In this episode, we dive into the world of pet behavior. Have you ever wondered how to introduce your resident pet to your new pet? What should you do if you pets don’t get along? What steps can you take to make sure introducing your pets goes well? What is separation anxiety in pets and how to know if that’s what your pet is experiencing?

Joan tells us all about the behavior department at the Dumb Friends League and all of the ways in which they help improve pet’s lives.

Find our behavior helpline info here: https://www.ddfl.org/behavior-help/

Find the Dumb Friends League pet behavior handouts and resources here:

https://www.ddfl.org/resources-publications/pet-behavior-handouts/

https://www.ddfl.org/resource/enriching-dogs-life/

https://www.ddfl.org/resource/introducing-your-new-dog-to-your-resident-dog/

https://www.ddfl.org/resource/solving-litter-box-problems/

https://www.ddfl.org/resource/your-talkative-cat/

https://www.ddfl.org/resource/introducing-your-new-cat-to-your-other-pets/

We interview guest expert Marissa Martino.  Marissa is the Colorado Humane Society Community Liaison and former Behavior Manager for the Dumb Friends League. She has over ten years of experience as a pet behavior expert (see her full bio below).

Throughout this episode, you will learn all about pet behavior, and have some of the toughest questions regarding pets answered. Topics include introducing pets, what to do if pets don’t get along, what separation anxiety is, how to know when it’s happening, and when to get a trainer involved. This episode provides tons of great information on the fluidity of behavior in pets. Get ready to learn everything you have wanted to know about why dogs and cats do what they do!

After our interview with Marissa, hear the story of Porter. A dog adopted from the Dumb Friends League last year, who benefited greatly from his time going through our shelter behavior program, Canine Courage. This program is designed to help fearful dogs gain confidence. Read more about Porter’s story here: https://www.ddfl.org/news/finding-confidence-and-a-forever-home-a-happy-dog-adoption-tale/

Meet our Dumb Friends League featured adoptable pets!

Hear about Maia’s cat crush, Cosmic (Cosmic has been adopted!)

Lizzy’s favorite, a grey tabby named Ozzy: https://www.ddfl.org/adoption/#A0823728

And Joan’s pick, a sweet boxer mix named Nori: https://www.ddfl.org/adoption/#A0826289

To see more staff favorites at the League, you can click here: https://www.ddfl.org/staff-favorites/

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Marissa Martino full bio:

I began my career working with canine companions after attending the Academy for Dog Trainers in 2007. Shortly after, I developed my private practice, Paws & Reward: Coaching people, Training dogs. Through my life experiences, education and my relationship with Sully, I have developed a unique approach that inspires behavioral transformation for both dogs and their pet parents.  

I believe that our relationship with our canine companions can be a window into how we relate to our world around us which allows us an opportunity to expand as individuals. This innovative, personal development approach is designed to help people cultivate self-awareness and intimacy in the relationship with their dog, themselves and others. I outlined this approach in my book: Human-Canine Behavior Connection: Building Better Relationships Through Dog Training. 

In addition to my private practice, I have had the pleasure of working for three different animal shelters directing their behavior departments in CO & CA, the most recent being the Dumb Friends League. I have implemented many innovative canine and feline behavior modification programs. As a result of these efforts, I was invited to present at the Humane Society of the United States annual conference in 2014 and 2107, Ontario SPCA’s conference as well as Petfinder’s Adoption Option shelter conferences.  

In addition to that success, I have provided behavior consulting to shelters in Texas, Colorado, California, Puerto Rico and Hawaii. Currently, I am working for the Colorado Humane Society as their Community Liaison offering animal shelters and professionals consulting, education and resources to rural parts of Colorado. I am thrilled to be making a difference.