Episode 24

Why a Strong Management Plan is Vital in Multi-Species Homes

If you have a busy household full of cats, dogs, and other animals, keeping everyone safe and happy can feel a little stressful if you’re not prepared.

The trick is to come up with a solid management plan, something that this It’s Training Cats and Dogs guest knows all too well.

Tori Ganino, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, joins the show to share her tips for success on integrating cats and dogs into a multi-species household. Tori works with clients through her company, Calling All Dogs, and shares some of the advice she gives to clients in this episode.

Key Moments

[5:00] Tori’s current cast of characters

[6:35] How Si and Jeter first met

[8:09] Tori’s management tactics for Si and Jeter

[13:29] Why Tori introduced Nimbus to the family

[16:23] The management plan for Nimbus

[19:04] How Tori managed meetings between Si and Nimbus

[22:25] Making the leap from regimented exposures to playtime

[27:08] Tori’s plan of action for introducing Fisher the puppy

[31:33] How to balance enrichment for four different pets

[32:28] Why you should “catch them being good”

[36:18] Fisher’s training and enrichment plan

[40:00] Why harnesses, leashes and mats are the best training tools

[45:27] Why setting up a management plan is Tori’s top tip for multi-species households

[48:15] Why you should be careful about picking your trainer

[50:22] How to watch out for your pet’s happiness and quality of life

Key Links

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.

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!