Being proactive when you first introduce a new pet is a fantastic way to nip any potential problems in the bud.
Lauren joined me for a Dog and Cat chat to get some tips on setting up management and training behaviors for the brand new addition to their two cat household - a poodle named Lou.
Key Moments:
[00:39] Introduction to the cast of characters: Callie the Tortie, Buster the black cat and the new addition, Lou the poodle
[01:51] The current state of affairs with Lou’s introduction
[02:53] Lou’s current temperament and behavior
[03:42] How Lou’s current interactions with the cats are going
[04:10] Deeper look into current interactions - BIG behaviors
[05:44] Ways to manage interactions and environment for both the dog and cats to have safe spaces.
[06:05] Building a management plan for minimizing behaviors in sticky spots
[08:02] Creating a settle place for Lou outside the kitchen
[09:21] Feeding the cats up high in the kitchen
[10:08] Teaching Lou to recognize subtle cat body language
[10:30] List of recognizable stressed body language
[10:52] Training Lou with the Whiplash Turn
[12:44] Setting up treat stations
[13:06] What does a happy dog and cat relationship look like?
[16:42] Using established, individual cues in managed interactions
[17:49] Training go to place behaviors in both cats and dog
[19:07] Tips for recognizing management needs
[19:46] Managing couch time
[21:10] Logging behaviors
If you’ve just recently added new animal to your family and want some ideas on how to examine any potential problems and create a management plan, you can be awesome like Lauren and do one of these Dog and Cat Chats! Head over to http://praiseworthypets.com/chat (praiseworthypets.com/chat) to sign up.