Training
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Use the sound of a can opener button or electric can opener to recall your cat from hiding spots or outdoors.
Cats associate the sound with food and will come instantly.
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Place slightly used clothing with your scent in a pet's bed or cage to calm them when you are away.
The lingering scent helps calm them down and associates your smell with a safe place.
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Consider using a mobile vet service to reduce stress for nervous pets, acknowledging that it may cost more.
One owner found it less stressful for their nervous cat after struggling with carrier use for years.
- It is more expensive than traditional visits.
one person who lived it
Gradually acclimate pets to car rides by taking short trips around town, such as to drive-thrus or for small errands, using many treats.
This helps them get used to the car and reduces stress during longer journeys.
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Condition your dog to associate fireworks with positive experiences by giving treats and affection during the noise.
This teaches the dog there is nothing to fear through conditioning.
- Some advise against giving attention as it may encourage scared behavior.
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Spray pheromone spray on a towel and place it in the carrier to calm the pet.
One person reported this works.
one person who lived it
If you have a new rescue dog, wear an old shirt to bed and then place it on the dog's bed to help them get used to your scent.
The presence of your scent helps the dog feel comfortable; one person reported their dog now snuggles up to the shirts.
one person who lived it
Avoid cooing over, praising, or making a big deal out of every boom when comforting a fearful dog.
Doing so can confuse the dog.
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Never use a crate or carrier as a punishment, as this contradicts the goal of making it feel safe and comfortable.
Making a place feel like a punishment is at odds with trying to make it feel comfy and safe.
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Place a warm rice bag over a ticking clock for a new puppy to simulate body heat and a heartbeat.
The warmth mimics the mother's body heat and the ticking mimics a heartbeat.
one person who lived it
Sing a specific song or whistle a tune while feeding to train the pet to come when you sing or whistle later.
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Place cat beds in elevated spots or facing the door to provide clear sightlines and multiple exit points.
This helps cats feel safe and see everything.
one person who lived it
- Position litter boxes in areas with more than two approaches to provide escape routes and a sense of safety while allowing territory marking in common rooms.1
Buy a crate for a new puppy to prevent constant damage to household items.
One person learned the hard way that without a crate, they would be replacing things constantly.
one person who lived it
Tap a ring on a glass before feeding a rabbit to create a recall cue for bringing them inside at night.
One person reported this was the only way they found to get their rabbit into the kitchen.
one person who lived it
To help cats avoid fearing their carriers, leave them open in accessible areas or associate them with positive experiences like feeding or play.
It helps prevent the carrier from being linked to fear or vet visits.
one person who lived it
- Leave a travel carrier open and placed under furniture to help a cat associate it with safety rather than fear.1
If your cat ignores beds, scratching posts, or litter boxes, move them to different locations, as the issue may be placement rather than the item itself.
One owner reported that raising a scratching post onto a table in the living room led to consistent use.
one person who lived it
Sing a specific song with a distinct note pattern, such as the ABC song ending on a question note at 'T', to signal mealtime.
The specific note pattern triggers an immediate head swivel and attention.
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Press an animal training clicker immediately before opening food bags to condition your cat to the sound.
This creates a classical conditioning association between the click and feeding.
- The sound is loud like snapping fingers, which might cause some cats to hide if they see people making clicking noises nearby.
one person who lived it
Crate your dog at night to break the habit of waking up to pee on the carpet.
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Place your pet's food bowl inside the carrier to help them gradually become accustomed to the space.
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- Sometimes put treats inside the crate or carrier so the pet associates the space with positive experiences.3
Practice putting the pet in the carrier during routine activities like cleaning the litter box, initially using treats as reinforcement.
One owner found that repeated exposure during non-stressful times helped their cat become accustomed to the carrier over time.
one person who lived it
Place a cat condo or bed under your own bed to encourage usage.
one person who lived it
Pair punishment procedures with positive reinforcement to replace challenging behaviors with appropriate ones.
Reinforcement is necessary to replace the bad behavior with a better one.
one person who lived it
To move a cat bed to a desired location, place it near where you spend time until the cat uses it, then slowly move it one day at a time.
one person who lived it