I can’t model buttons while I’m cuddling!

Jojo asks…

Hello, my Siberian cats are 2 years old. Almost 2 months ago we started with target training. This worked very well and I have now started to model "cuddles", "pets", "outside" and "play" on our FluentPet board.

I'm having trouble modeling "cuddles". For us, this usually means that the cats come to cuddle on our laps. They love it. But how am I supposed to get to the soundboard at that moment? :D Should I ask my boyfriend to press the button? Problem: He's not always home ...

I would be very happy about some tips and tricks. ;)

Thank you <3

Jojo

I love this question. If the cat is already on your lap being cuddled and you can’t reach the buttons, just model “Cuddles” verbally. If your boyfriend is around to help model, then use him by all means. You’re right that you shouldn’t dislodge the cat to go model the buttons. Pretty sure that’s against the law? [We are not lawyers, do not take legal advice from TTB] Instead focus on modeling beforehand. If you’re walking towards the couch and you’re hoping the cats will join you, that's when you model. You can also (with or without the button) model “Cuddles All Done” when the cuddles are in fact, all done. Do the cats cuddle with each other? That’s another modeling opportunity for you. 

I can’t get up, there’s a cat on me.

Always model as much as you can, but also don’t sweat it if you can’t for whatever reason. I do want to ask though, how similar are “Cuddles” and “Pets” in your household? I know they’re different enough in our household to merit separate buttons but if “Cuddles” is the same as “Pets” except one is on your lap, that might be a bit confusing for two starter words. At this point though, if they’ve had both those words for two months, I definitely wouldn’t take one away. Just keep in mind that it might be a fine distinction and it might take them longer to figure out the difference.