Before bringing a new animal into your household, is your resident pet ready? In order to make the initial introduction and integration process go as smoothly as possible, one of the best things you can do is take a long, hard look at the pet(s) you already have!

Doing the prep work before bringing a new pet into the mix will set everyone up for success.

Caroline Mattioli, KPA-CTP joins Naomi to talk about how she introduced her resident dog Onyx to Jack the kitten and Tiki the Chihuahua. She details how knowing Onyx’s history, personality, and behaviors helped her implement the right training, management, and setups for her particular combination of pets. Listen in to hear Caroline's insights and step-by-step approach to laying the groundwork before bringing a new pet home.

To listen to the full episode, press play below.

Key Moments

[00:39] Introduction and Caroline's "Two Truths and A Lie"

[05:56] Caroline’s Cast of Characters: Onyx the German Shepherd, Tiki the Chihuahua puppy, and Jack the cat.

[11:40] The challenges of doing the KPA training certification program with a reactive dog

[13:45] How Caroline slowly introduced Onyx to a cat (not Jack)

[18:57] How knowing Onyx’s behavioral tendencies allowed for progression from tense interactions to happy snuggles

[25:08] Barrier frustration and setups

[32:43] Allowing your animals to practice conflict resolution without constant human interference (when appropriate and safe)

[36:30] How Caroline introduced Tiki the Chihuahua to Onyx and Jack

[39:55] Managing Tiki’s adolescent energy and Onyx being the "fun police"

[43:24] The difference in behaviors when a human in present or not (and Naomi's theory)

[46:59] The benefits of a group stay

[49:41] Things to consider before and after adding a new animal to your household

[52:31] How to help prepare a dog with a high prey drive to the addition of a cat to the household

Resources Discussed

Predation Substitute Training: book, webinar

KPA certification program

Naomi's dog Uri in his ex-pen during her KPA program

Onyx, Jack, and Tiki group stay

Episode Guest Info

Quick facts about Caroline Mattioli:

• she got into the animal world at 16 by volunteering at the Houston SPCA, then worked there as an adoption counselor

• interned at The Wildlife Center of Texas rehabilitating injured owls, hawks, ducklings, and other native species

• did a bachelor’s of science degree in Animal Science and Industry, followed by a 6 month dolphin training internship

• Onyx was her training partner during the Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner program

• currently works at Believe in Dog Training in Houston, TX - specializing in puppy training and reactivity/behavior modification

You can contact Caroline at Believe in Dog or follow on Instagram @justtrain_dogs

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Are you a Pet Professional?

Contact Naomi if you are looking for:

• another set of eyes on a particular cat-dog case you're consulting on

• guidance in becoming more comfortable with cat-dog cases in general