AERIAL DOG RUNS AND MOBILE TIE-OUTS

An aerial dog run is a cable strung about eight feet above the ground, between trees or buildings. A tie-out cable is attached to the aerial cable with a swivel clip and the other end is attached to your cat’s harness. It provides your cat with a range of motion while at the same time teaching your cat that there’s a limit to its wanderings.

Getting your cat used to an aerial dog run is a great way to begin his outdoor adventure. A cat on an aerial dog run gets to go out and be with the family and enjoy more freedom.

As part of your leash-training plan, you should incorporate the use of an aerial dog run and/or a mobile tie-out. By using these tools, your cat will learn that when he gets the end of his leash he can go no farther and must alter his direction. Unlike a walker, the tie-out never bends, so there’s no negotiating and inconsistent messaging. The more you use these tools, the more cooperative your cat will be when out on a walk. In the beginning, you’ll need to let your cat lead, but as soon as your cat gets comfortable enough to start tugging on the leash to go in a different direction, it’s time for you to become the lead! Hold your place when your cat comes to the end of the leash. Your cat will not pull as much and in most cases, will alter direction, allowing you to lead your cat. Be consistent and don’t give in. As soon as you do, your cat will realize that persistence works and you’ll find it difficult to redirect your cat. Of course, there will be times when you can’t resist, your cat is reaching for something it wants to explore, something it was meant to do. In those cases, don’t give slack; instead take a step in the direction the cat is headed so that he can reach his goal without tugging on the leash.

When purchasing an aerial dog run, select one designed for small dogs. Aerial dog runs made for larger dogs have tie-out cables that are larger and use heavy clips that will be uncomfortable and difficult for your cat.

When using an aerial dog run there are a few things to keep in mind:

•   Never leave your cat unattended while on the tie-out

•   Make sure your cat has access to water and shade. If not, limit the time and avoid hot days

•   Locate your run so that there are no obstacles that your cat can wrap himself around; that way, you won’t need to constantly untangle your cat

Because the use of an aerial dog run requires a yard with enough space to install an aerial cable, it’s an optional part of the process, but one that may have far-reaching impact on the walker and his cat. If you live in an apartment or a community that doesn’t allow you to make modifications such as this, you can still train your cat using a mobile tie-out.

CONVERSION TIP

Alter the length of the tie-out cable so that there is very little slack. This will reduce your cat’s lateral range, but it will also keep the cable from tangling on items in the yard and around your cat’s legs. An even better solution is to replace the tie-out cable with a retractable leash. Simply use a plastic tie to attach the retractable leash to a swivel clip. So now, instead of using a tie-out cable, I pull out the retractable leash and attach it to my cat’s harness. Because it’s taut, my cats rarely get tangled around stuff or their legs tangled in the cord.

MASTER TIP

My dog run was fine, but the clasps on the tie-out were a bit bulky, more appropriate for a medium-sized dog than a cat, so I purchased a 10-foot cat tie-out cable to replace it. This was shorter than the included tie-out, but turned out to be the perfect length. The tie-out barely touches the ground and allows about two feet of lateral movement.