As a pet owner, you know that training your furry friend is one of the most important things to ensure their safety and happiness. However, it can be challenging to teach them new tricks, especially if they are as independent as the American Wirehair. If you’ve been struggling to train your cat to come when called, don’t fret! We’ve got some pawsome tips and tricks that will help you get started. From preparation to effective training techniques, we’ll guide you through each step of the way. Let’s dive in and make your American Wirehair the most obedient in the neighbourhood!

Why Teach Your American Wirehair to Come When Called

It can be frustrating when your American Wirehair doesn’t respond to your calls. But what if you could teach them to come to you on command? This skill is not only practical but also strengthens the bond between you and your pet. Let’s explore why you should teach your American Wirehair to come when called, including its benefits for security and enhancing your relationship with your furry friend. Plus, we’ll also share some valuable tips to ensure you and your cat have a positive training experience.

Security Reasons

One of the main reasons why it’s important to train your American Wirehair to come when called is for security reasons. There may be times where your pet might run off, or they may bolt out of an open door or window. In such situations, having your pet trained to come back to you when called can be a lifesaver.

So, how can you make sure that your American Wirehair is well-trained when it comes to responding to your call? Below are some techniques that can help:

Training Technique	Description
Start Small	Begin training your cat inside, in a quiet or closed-off area, and gradually work your way up to more distracting environments. This way, your pet will become more comfortable with the training process.
Positive Reinforcement	Use treats or rewards to encourage your American Wirehair to come to you when called. Make sure to choose a treat or reward that your pet loves, such as small pieces of cooked chicken or their favorite toy.
No Yelling or Punishments	Avoid yelling or punishing your pet if they do not respond to your call immediately. This can cause confusion and anxiety, which can make it even more difficult to train your American Wirehair.
Practice Regularly	Consistency is key when it comes to training your pet. Practice calling your American Wirehair back to you for short periods throughout the day, gradually increasing the time and distance.

Remember, training your American Wirehair takes time and patience. If you are having difficulty with training or if your pet is exhibiting aggressive behaviour, it may be helpful to seek advice from a professional trainer or veterinarian. You can also find more information on dealing with aggressive behaviour in American Wirehairs, litter box training, stopping scratching behaviors, and teaching obedience to your pet.

More Ways to Enjoy Your Bond

One of the biggest advantages of training your American Wirehair to come when called is the strengthening of your bond with your furry friend. This opens up more opportunities for you to enjoy each other’s company and can lead to a happier pet and owner relationship. Here are some great activities that you can do together after successfully training your American Wirehair to come when called.

Activity	Description
Hiking	Spend some quality time in nature with your pet by exploring hiking trails. With their strong legs, American Wirehairs are perfect companions for long walks through the wilderness.
Playing Fetch	American Wirehairs are known for their love of chasing and retrieving toys. Plan regular play sessions, either in your backyard or at a nearby park. This is also a great opportunity to practice their come-when-called training.
Training for Agility Competitions	American Wirehairs are highly intelligent and active cats. Agility training can help them burn off excess energy and provide them with some mental stimulation. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your pet and show off their impressive skills.
Playing Hide and Seek	Hide your pet’s favorite toy or treat and encourage them to find it. This is a fun and interactive game that can also help strengthen your pet’s recall response.

Remember, it’s important to always show your American Wirehair that you love and care for them. Training sessions should be short and positive, and never use physical punishment. If you encounter any behavioral problems, such as aggression, litter box issues, or scratching, there are plenty of resources available to help. Check out our guide on dealing with aggressive behavior, tips for litter box training, and methods to stop scratching. For more information on obedience training, see our guide on teaching your American Wirehair obedience.

Pre-Training Preparation

Before you begin training your American Wirehair to come when called, it is important to prepare properly. Pre-training preparation involves selecting the right rewards to motivate your pet and using the appropriate leash to keep them engaged during training. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your pet will be ready and willing to learn. Let’s dive into the details of each aspect of pre-training preparation to set you and your furry friend up for success.

