Overseeing a multi-species household can be as challenging as it is rewarding. Cats and dogs, pets and children, different breeds and different ages - with all the combinations comes a variety of behaviors and personalities. So, how can you find coexistence between so many moving parts?

Jen Shyrock of Family Paws has hands-on experience living in a household of cats, dogs and kids (and even a couple of guinea pigs!). She shares her thoughts on teaching kids to interact with pets from a young age, considering the needs of everyone in your family, and the importance of respect when it comes to any interaction - human and animal alike.

Key Moments

[00:33] Introducing Jen Shyrock via Two Truths and a Lie

[03:37] Cast of Characters: The dogs - Oliver, Sadie and Rudy. The cats - Jagger, Rocky, Harrison, Zoe and Nora.

[05:22] Jen’s integration process: How it began and where it is now

[08:19] Navigating the variety and the importance of monitoring any shifts of relationship dynamics in a multi-species household

[11:55] Preparing your animal to transition from separation to integration

[16:39] It’s not just dogs who can be pushy and not just cats who like their space

[20:27] Working with a highly-reactive, easily over-aroused cat

[23:03] General management and carrier training for cats

[27:27] Teaching kids how to be part of a multi-species household

[30:34] Prepping your cat for the arrival of a new baby

[34:06] Cat enrichment

[40:50] The dangers of pet social media on animal behavior and child/pet interactions

[43:33] Challenge, tips and tricks for pet/kid households

If you have any suggestions on who you'd love to hear me chat with next, head on over to my instagram and drop me a DM!

Resources We Mentioned:

The Purrfect Fence

Enrichment for dogs: @bindisbucketlist and @petharmonytraining

Enrichment for cats: @twosphynxboys and @chirpycats (and @cat.school who was a guest on the podcast back in episode 20)

Jen’s Contact Info:

familypaws.com

jen@familypaws.com

Naomi’s Contact Info:

Instagram: @praiseworthypets

Website: praiseworthypets.com