As you get to know your pet, you may learn about their various preferences. Where does your dog or cat prefer to sleep? Where and when does your dog or cat prefer to potty? How does your dog or cat prefer to play? What does your dog or cat prefer to eat? 

Figuring out the preferences of another species may have you feeling like a field scientist. Keen observation skills are a must. 

Since we control our pets' resources, we need to be mindful of decisions we make on their behalf. Many pets cannot move their beds or let themselves outside to potty. Many people miss their pets' cues regarding play and food preferences. So how do we figure out our pets' preferences? 

We've all seen cats vote with their paws. Oftentimes, when cats turn and walk away, we understand that to mean they're displeased with whatever human foibles have intercepted their paths. It's all we can do to beg for forgiveness and try to fix all of our feline failings. We accept their high standards and quickly change our behavior, seeking the ultimate cat purr of approval. 

However, we expect dogs to be more forgiving and tolerant of our foibles. Yet dogs too vote with their paws. Has your dog ever walked off during a training session? Has your dog ever left you, only to settle in a different part of your home? Has your dog ever not engaged in a play session with you? These are all examples of dogs voting with their paws, and they're voting for change. 

Here are some things that you can do to win your pets' vote for Best Human Ever. 

1. Move their beds. Place your pet's bed in different parts of your home. Set the bed in a ray of sunshine during the day. Set the bed near a vent for optional cooling/heating. See where your pet lays most often, and keep the bed there. 

2. Potty Time. For cats, make sure the litter box is easily accessible, especially as they age. For dogs, don't wait for your dog to tell you that they need to potty. Give them ample potty breaks throughout the day. 

3. Game On. Offer various games to your pets like chase, tug, fetch, catch the flirt pole, and hide-and-seek. Perhaps your Labrador Retriever didn't read the handbook and prefers chase to fetch? I know many cats who love fetch. 

4. Foodies. Find your pet's inner foodie by putting different treats/food in each hand. Put your hands at your pet's nose level and hold them shoulder width apart. Which do they choose? Repeat with various treats. The same activity can be done with toys.  Here’s a video example.

I hope this helps improve communication with your pets. When pets vote for change, don't be afraid to try something new! I’m launching a new class experience called Brainiacs. I’ll coach you live online to train your dog each night, Monday through Thursday. Sign up for 1 week or 2 weeks. See you there!