Choosing the Best Reward

When it comes to training your American Wirehair to come when called, choosing the right reward is crucial. The right reward can make all the difference in your cat’s eagerness to learn and obey commands. But what constitutes a good reward for a cat?

Below is a table that highlights some recommended rewards to use when training your American Wirehair:

Reward	Why it Works
Treats: small, bite-sized bits of chicken, turkey, or fish	These treats are high-value rewards for most cats, and the protein in them makes them irresistible.
Playtime: a fun game of chase or interactive toy play	American Wirehairs love to play, and engaging in playtime with them can be a great incentive.
Praise: verbal affirmations or a head rub	Many cats respond well to verbal praise and petting. It shows them affection and reinforces the positive behavior.
Food: a meal or wet food	If your cat is food-motivated, using their regular mealtime as a reward can be effective. Wet food can also be used as a special treat.

Remember to choose a reward that your cat enjoys and responds well to. By using the right reward during training, you can make the process more enjoyable for your cat and increase their eagerness to learn.

Engage Them with the Correct Leash

When it comes to training your American Wirehair to come when called, it is important to use the right equipment, including the correct leash. Using the wrong type of leash can actually hinder the training process and make it more difficult for both you and your pet.

So, what is the correct leash to use?

Type of Leash	Advantages	Disadvantages
Nylon Leashes	Lightweight, durable, and come in a variety of colors and sizes. Great for dogs who like to chew on leashes, as they are inexpensive to replace.	Can cause friction burns if your pet pulls too hard, and can be difficult to grip if wet.
Retractable Leashes	Allows your pet more freedom to roam during training. Great for dogs who have a tendency to pull and like to explore.	The locking mechanism can be faulty, and the thin cord can snap or writhe around and cause injury.
Chain Leashes	Extremely durable and great for pets who like to chew on their leash. Can also provide additional control and strength if you have a large or strong pet.	Heavy to hold, and can be noisy and startling for pets who are sensitive to sound.
Leather Leashes	Flexible, comfortable to hold, and durable. They also provide good grip even when wet.	Can be expensive, and might need to be cleaned regularly if your pet likes to chew on them or if they come into contact with dirt and water.

It is important to choose a leash that is not only durable and comfortable for both you and your pet, but one that will also not cause any harm or discomfort to your pet. You should also make sure the leash is the appropriate length for the type of training you will be doing. Shorter leashes are best for training indoors or in smaller areas, while longer leashes are better for outdoor training in larger spaces.

Effective Training Techniques

Training your American Wirehair to come when called is an essential skill that requires patience and consistency. With the right techniques and positive reinforcement, you can teach your American Wirehair to respond to your commands. In this section, we explore the best strategies that will help you achieve success in training your feline companion. From starting from scratch to incorporating fun games into the training regimen, we’ve got you covered! Let’s dive in and discover the most effective training techniques for your American Wirehair.

Start from Scratch

Before starting with any advanced training techniques, it is essential to lay a foundation with the basics. The first step in training your American Wirehair to come when called is to start from scratch. This means teaching your pet what the command “come” means and how to respond to it.

To start, create a distraction-free environment. This could be an empty room or an outdoor space with a fence. Begin by calling your pet’s name and then saying the word “come.” If your American Wirehair responds and comes towards you, reward them with a treat and lots of praise. Repeat this process several times a day until they associate the word “come” with a positive experience.

If your pet does not respond or seems confused, it is important not to get frustrated. Try different tones of voice, use a high-pitched, friendly tone, or even a whistle to signal to your pet to come. Gradually increase the distance and add distractions like toys or food. Remember that training takes time and patience.

Once your American Wirehair understands the basics, you can start practicing with longer distances and gradually introduce more distractions. Always reward them with a treat and praise when they respond appropriately.

Here is an example of a training plan:

Remember to always end on a positive note and gradually increase the difficulty as your American Wirehair becomes more skilled. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, your furry friend will soon know how to come with just one call.

