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Step 1
Prepare yourself to train your cat using positive reinforcement and praise. That means training without the use of punishment or reprimands. A reward system is one of the most successful ways to train your cat.
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Step 2
Introduce a mechanical clicker, and follow the sound by a small treat. Give these for no reason or expected behavior at first. You are associating the sound to the tasty treat, and your cat will begin to react with anticipation to the sound.
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Step 3
If you want your cat to stay off the furniture, associate a command word such as "off" with the clicker.
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Step 4
Show your cat the treat hidden in your hand, and motion your hand down while stating firmly "off." Reward this behavior with the treat. This may come in stages so reward each effort or motion to come off the couch. With consistency, issuing the command "off" will give the desired behavior.
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Step 5
Create successful situations for your cat so you may reward her for behavior you want.
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Step 6
Make sure your cat has other outlets for his behavior. Scratching the claws is part of his nature, so provide a scratching post if you do not want him to use that arm chair.
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Step 7
Do not prepare your cat's food on the countertop if that is an area from which you want to keep her away. Sheets of aluminum foil laid along the countertop may serve as a temporary deterrent when not actively training.
