Episode 38

"Gimme space, cat!" - Dog and Cat Chat with Lara

We can all get a little cranky as we get older and that goes for our pets as well. When animals start dealing with ailments such as arthritis that cause pain and discomfort, is easy for them to find triggers in things that were no problem before.

That’s the situation with Lara’s dog Bowie, who’s arthritis has caused some steps backward in his relationship with Neptune the cat. Before, they were coexisting peacefully and now, Bowie wants Neptune to stay away from his space!

So what can Lara do to help Bowie relax again and see Neptune as something completely unrelated to his aches and pains?

Key Moments

[00:32] The Cast of Characters: Bowie and Luna the dogs, Neptune the cat

[04:04] The theory: Bowie associates Neptune’s presence with pain

[06:15] Setting up a more relaxing environment for Bowie

[10:22] Helping Bowie remain calm when Neptune is around

[14:40] Can’t we just treat the pain?

[16:29] The next stage: Setups!

Resources I Mentioned:

Super Bowls - Leslie McDevitt

Intro to Super Bowls - my version


If you want to be awesome like Lara and book in for a Dog and Cat Chat, click here to reserve a timeslot!

About the Podcast

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It's Training Cats and Dogs!
The podcast for cat-AND-dog people.

About your host

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Naomi Rotenberg

MA, KPA-CTP
specializing in cat and dog integration

Hi! I'm Naomi, and I'm a "cat-and-dog person" 👋 My goal with this podcast is to speak to people with multi-species households who currently feel alone. There are lots of highs and lows when trying to manage the relationships between your animals. This podcast will give you clear, actionable information and guidance about the unique issues that come up between cats and dogs. And the monthly interviews with my fellow trainers who have cats and dogs will definitely help you realize that you aren't alone!

A bit about me: I'm a certified professional dog trainer (KPA-CTP) and have my MA in Animal Behavior and Conservation. I live in my own multi-species household in Philadelphia, PA with my husband, two human kids, Uri (a mini American Eskimo Dog), and Rio (a domestic shorthair cat). I also LOVE Twizzlers (the original kind, NOT pull-and-peel).

I look forward to getting to know you and your pets on your journey towards a more peaceful and safe coexistence!