so my handsome kittens are finally big enough to jump onto the counters and BOY are we in trouble. We have been INCREDIBLY frustrated about this and I am ashamed to say have resorted to saying NO and nose tapping. 2/3 of the kittens do this about every 2 minutes!!!
When the kitties used to scratch on the sofa we made a ch ch noise said no and then put them on their scratcher and said good boy, it worked AMAZINGLY!!!
But, I couldn't find a good alternative for jumping on the counter and exploring for food.
Well in complete frustration (it is not safe for them to walk on the stove! or the sink) I EXPANDED my mind.
This is the plan of action, I'll let you know how it works:
1) teach them DOWN w/ treats in formal sessions and w/ spont. treats in everyday life - always using clicker when jump down and praise.
2) Make the counter/stove as clean and uninteresting as possible. Clean dirty dishes ASAP, etc.
3) Prohibit their access to the kitchen when DH or I am not there to enforce getting down off counter for a short period of time (until they get it!)
***Maybe if 1&2 don't work, cleaning with a citrusy smelling cleaner (i've heard cats don't like that.)
Wish me luck!!! Either way, it is better for me to be nice to them instead of saying NO. and if it doesn't work they'll still be jumping up anyhow.
Any feedback or additional ideas would be appreciated!!
When the kitties used to scratch on the sofa we made a ch ch noise said no and then put them on their scratcher and said good boy, it worked AMAZINGLY!!!
But, I couldn't find a good alternative for jumping on the counter and exploring for food.
Well in complete frustration (it is not safe for them to walk on the stove! or the sink) I EXPANDED my mind.
This is the plan of action, I'll let you know how it works:
1) teach them DOWN w/ treats in formal sessions and w/ spont. treats in everyday life - always using clicker when jump down and praise.
2) Make the counter/stove as clean and uninteresting as possible. Clean dirty dishes ASAP, etc.
3) Prohibit their access to the kitchen when DH or I am not there to enforce getting down off counter for a short period of time (until they get it!)
***Maybe if 1&2 don't work, cleaning with a citrusy smelling cleaner (i've heard cats don't like that.)
Wish me luck!!! Either way, it is better for me to be nice to them instead of saying NO. and if it doesn't work they'll still be jumping up anyhow.
Any feedback or additional ideas would be appreciated!!