Fun

July 10 2018

Buyers Guide: Pet Treat Cams

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources cat treat cams, dog treat cams, pet chat devices, pet tech gadgets, pet treat cams, treat dispensers

Five fun ways to stay connected with your pets when you’re away from home.

Pet tech gadgets are growing in popularity because they enable owners to stay connected to their pets 24/7 from literally anywhere in the world via smartphone and tablet apps. And, understandably, the one tech gadget that is most popular with pets themselves are treat dispensing machines which pop out treats and keep both cats and dogs actively engaged when they are home alone. If you want to spoil your pet and ease your guilt about leaving them home alone all day, here are five indispensable remote treat dispensers.

PetChatz HD

Billed as a complete sensory experience for pets, this wall-mounted device features a two-way videophone, HD video camera, sound and motion detector, treat dispenser and aromatherapy scent release; it can also stream DogTV for your pet’s entertainment. The optional PawCall is a paw-shaped button that you can train you pet to tap whenever she wants to “talk” to you. You can also use it to schedule set interaction times throughout the day; the blinking button lets your pet know it’s time to play. PetChatz HD retails for $349.99; the optional PawCall is $90.99.

Petcube Bites

This camera and a treat dispenser combo enables you to see, talk, play and reward your pets from practically anywhere (as long as your phone or tablet has an internet connection). The unit’s treat dispenser holds up to 2 pounds of treats—about 100 tasty edibles. It also has the capacity to fling out treats at different distances; up to 6-feet away. With the device’s interactive HD video capabilities, you can reach out to your pet at any time and post both photographs and video to your favorite social media channels. Petcube Bites also works with Amazon’s personal assistant Alexa and when you are running low on treats, you can reorder through Amazon’s Dash Replenishment Service (DRS).The unit retails for $229.

Pawbo+

The Pawbo+ features HD video and a wide-angle camera, and two-way audio so you can talk to and hear your pets while you reward them from the built-in treat dispenser. The unit also features multiple ringtones to help you train your pets to respond. A built-in laser, operated via the app, will entice your pets to play and can be set to initiate games automatically. In addition, the unit can remotely control an optional interactive cat teaser toy. The manufacturer promises more games to come. The HD unit retails for $199.99; with the optional teaser toy, $229.00.

Petzi Treat Cam

This Wi-Fi connected treat dispenser is ideal for any brand of small treats. However, hard treats launch better out of the treat slot than softer varieties. Petzi’s audio feature enables you to call your pet over for tasty treats; its wide-angled camera with night vision allows you to watch and snap some fun pictures as he leaps for the treats. Note: Having recently been acquired by Wagz, the Petzi treat cam is currently being integrated with its new owner’s product lineup and will be available from its website on August 31, 2018 for $169.99.

Furbo

This clever gadget is able to detect when your pet is facing it and take selfies—video or pictures—with its built-in, wide-angle HD camera. It also features two-way audio with noise and echo suppression for better sound quality. The Furbo can also send you “barking alerts” to give you a heads up that something might be bothering your dog at home. The unit’s main feature is, of course, its ability to provide treats to your pet remotely. It holds more than 100 of your pet’s favorite small-size rounded treats, and retails for $199.

June 21 2018

Bubbles for Dogs: A Great Summer Game

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Dog Bubbles to Save Your Summer

Who doesn’t love bubbles? I mean they’re fun to watch form through the bubble wand, peaceful to watch float through the air and so enjoyable to pop. Oh, and dogs love to play with bubbles too. If you and your dog have never played with flavored dog bubbles before, you’re missing out!

Choosing Bubbles for Dogs

When choosing dog bubbles, select bubble formulas specially made for pets. Most commonly found bubbles are made for children and they contain toxic ingredients that can be harmful to your dog, especially since dogs pop bubbles with their mouths. Most dog bubbles are scented with bacon or peanut butter, which entices most dogs to chase, play, bounce and pop all visible bubbles. And yes, dog bubbles are highly scented, so expect to smell like bacon afterwards. 🙂

IncrediBubbles by Pet Qwerks

By far, IncrediBubbles are our favorite non-toxic bubbles for dogs! These flavored bubbles will stay intact longer than other bubble brands, so bubbles will land on the ground (stick on the side of furniture or even land on your dog) and not pop. They work perfectly for dogs that love to pounce on and pop bubbles instead of chasing them. One drawback about this brand of bubbles is that the solution is thicker than most other brands, so it can get a tad messy. However, it’s an easy cleanup with a wet rag. You’ll probably need to wipe or brush your dog’s face afterwards too. The mess is worth the fun though!

