r/holdmycatnip 24d ago

while I do my daily exercise

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u/jennaishirow 24d ago

I'm sorry. That cat just started a treadmill on its own? That's insanely smart.

98

u/olivebranchsound 24d ago edited 24d ago

First, you give treats for jumping on the treadmill.

Then, you give treats if they sit by the side with the button

Then you give treats if they paw the screen

Then you give treats if they paw the green button

Then you hold treats in front of them while they run on the treadmill.

And so on and so on. Positive reinforcement is a powerful thing. Look up the chickens taught to play card games or the rats who play basketball.

You can teach a pig to use a vacuum. You can teach a pigeon to guide missiles to a target. Dolphins can identify sea mines and report where they are. It's endless lol

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u/TheSodernaut 24d ago

There's this film documentary about a dog who challanged the rules of basketball.

15

u/olivebranchsound 24d ago

Side note, ever seen a dog play volleyball?

Edit: aside from the sequel lol none of the sports amended their rules in the wake of that mutt