Well, I have created a monster.
Now that I have employed the Intermittent Positive Reinforcement, Goldie is indeed trying to please me. All I want him to do is come in my room. However, because the reinforcement is random, he doesn’t quite know what he did right. He knows he got a treat when he jumped on the desk in my room, and another one when he jumped on my lap in the room, and another when he jumped on the bed in my room.
I had hoped he would connect “my room” with treats. Instead he has connected “jumping” with treats. This evening he has jumped on the dining table, the kitchen counter, and the sofa table, and every time he looks at me, eyes wide with expectation. Followed by accusatory meowing. I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, HUMAN.