It is a common belief that cats cannot be trained, but through Clicks & Tricks, the Dumb Friends League debunk this myth. “Cats are intelligent and receptive to training just like dogs and other animals,” said Ursa Marr, associate behavior manager for the Dumb Friends League. “This class is a way to showcase cats’ abilities to learn and perform, while offering an opportunity for cat owners to have fun training and interacting with their feline friends.”
During the Clicks & Tricks orientation, cat owners learn basic clicker training techniques and how it can help their cats. For the remaining three classes, feline students are encouraged to attend. With the guidance of knowledgeable staff, owners teach their cats how to sit on command, rollover, give a “high five” and stand up on their hind legs, among other advanced behaviors.
“Clicks & Tricks shows that cats can be trained to perform desired behaviors,” said Marr, who also clicker-trains adoptable cats in the shelter. “Plus, this class also helps cats become well-adjusted companions, and it provides their owners with practical tips about typical cat behavior and addressing common problems.”
Clicks & Tricks is offered monthly at the League’s Quebec Street shelter, located at 2080 S. Quebec St. in Denver, Colo. The next session begins Jan. 12, 2011, and costs $40. Classes meet weekly for four weeks, and all classes begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Feline students must be at least 18 weeks old.
For more information about cat behavior training opportunities and to register for Clicks & Tricks, visit ddfl.org or call (303) 751-5772, Ext. 7629.
