Hi CatSite forum members. I would appreciate some advice on leash training my kitty, Lux. I live in a small apartment building, a walkup, and just outside the front door there is a relatively busy street. Not packed with people but there are cars rolling by mostly all the time, and trucks. I was wondering how I should go about transitioning Lux into going outside. So far he's used to the leash and harness, though cautious with it on in the apartment, and runs at loud noises. The next step I was going to take was leaving my apartment door open and letting him explore the stairway area. I've left it often a couple of times and he does show interest and takes a few steps out of the door. (Today though the cart I put in front of the door to prop it open fell down and he bolted...that was a few steps backward in progress.) There are also two front doors downstairs (where the buzzer is) that are pretty unwieldy and serve as a bit of an obstacle.
I'm a little unsure as to whether it's better to let him progress on his own or to just pick him up and take him outside, or at least into the stairway. And as well if I do the latter, whether I should leave my apartment door open or closed. I was also thinking of taking him into a quiet nearby alleyway in my arms and see how that goes. Please give me your advice if you have any! He used to be an indoor/outdoor kitty and is fascinated by the outdoors. But of course on a leash and harness it's a very different story. I'd love to see him enjoying the outdoors like he used to, but a lot more safe.
I'm a little unsure as to whether it's better to let him progress on his own or to just pick him up and take him outside, or at least into the stairway. And as well if I do the latter, whether I should leave my apartment door open or closed. I was also thinking of taking him into a quiet nearby alleyway in my arms and see how that goes. Please give me your advice if you have any! He used to be an indoor/outdoor kitty and is fascinated by the outdoors. But of course on a leash and harness it's a very different story. I'd love to see him enjoying the outdoors like he used to, but a lot more safe.