Catch Me If You Can – Fetch Games

One effective way to train your American Wirehair to come when called is through playing fetch games. Not only is it an enjoyable experience for your pet, it also helps to develop their physical abilities. Here are some tips to make the most out of your fetch game training:

Step	Description
Step 1	Introduce your pet to a ball or toy. Use a brightly colored object that can be easily seen by your pet.
Step 2	Throw the ball or toy a short distance. As your pet starts to move towards the object, call out their name followed by “come”.
Step 3	When your pet comes back to you with the object, praise and reward them with a treat or affection. Repeat the process with longer distances and variations in direction.
Step 4	If your pet doesn’t immediately respond to the “come” command, avoid chasing after them. This can lead to your pet thinking it’s a game of “catch me if you can”. Instead, use a lure such as offering a treat or toy to draw them back to you.
Step 5	As your pet progresses, increase the level of difficulty by adding obstacles such as hurdles or jumps. This helps to improve their agility and responsiveness.

Remember to make the fetch game training fun and positive for your American Wirehair. It’s important not to get frustrated or impatient if they don’t respond right away. Be patient and consistent with your training, and soon enough your pet will come running back to you every time you call their name.

Waiting Game – Hide and Seek

One effective training technique for teaching your American Wirehair to come when called is the waiting game also known as hide and seek. This game teaches your pet to come searching for you when called. The waiting game involves hiding from your pet and calling out their name in a high-pitched tone when they find you. Here’s a step by step guide on how to go about it.

First, choose a location to play the waiting game that’s an enclosed space with plenty of places to hide. For example, you can choose the living room or even the backyard to start playing.

Next, choose the perfect reward to use when your pet finds you. Strong-smelling treats like bacon or chicken strips are highly recommended as your pet’s keen sense of smell will lead them straight to you.

Step 1: Start by hiding in an easy-to-find location and calling your pet’s name in an excited tone. When your pet eventually finds and reaches you, reward them with the chosen treat and praise them enthusiastically.

Step 2: After repeating step 1 several times, starting hiding in more challenging locations. The idea here is that your American Wirehair will be compelled to search for you and explore their surroundings until they spot you.

Step 3: It’s important to note that when your pet finds you, avoid scolding or punishing them for taking too long. Instead, gently encourage them to come towards you and reward them with their treats.

Step 4: Gradually, increase the distance between you and your pet when calling their name. This will help reinforce the training and ensure that they come when called no matter the distance.

The waiting game technique is an exciting and beneficial way of teaching your American Wirehair how to come when called. By making it a fun experience, you’re building trust and bonding with your pet which will, in turn, make it easier for them to obey your calls.

Training with a Friend – Call and Response

Training with a friend can be an exciting way to spice up your American Wirehair’s training routine. This technique involves a friend or family member helping you with the training process by acting as a distraction and sometimes helping to reinforce positive behavior. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Choose a Friend

Choose a friend or family member your American Wirehair knows and trusts. The person should be someone who understands the training goals and knows how to interact with pets.

Step 2: Call and Response

Once you have your friend with you and your American Wirehair is off-leash, you can begin the call and response game. Call your pet’s name followed by a come command. When your pet responds, have your friend call your pet’s name followed by another come command.

Step 3: Positive Reinforcement

When your pet responds to the command, be sure to provide positive reinforcement such as verbal praise and a treat. Your friend can also provide an extra dose of praise and playtime for your American Wirehair.

Step 4: Increase Difficulty

As your pet becomes more comfortable with this game, you can gradually increase the level of difficulty. For instance, you could switch the order of the commands so that your friend calls your pet’s name followed by your come command. Or, you could have your friend act more as a distraction by running in the opposite direction or holding their arms out for your American Wirehair to jump over.

