I explained to my client that it is essential for Wiz, the cat, to experience the extent of the message, "NO! Do not touch the dog."

When we interrupt the behavior so the cat moves off, we need to give him a chance to think about it. If we pick him up because we feel bad, he becomes unsure why we interrupted his actions with the dog in the first place. The message is mixed.

Hey, don't do that.

Move off.

Hey, I am sorry. I didn't mean to push you off.

It's confusing.

But, if we allow our cat to go away so he can process the interactions, we give him a chance to learn. He will realize that you interrupted the behavior because you want him to mind his business. That's all you're doing. Like mama-cat would say, "Hey, enough with the shenanigans, I want peace in the house. Mind your own business."

Show notes available here:https://www.mindful-connections.com/post/45-the-truth-about-cats-dogs