Episode 21
How to Build a Safe & Stress-Free Multi-Species Household - with Emily Fitzpatrick
Living in a multi-species house can be as challenging as it is rewarding. With so many personalities, needs, and quirks to contend with, keeping everyone happy can feel like a full-time job!
Emily Fitzpatrick, certified dog trainer and founder of Misunderstood Mutt, is someone who knows this all too well.
She joined me on this episode of It’s Training Cats and Dogs to talk about how her two dogs, Remi and Goose, and her cat, Potato, all get along, as well as some tips for keeping everyone safe and happy.
Key Moments
[3:48] How Emily met Goose
[6:05] How Goose met his new best friend, Remi
[7:59] Goose and Remi’s reactions to meeting Potato the cat
[11:37] How Emily set up the home to keep everyone safe
[13:07] How animals react in times of stress
[19:31] How Emily manages everyone’s anxiety
[22:12] Potato’s litterbox issues and figuring out triggers
[28:35] Why capturing behaviors on camera can help you understand the cause
[31:37] How an aggressive dog affected everyone’s quality of life
[43:06] Managing Remi and Potato’s conflict
[45:14] Why conflict is to be expected between pets (and people)
[46:00] Why self-regulation is key to managing conflict
[52:26] How Potato got her name
Key Links
