Target Training, Charging the Clicker & Step-Up

Totally Feline Training Log
Trainee: Simon Simone Focus: Target Training, Charging the Clicker & “Step-Up” 

Application Reward Used: Soft, tiny pieces of banana

Target training is a foundational skill that helps animals learn how to follow cues, build confidence, and actively participate in training. 

Charging the clicker gives the sound meaning by consistently pairing it with a reward, allowing it to become a clear and reliable form of communication.

Because Simon Simone is fearful of sticks, this training was introduced gradually and intentionally, always prioritizing comfort and trust.
Training Breakdown

Video 1 – Charging the Target StickI began with a very short target stick, revealing only the ball end. This minimized fear while allowing Simon Simone to focus on the target. Each interaction with the ball was paired with a click and a small banana reward, helping her associate the target with positive reinforcement.

Video 2 – Building Confidence The focus remained on the ball end of the target stick to reinforce consistency and trust. Successful interactions continued to be marked with the clicker and rewarded, strengthening engagement and understanding.

Video 3 and 4– Extending the Target Stick. As Simon Simone became more comfortable, I gradually extended the target stick. This step demonstrated her growing confidence and ability to generalize the behavior while maintaining a calm, low-stress training environment.

Video 5– Applying “Step-Up”In this video, I incorporated the “Step-Up” behavior that was trained in a previous session. This served as a demonstration of how “Step-Up” can be used in different contexts and combined with other trained behaviors. Simon Simone successfully responded to the cue, reinforcing the versatility and practical application of this skill. Soft, tiny pieces of banana were used as the reward to ensure easy consumption and continued motivation.

This progressive approach reflects Totally Feline’s training philosophy: clear communication, positive reinforcement, and meeting each animal where they are—allowing learning to happen at their pace.

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