The newest training methods that use positive training are based on scientific techniques such as operant conditioning and classical conditioning that encourage pets to think and want to behavior a certain way, rather than being forced or punished into compliance. Modern training improves communication between you and your cat, and teaches the kitty to want to comply. How neat is that?!
Positive Training
Unlike punishment training which waits for the pet to do something wrong and then responds with an aversive, positive training instead rewards the cat's good behavior. Basically, in positive training you ignore bad behaviors, and instead catch your cat in the act of doing something good (scratching the RIGHT object) and then reward it. Cats figure out the desired behavior from your body language, verbal praise and treat (or favorite toy). The more wrong behaviors Kitty performs, the more he learns what won't work. This technique relies on the cat learning without commands or touching allowed, and works especially well with cats that hate being forced into position. Clicker training, used as a secondary reinforcer in positive training, helps communicate with the cat.
Lure and Reward Training
Lure-based training, another type of positive training, is one of the fastest, easiest and most effective and enjoyable methods you can use to train your cat or any pet. With lure/reward training, you first ASK for a behavior, RESPOND to the pet's correct behavior, and then REWARD with a treat, toy or other option the pet particularly likes. For some cats, that's a feather toy that's reserved only for training. This technique teaches pets not only to listen to your voice and respond in an appropriate way, but also teaches owners to watch pets and respond to their good behaviors.