Let the Clicker Training Begin!

I bought two training clickers from PetSmart this morning and we're going to do some association exercises this afternoon.  That means that I will get Vante to associate the click with something good - like treats or brushing (which might be a bigger motivator for her than food).

I'm following a handout from the Dumb Friends League, who gave me lots of advise and information about 1-2 months ago, but I was too (I'll be honest and say it) lazy to follow until now.  Here is the jist of what I'll be doing: I click, I give her a treat (or brush her). I click, I give her a treat. I do this 5 times, in different postures, areas and such to mix-it-up but let her know that the click means good things. Then to figure out if it worked, when she's looking away I click and if she looks at me, then it is working, if she ignores me, then I need to keep it up. I'll do this for at least a week to ensure it's 2nd nature for her before I move on to the next step, Shaping.

Don't worry, I'll keep the blog updated with her training - it should provide for an interesting couple of weeks-to-months.  In the meantime, here is a photo of her three new shelves - I took my inspiration from all the shelves Best Friends has.  She loves them!

Vante-1 Mouse-0

I woke up this morning to find a dead mouse in Vante's water.  She may be 15 years old but she's still a frisky little kitty. 

Boxing

This morning Vante decided to climb into this box, rearrange the newspapers and look a little menacing... like she was going to jump out and 'attack' my husband.  Alas, there was no attacking (I could have used a good laugh).  She enjoyed herself though.

Miss V is up to her usual tricks, napping, eating and telling the other cats that she's in charge.  For the most part they listen but little 2-year-old Tucker just has to be close to her and follow her.  Nobody has been hurt though, so don't worry about either of them.  They're both tough cookies.  There is lots of growling and if looks could kill... but there has not been a physical fight between the two of them.  (All talk.)

I adore Vante.  On a different note, sorry it's been so long since I posted.  I'm working for a month at Nellis and just had two finals and a clinical exam.  I finished my 4th and 5th class to be a Vet Tech and so far so good--straight As and I'm enjoying it.