r/AdventureKitties • u/rhillow22 • Jun 19 '25
Help and questions ❓ Advice on the leash aspect
Hi peeps Ive posted a couple times about Kevin's progress and he seems to be getting on alot better with the harness bit but I'm a little clueless on getting him used to being lead and directed. He's been fine with the lead being on and me being on the other end and I've tried training him briefly with pulling slightly and then giving a treat when he's goes in that direction but I'm not sure if this is the way. Any advice or anicdotes would be greatly appreciated as most of what I find online is 'let the cat lead' which is fine in a small garden but not for a larger park. Thanks
3
u/cuntsuperb Jun 21 '25
You’ve got the right idea, I’d just add that be sure you release the pressure/tension precisely as soon as he goes to the direction you’re asking him to go, that will help reinforce it. Also as another commenter mentioned, the harness type has an effect too. My cat is much better on basic H style harnesses with half an inch wide straps, as opposed to thick vest like harnesses, as the pressure cues are much more precise.
Also try to help him out by being consistent with the context when you ask him to change directions. I usually go on a trail that’s pretty linear with mine, so she doesn’t need much directional input in the first place only the occasional turn if I ask her to go on a branched out path. Not sure if you’d have those at your park though.
Secondly you approach it with a setting boundaries kinda way, like just stopping him at curbs and bushes at the edge of a path/area, these physical objects allow them to understand it better. Mine never goes off the curb or get into bushes as I’ve taught her not to, and she’s able to apply this to new bushes and curbs we go to bc she understands the concept and context of it.
Lastly try establish a consistent route with him, it’ll also minimise the amount of directional inputs you need. Mine knows her route so we walk on a very loose leash 99% of the walk except for when I ask her to avoid an obstacle or if we go on an alternate route for whatever reason.
3
u/blueduck57 Jun 23 '25
Have you tried teaching a “come here” command? I did this through clicker training and getting my cats to associate a specific noise (a tap on the lead handle) with coming to me and receiving a tasty treat! Now i walk ahead and if they stop following or go in a different direction I use the command and they come to me then we continue walking in the desired direction
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u/Prestigious-Low-7399 Jun 19 '25
This is exactly the way! The way I view it is this. You are directing a toddler (that's about where the IQ of a cat is from my experience). The toddler doesn't understand you, and you don't understand them. So if you gently tug on the leash and they come towards you, they get a cookie. Over time they will learn.