How to teach your cat to link two agility obstacles

You'll need

• clicker or a word like “yes”
• small soft treats
• wand toy
• any 2 obstacles your cat knows well

Why it matters

Linking makes agility feel like agility. Once your cat knows each obstacle alone, joining two teaches that the reward comes after the sequence, not every piece.

Before you start

Warm up with wand play, then train before a meal. Start with a hand target and one easy obstacle. Quiet room, doors closed, non-slip mats under every obstacle.

Step by step

1. 1

   Warm up each one

   Run each obstacle once on its own and reward.

   Move on when: Both clean once each

   Tip: Use the easiest version of each to start.

2. 2

   Set them close

   Place the second obstacle 1.5 m after the first in a straight line.

   Move on when: Straight line, clear landing

   Tip: Close enough that the second obstacle is in view as your cat lands.

3. 3

   Reward both, then one

   Lead through both. For 2 or 3 reps click after each. Then click only after the second.

   Move on when: Both obstacles for one marker, 4 out of 5 times

   Tip: If it stops between, go back to two rewards for a few reps.

4. 4

   Add a bend

   Turn the second obstacle 45 degrees so there is a gentle curve.

   Move on when: Both on a curve, 4 out of 5 times

   Tip: Walk on the outside of the curve.

5. 5

   Swap pairs

   Try 3 different pairs across the week.

   Move on when: 3 pairs clean, 4 out of 5 times each

   Tip: Tunnel-to-jump is usually easiest; save hoops for later.

6. 6

   Back-chain if stuck

   Teach the second obstacle first, then add the first before it, so your cat is always running towards the part it knows best.

   Move on when: Pair holds together 4 out of 5 times

   Tip: This is how behaviour chains are built.

The cue

Say

“The cue of each obstacle”

Hand signal

Point to each obstacle in turn as your cat lands

If it isn't working

Stops between obstacles

Bring them closer together and keep the toy moving.

Runs past the second one

Cue the second obstacle earlier, while your cat is still in the first.

Gets too excited

Fewer reps, calmer rewards: food instead of the toy.

Mastered when

Takes 3 different pairs of obstacles for one reward, 4 out of 5 times

Video check: Film 3 different pairs, each run start to finish

Variations

• Jump then pause table
• Tunnel into a hoop

Teach this first

• How to teach your cat to run through a tunnel →
• How to teach your cat to take jumps in a line →

Learn next

• How to teach your cat to link four agility obstacles →
• How to teach your cat a chain of tricks →