In this episode, Catherine from “Snout & About” and I dive into the topic of difficult dogs. The definition of a difficult dog is of course highly subjective and often based on the owner's expectations. We discuss how modern society has shifted its expectations for dogs and the challenges that arise from exposing them to human-created, crowded and highly stimulating environments. We explore how to identify triggers and stress in dogs, the importance of managing said stress, and the concept of a cortisol holiday. Additionally, we touch on the impact of human expectations of our dogs and of training and how to handle other people's opinions about our dogs. We wrap up the episode by discussing desensitisation techniques, the importance of building a strong foundation, and why it is important to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviourist sooner than later to help you on your journey.

Find out more about Snout & About :

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snoutandaboutcork/

Website: https://snoutandabout.ie/

Please Note:

In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this engaging episode, I had a delightful conversation with Niamh from Polite Paws about the fascinating world of cats and dogs. We delved into the importance of understanding each animal as an individual and recognising their unique responses to each other. Our discussion highlighted the distinct social behaviours, body language, and predatory instincts of cats and dogs, emphasising that understanding these differences is crucial for fostering a harmonious relationship between the two species.

We also touched on the risks and challenges posed by free-roaming cats, emphasising the need for responsible pet ownership. Introducing cats and dogs requires a structured approach, starting with scent swapping and progressing to supervised interactions in a divided space. This gradual process helps build tolerance and a calm coexistence. Proper training and preparation are essential, with dogs being trained in behaviours like hand targeting and settling, while cats become comfortable navigating high spaces and having escape routes.

It's generally thought to be easier to introduce a dog into a cat's home, as dogs can be trained to respect the cat's space. However, cat tests for rescue dogs are not always reliable indicators of compatibility. In cases of aggression, the safety of both animals is paramount, and seeking veterinary care and professional guidance is crucial if necessary. With careful introduction and training, cats and dogs can influence each other’s behaviours positively and even form strong bonds.

Join us in this episode to learn valuable tips and insights on creating a peaceful and happy environment for both cats and dogs.

Find out more about Niamh and "Polite Paws":

Instagram: @politepawsirl

Website: www.politepaws.ie

Find out more about us:

www.ruby-reese.com

Please Note:

In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Very First Podcast Episode

05:40 Introduction of Topic: Cats & Dogs

07:30 Niamh’s Background

09:22 Choosing the Topic: Cats and Dogs

11:25 Differences Between Cats and Dogs

13:21 Misunderstandings and Issues Between Cats and Dogs

16:31 Challenges of Free-Roaming Cats

20:26 Introducing Cats and Dogs Successfully

24:59 Preparing Dogs and Cats for Introduction

27:37 Introducing Dogs to Cats: Step-by-Step Process

33:28 Introducing Cats to Dogs: Building Tolerance

35:47 The Importance of Proper Introductions for Rescue Dogs

40:02 Handling Aggression: Ensuring Safety for All

43:29 The Power of Influence: How Cats and Dogs Impact Each Other

47:21 Conclusions

This introduction is not an actual episode but aims to provide a quick insight into what this podcast will be about. In essence, Ruby Reese is a dog brand from Cork in Ireland providing a range of high-quality products with short lists of clean ingredients. Tuesday Talks were born out of our love of learning new things about dogs and started off as live episodes on Instagram with experts from the dog community. We are now migrating format to a podcast and hope you will join our journey learning everything there is to know about dogs every Tuesday!
Please consider following or subscribing to this podcast where you can.
You can also check out Ruby Reese via the following channels:

• Website: ruby-reese.com
• Instagram: rubyreeseofficial
• Tiktok: rubyreeseofficial
• Facebook: Rubyreeseshop