Trick Description: Your cat will stand and balance on its hind legs
Difficulty Level (1-5) (1= easy, 5= difficult): 2
Previous Trick Knowledge Required: Sit
Props or Preparation Necessary: None
Training Time / How Often: 2-3 times daily for about 2-3 minutes each time- Preferably before meals.
Expected Timeframe to Learn Trick: About 2 weeks (Some may take a bit longer).
Special Notes / Description: Different cats learn at different rates. It’s good to train them when they are hungry because they can be very food motivated. It’s important to reward them immediately after performing the trick. That way they can associate the performance of the trick with the reward (treat). Use a special treat that they really enjoy- preferably exclusive to training so they can build an association to the treat. You may notice either gradual progression or little progression followed by larger improvements. They key is to be patient and even if they are not showing much progress, they may surprise you one day and actually do it as if they always understood what you were asking of them. It’s best to start training in a quiet area where they cannot be easily distracted. It’s also best to have only one trainer per session. Once they learn the trick, then others can practice it with them.
Total Steps: 4
Step 1. Start in a quiet area with your cat on the floor. Ask your cat to perform the Sit command. Let your cat know that you have a special treat by showing them and getting their attention.
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Step 2. Make sure that your cat does not get the treat before performing their trick. Hold the treat close to their nose; say their name followed by the command “Stand.” As you repeat the command, move your hand in upwards, away from their nose, so that the cat begins to stand. Immediately after they stand, say “good stand” and reward them with the treat. You can also praise them by petting them in addition to the treat. You should repeat this step several times within one session of training (about 2-3 minutes.)
Step 3. After repeating step 3 to the point where you notice they understand the command, start integrating a hand signal with the vocal command. If they continue to understand, you can progress by asking them to perform the trick without having the treat in your hand. You can still use the hand motion. They will understand both hand signals and voice commands. Always reward with the treat immediately after performing the treat and by saying “good stand.”
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Step 4. You can slowly start distancing yourself from your cat when asking them to perform this trick. Once they have mastered the trick with a treat reward, you can start rewarding with a treat periodically. You should always reward them for performing the trick in some manner such as saying “good stand” or petting them.
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Conclusion: You can substitute the name of the trick with others such as up. The key is to be consistent and use the same name and or hand signals. Eventually you will be able to do this while being far away from your cat.
Contributed by: Cougar
