Training Atelier
Balinese Training Companion
Follow this complete roadmap to nurture poised, people-focused companions. Save or print so every family member coaches with the same calm voice.
Print tip: press Ctrl/Cmd + P, choose “Save as PDF,” and slide this guide into your care binder. Update notes in pencil so your Balinese evolves with you.
Maison Training Roadmap
Move through each phase sequentially; linger as long as needed to keep progress joyful.
Build trust and introduce gentle handling.
Weeks 8-10 · Foundation
- Pair every handling moment with calm voice and soft treats.
- Expose to three new scents and textures each day for sensory confidence.
- Begin name recognition using short, joyful call-and-reward games.
Encourage curiosity and resilience.
Weeks 11-14 · Social fluency
- Rotate visitors (adults, child, supervised calm dog) with structured introductions.
- Practice travel conditioning with short carrier sessions and car rides.
- Introduce grooming tools—nail clipper, slicker brush, toothbrush—with rewards.
Refine cues your Balinese will use for life.
Weeks 15-20 · Skill polishing
- Reinforce recall, station (place), and carrier cue daily.
- Expand leash or stroller training in quiet spaces.
- Begin gentle cooperative care drills: open mouth, touch paws, ear check.
Sustain enrichment that evolves with maturity.
Beyond 20 weeks · Lifestyle integration
- Refresh skill sessions three times weekly—short, positive, and varied.
- Alternate high-energy play with scent games and puzzle feeders.
- Document behaviour notes to anticipate seasonal or developmental shifts.
Signature Daily Rituals
Blend these studios across the day to sustain harmony and learning.
Morning calibration
Set tone for a balanced day in 15 minutes.
- Sunrise greeting ritual with stretching and soft grooming.
- Short clicker session reinforcing name, sit, and target.
- Breakfast served in a puzzle bowl to awaken curiosity.
Midday micro-training
Keep skills sharp with playful reps.
- Rotate cues: spin, high-five, go-to-mat, recall.
- Layer in new textures—balance board, crinkle tunnel, tactile pads.
- Close with independent enrichment (snuffle mat, window perch).
Grooming atelier
Transform maintenance into bonding.
- Coat brushing + combing while rewarding stillness.
- Paw, ear, and dental checks using cooperative care positions.
- Hydrosol mist or calming wipe to finish with a signature scent.
Evening decompression
Ease into night-time serenity.
- Interactive play that mimics hunt-pounce-capture patterns.
- Dinner followed by a quiet chew or lick mat to release tension.
- Cue lights-down routine with lullaby playlist and cuddles on cue.
Core Cue Library
Track each cue’s method, intention, and ideal repetition schedule.
| Cue | How to teach | Why it matters | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recall | Call name + upbeat whistle, reward when cat arrives at your feet. | Reliable response even with distractions. | Daily 5 short reps |
| Station | Lure onto mat, mark and reward calm settle for increasing duration. | Creates a relaxation anchor during guests, grooming, meals. | 3 sessions weekly |
| Carrier go-in | Treat trail into carrier, feed inside, gradually close door briefly. | Stress-free travel and vet visits. | 2 sessions weekly |
| Touch target | Present target stick, reward nose touch, move target to guide movement. | Foundation for agility, position changes, and photo posing. | Every other day |
| Gentle paws | Pair paw handling with verbal cue, reward relaxed muscles, release quickly. | Supports nail trims and vet handling. | During grooming atelier |
Coaching tip: keep sessions under three minutes. End while enthusiasm is high and log successes in your training journal.
Behaviour Troubleshooting Studio
Observe, adjust, and celebrate progress without frustration.
Reluctant to enter carrier
Observe:
- Cat hesitates or vocalises near carrier door.
- Bolts away when carrier appears.
Adjust with:
- Leave carrier open as a resting nook with bedding and treats inside.
- Feed one daily meal in the carrier using the door closed for 2-3 minutes.
- Practice calm exits—wait for stillness, then cue release word.
Night-time energy spikes
Observe:
- Zoomies increase after lights-out.
- Night meows seeking attention.
Adjust with:
- Shift largest play session to 60 minutes before bedtime.
- Introduce final feeding right after play to satisfy hunt-eat-groom-sleep cycle.
- Offer overnight forage toy with a small portion of kibble to occupy instinct.
Overstimulation during petting
Observe:
- Tail flicks or nips after prolonged strokes.
- Dilated pupils while purring.
Adjust with:
- Pet in brief intervals, pause before cat signals discomfort.
- Redirect energy into toy play; reward calm returns to lap.
- Teach a "two-minute cuddle" cue so expectations are clear.
Printable Training Toolkit
Capture your progress and keep every helper aligned with these checklists.
Store printed pages in transparent sleeves and annotate with dry-erase markers so routines stay adaptive.