Step 5: Consistency is Key

Consistency is crucial when it comes to pet training. Make sure you and your friend are using the same commands and providing the same rewards to avoid confusion in your American Wirehair. Over time, your pet will start to associate the come command with positive outcomes and will be more likely to respond to your call.

By incorporating this call and response game into your training routine, you can make the process fun and engaging for both you and your pet. Remember to be patient and consistent, and always use positive reinforcement to promote desired behavior.

What Not to Do When Training Your Pet

Training your American Wirehair to come when called can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your pet. However, there are some things to avoid when training your furry friend.

Avoid Negative Reinforcements
Using punishment or negative reinforcement when training your American Wirehair can have adverse effects and hinder the training process. It can lead to your pet being aggressive, fearful or withdrawn. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as giving treats or verbal praise, can be more effective in creating a happy and well-behaved pet.

Avoid Training When Distracted
While it may be tempting to try to squeeze in some training during a busy day, it’s important to ensure that both you and your American Wirehair are free from distractions. Training when distracted can hinder progress and frustrate you and your pet. Focus on training when there are fewer distractions and set aside dedicated time for training.

Avoid Overfeeding Your Pet with Treats
While using treats as rewards is an effective method for positive reinforcement, it’s important to ensure that you don’t overfeed your pet. Using treats too often or in large amounts can lead to obesity or other health problems. Ensure that you balance treats with a healthy diet and consult your vet about portion sizes.

Avoid Yelling or Getting Frustrated
Being patient and calm during training is essential for success. Yelling or getting frustrated with your pet when they don’t respond as quickly as you’d like can discourage progress and lead to bad behavior. Remember that training takes time, practice and patience.

By avoiding these common training mistakes, you can create a happy, well-behaved pet that is always eager to come when called.

Conclusion

In conclusion, training your American Wirehair to come when called is an important aspect of pet ownership and can bring a host of benefits for both you and your furry friend. By starting with pre-training preparation and choosing the best reward and leash, you can set yourself up for success.

Effective training techniques include starting from scratch and slowly building up to more complex games and activities like fetch and hide and seek. Involving a friend or family member in the training process can also be helpful.

However, it’s important to avoid common training mistakes such as punishing your pet or using negative reinforcement. Instead, always focus on positive reinforcement such as treats and praise.

By taking the time and effort to train your American Wirehair to come when called, you can enjoy a stronger bond with your pet and greater peace of mind knowing they will respond when needed. So start practicing today and enjoy the rewards of a well-trained and obedient furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to train an American Wirehair to come when called?

It is recommended to start the training as early as possible, ideally when the kitten is around 8-12 weeks old.

What are the most effective rewards to use during training?

High-value treats and positive verbal reinforcement work well, such as small pieces of meat or cheese.

What should I do if my American Wirehair doesn’t respond to my call?

Don’t punish your pet, as it can lead to distrust and fear. Instead, go back to basic training and reinforce the “come” command with treats and praise.

Can an American Wirehair be trained to come when called off-leash?

Yes, but it requires patience, consistency, and a secure training area. Gradually increase the distance and distractions to reinforce the command.

How long should training sessions last?

Keep it short and sweet. Ten to fifteen minutes per session is enough to maintain focus and engagement.

What if my American Wirehair has a short attention span?

Break training into shorter sessions and incorporate play to maintain their interest and focus.

What is the “catch me if you can” training game?

It involves calling your pet’s name and then taking off in the opposite direction, encouraging them to follow and rewarding them when they catch up.

Why should I avoid punishment during training?

Punishment can create fear and distrust, making it harder to establish a strong bond with your pet. Positive reinforcement is a more effective and humane method of training.

What should I do if my American Wirehair is distracted during training?

Try to limit distractions in the training area and gradually increase their exposure. Use high-value rewards and keep the training sessions short and focused.

Is it possible to retrain an older American Wirehair to come when called?

Yes, it is possible, but it may take more time and patience. Start with basic training and gradually increase the distractions and reinforce the “come” command with positive rewards.

Train Your American Wirehair to Come When Called