The “Cool as a Cucumber” Challenge for Multi-Pet Relaxation

Relaxing is tough sometimes. When you’re feeling stressed or freaking out, being told to just “relax” often has the opposite effect. In fact, it usually makes people tense up or get even more stressed.

Instead, you need to set the stage for relaxing. Cue in the spa music and candles. Well, did you know it’s the same with our pets?

If you want to achieve a relaxed environment with your cats and dogs, you need to work on setting the scene and teaching relaxation with the appropriate cues.

In this special episode, I explain how to teach your cats and dogs how to relax and highlight some common mistakes I see people making. Plus, I’ll tell you all about my exciting “Cool as a Cucumber” challenge that will help you become a Zen master to your pets in no time.

Key Moments

[01:02] What is relaxation?

[03:37] The Cat Dog Relaxation Protocol

[10:53] Why it’s important to help animals relax by themselves first before teaching them to relax together

[13:04] Key mistakes people make when teaching relaxation

[14:30] What is a space-reducing animal?

[15:22] What is a space-seeking animal?

[19:12] How to teach relaxation with a space-reducing dog and space-seeking cat

[19:55] The “Cool as a Cucumber” Challenge

Key Links

• The "Cool as a Cucumber" Challenge
• Dr Karen Overall's "Protocol for Relaxation"
• Hannah Branigan – Drinking from the Toilet: Real Dogs, Real Training: Specific Reinforcement Cues