Episode 63

How to introduce a puppy to a (blind) cat - with Sammy Hyde

When introducing two animals, how do you know when to move onto the next step? What are potential red flags that tell you to slow down?

In this chat with fellow pet professional Sammy Hyde, we talk all about her blind cat Murdoch, the "king of the household." We broke down the ways Murdoch made it clear that he didn't want to live with another cat, and how things progressed differently when new puppy Freja came into their home.

What you'll hear in this episode:

  • why you have to be an objective observer of your pets’ behavior when they AREN’T with the other animal
  • what makes the direction of behavior change, and not the speed, the most important aspect of a training plan
  • why the animals showing a lot of interest in each other (even if it seems friendly) isn't the green light for them have free access to each other
  • how you decide which animal to call away when they need space from each other

Want to dive a bit deeper?

Check out this episode's show notes for Sammy's full bio and contact info, pictures of Freja and Murdoch, bonus content, and the resources we mentioned - praiseworthypets.com/podcast-shownotes/63

If you're a pet professional...

Get in touch with Naomi to talk about one of your current cat-dog cases - I'm here to help!

And if you love the podcast and want to support me as I continue to create new episodes, join the other cat-and-dog people in the Podcast Supporters space inside the Cat and Dog Coexistence Club! Go to praiseworthypets.com/support-the-podcast to learn more ❤️

😺❤️🐶 😺❤️🐶 😺❤️🐶 😺❤️🐶

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About the Podcast

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

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About your host

Profile picture for Naomi Rotenberg

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!