The piano works with a wide range of kibble and freeze-dried food. Generally, the pieces shouldn't be larger than 1 square cm. We recommend using treats that they like the most at first and then slowly incorporating healthier kibble into the piano over time. Here are a few options that are small enough to work with the piano for cats and dogs.
Complete Guide
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the Pet Piano and provide you with some insight into how it works. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to get you started.
Training FAQ
What kind of treats can I use?
What if my pet won't step on the piano keys?
The cup method is a great method for pets that are tall enough to reach the top of the piano without standing on the keys. If the cup method doesn't work then we recommend simply modeling the key pressing which will typically take longer but is also effective.
How long does it typically take pets to learn?
We've seen pets successfully learn the piano in as little as a few hours to as much as a few months. Typically pets who use the piano as their primary source of food will learn much faster than pets who only use it occasionally.
Will the piano work with multiple pets?
While multiple pets can learn at the same time, we recommend isolating single pets while learning to help remove distractions and allow them to focus on the cause and effect functionality of the piano.
Can I limit the time of day they can play?
While the piano can be scheduled to turn off, during the initial training process we recommend covering the piano with a blanket as to avoid any frustration or confusion when your pet tries to play a piano that isn't on. After your pet has successfully learned to play, you can ditch the blanket and use the app to schedule meal times. The volume on the piano can also be adjusted if you prefer that your pet is able to play but don't want the piano to make noise.
Step 1: Priming Your Pet for the Piano
1. Mealtime Magic: Start piano training when your pet usually eats. This way, they'll be eager for treats and more engaged.
2. Familiar Spot: Place the piano where your pet normally eats so that your pet can approach the piano on their own. This will help them connect the piano with food.
3. Shy Pet Intro: Put their regular meal under the piano to make it more inviting. Let your pet sniff and explore the piano on their own terms without any training for a few days.
Pro Tip: If you have other pets or kids, let them check out the piano while it's off. This way, they won't be too curious later.
Step 2: Introducing Piano and Treats
1. Quiet Time: Turn on the piano in a peaceful setting. Too much noise might distract your furry friend.
2. Show: Press a piano key to dispense a treat while your pet watches. It's all about making that connection between pressing keys and treats dispensing.
3. Patience Pays Off: Keep repeating this, showing your pet that piano sounds mean treats. Watch their eye contact to make sure they're able to see what you're doing. Some pets catch on quickly, others might take a little longer.
Pro Tip: Pets that eat exclusively from the piano during the training phase will typically learn much faster than those that only use it occasionally.
Step 3: Encourage Learning Through Shaping
1. Treat on the Keys: Put a treat on top of the piano to encourage your pet to step up on the keys.
2. Mix it Up: If your pet's not interested in stepping on the piano, make sure you're using treats that your pet likes. The treats can also be placed on top of the piano keys or in a clear cup attached to the piano keys (watch the video above for more on this).
3. Right Spot: If your pet tends to approach the keys from the side or behind the piano, try moving the piano against a wall so that they can only approach the piano from the front.
4. Explore and Learn: Let your pet play around with the piano. Repeat until they really get that pressing keys = treats.
Repetition: Keep alternating between steps 2 and 3 during regular feeding times. Your pet will soon connect playing piano with getting treats. When they start playing on their own, they're ready for "Tutor Mode" which can be enabled using the Piano Settings.