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 praiseworthypets.com/chat to sign up.