Inside, Outside

As the kittens got a little bigger it was time to introduce them to the outside world.  This was done first by giving them a couple of days to wear a harness inside to get used to it, then by attaching a lead and letting them get used to dragging that around (or playing with it), and importantly being gently stopped by it (without freaking out). 

 

Training steps achieved we would head outside to play in the grass and look at the big world outside.  This was done in short sessions starting around 15 mins, and then up to an hour at a time.  They were never allowed outside without supervision, and initially never off leash.  Then the leashes were just an emergency handle, they were allowed to run about with the leash dragging behind in case I needed to grab one or other of them and reel them in.  Names were used consistently, and the kittens always rewarded when they come, or respond to their name.  Importantly they are given a little freedom to enjoy themselves, and support when they are frightened or unsure.

 

Eventually, short sessions are permitted without leashes and harnesses, but they have to have collars with bells on so I can keep an ear on them.  We had little rituals at the back door, with collars being jangled to alert them to an outside time session, and then being put on before the door was opened.  Inside time, was similarly signalled by the removal of collars.  Basically I use classical conditioning to link sounds, or routines with behaviours.

 

 

 

Little Noomi , with a collar that nearly wraps around twice!

Milla rocks her blue collar and bells and shows off her crossed-eyes

What's in there?

It's a flying thing!!!