced parties. I will certainly use the advise give here... and like I said earlier... I hated the idea of a spray bottle, and as Lesley said... "I only resorted to a spray bottle of water once". I only want what is best for her and to bring her to be a good lady as any female Savannah should be.

Thanks for all of the advise... I would rather sound dumb and uneducated here, than to make a mistake with Elsa. I searched for this topic, and did not find anything... Maybe the next newbie will find it useful as well.