What does it take to develop an enrichment plan that works? This week, Naomi takes you through developing an enrichment plan. She spends some time taking you through a case study of Piglet the cat and Penny the dog and how enrichment helped them to learn to coexist.
In this episode we discuss:Our cast of characters: Piglet and PennyPenny is a 9-year-old, submissive dog with a lot of fears and quirks. She's successfully lived with other cats with no prior problems.
Piggy was a shelter cat, described as calm and a “lovebug” who was suffering from a previous injury. Once healed, his aggression towards Penny started.
They needed to be separated at all times.
Enrichment Plan Design: First StepsIdentifying the behaviors to focus on
When did this happen?
Why was it happening?
Goal 1: channel the undesired behavior in situations we have more control over
Goal 2: get the physical need met as a result of other "acceptable" behaviors (or for free)
Goal 3: needs to be easy to fit into a busy day
What worked?Da Bird: adjusted technique and timing. Already using Da bird but offered it preemptively rather than a response. He jumped, scratched, and climbed on furniture during play – but his humans were OK with those "extra" behaviors.
Stuffed toys always in the living room: both Piggy and Penny now play near each other with separate toys.
Reinforcing any non-biting/stalking Penny behaviors: this led to relaxation on either side of the rug or couch with no problems.
What didn’t work as well?Kitty bowling: not an option because Piggy ate primarily wet food (and he has a weight problem)
Buying any more toys: they already had plenty
Who’s in this episode?Naomi Rotenberg
https://www.instagram.com/praiseworthypets
https://www.praiseworthypets.com/
Resource LinksGo Cat Feather Toys: Da Bird
Cat’sMeow Motorized Toy
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