Bubble Machines for Dogs

If your dog is addicted to bubbles, then a bubble machine for dogs just might keep up with your bubble-obsessed dog’s demand. There are several bubble machines to choose from; some can be placed on the ground and others are handheld. One thing all bubble machines have in common is that they’ll produce a lot of bubbles quickly, so expect to refill the reservoir often. Now, if your bubble-loving pooch hovers over the bubble machine placed on the ground—hey, it happens—place the bubble machine on a sturdy stool or counter, so bubbles can float away from the machine to keep the game going. If your dog still hovers, then a handheld bubble machine is probably best.

DIY Homemade Dog Bubbles

There are many non-toxic homemade dog bubble recipes floating around online, but I haven’t had the best luck with them. When blowing homemade bubbles, I’d notice the majority of bubbles would burst as I blew through the wand or shortly afterwards. Now, I’m not a pro in the kitchen, so it could very well be an “operator issue.” Making homemade flavored bubbles for dogs can be a fun project for children; just make sure the recipe states it’s non-toxic for dogs.

Playing Bubble Games

Grab your chosen pet-friendly bubbles and your dog, and start playing bubble games on a non-skid surface. If this is your dog’s first time playing the bubble game, bend down and slowly blow a few bubbles away from your dog, so the bubbles are at your dog’s chest level. For very small dogs, have a seat on the ground and blow a few bubbles at first. Refrain from showering your dog with bubbles. This can creep out most dogs, so move slowly in the beginning.

The first time your dog sees bubbles, a couple of things can happen. Either your dog will be a bit confused and walk away or your dog will immediately pounce on them. If your dog hesitates, encourage him to play with the bubbles. Holding a bubble in your hand for your dog to investigate could help too. Just remember, it’s a game and not all dogs are excited about bubbles bursting in their faces. If your dog dislikes the game, no worries, let him scamper inside or into another room while you blow bubbles for your own enjoyment.

Bubble games are a wonderful way for children to play with dogs. There’s no physical contact, and dogs learn children make good things happen. If your dog stands too close to a child (or you) blowing bubbles, then only blow bubbles when your dog moves back from you. Trust me, your dog will quickly learn that standing a certain distance from you makes bubbles happen.

This is a great indoor or outdoor game for dogs, and very entertaining for both pet owner and dog!

June 19 2018

Building an At-Home Dog Agility Course

melissa Fun, Games cheap options for creating agility equipment for your dog, creating agility equipment for your dog, diy agility, diy dog agility equipment, dog agility, dog agility equipment, dog games, dog training, fun dog games, making agility equipment at home for dogs

How to DIY Dog Agility Equipment

It’s super simple to create your own dog agility equipment for your home. All you’ll need is your imagination, a few PVC pipes, broom sticks, laundry baskets, lots of super yummy treats and your dog. If you’re not the handy type, you can certainly purchase dog agility equipment. However, DIYing your own agility equipment for dogs is super fun. 🙂

Dog Agility Training

Dog agility has been around for years, and it’s a blast! Both handler and dog must complete a dog agility course in the shortest amount of time without knocking over any equipment. The handler points her dog in the right direction, and the dog soars over, under and through agility obstacles in seconds. It’s amazing to watch, participate and teach. I look forward to teaching dog agility classes every week!

Great for Shy Dogs

While agility is a super fun and active sport, it’s also great for timid or shy dogs that need to build confidence. When a timid dog is able to have fun crawling through an enclosed dog tunnel, his life changes for the better! He learns that things really aren’t as scary as they seem. The timid ones eventually soar through the agility course alongside the gregarious dogs!

Popular Dog Agility Equipment

For the most part, dog agility requires a few standard obstacles, depending on a dog’s skill level. It’s important to keep things super simple in the beginning until your dog builds confidence and is comfortable enough to walk on obstacles off the ground. I recommend the following dog agility equipment.

Just as a reminder, make sure all dog obstacles are on a non-skid and soft surface, such as grass. For indoor versions, you should add soft rubber non-skid rugs on both sides of or under an obstacle.

Jumps

Easily the funniest part of dog agility training and one of the most popular parts of dog agility equipment are jumps. Everyone enjoys watching her dog fly over jumps. There are so many different types of jumps, and most can be made with everyday household items.

How to Create Jumps

If you’re on a budget, you can purchase two plastic laundry baskets with multiple holes on all sides and a broom. Push the broom through both laundry baskets, and move both baskets toward the end of the broom. Voila, you have a jump! Always start on the lowest level (i.e. broom stick on the ground). Once your dog aces jumping over a low broom handle, you can move the broom up gradually.

Never force a dog over a jump. It’s important your dog learns how to jump over an agility jump on his own. Try tossing a treat over the jump, so your dog is forced to walk over the broom to get the treat. If your dog goes around the jump (smart dog!), try luring him over the jump with a treat. Additionally, while we want to challenge our dogs, always keep safety and your dog’s abilities in mind.

Ladder/Cavalletti

An agility ladder is a bit different than a regular ladder in that it’s placed flat on the ground instead of against a wall. By placing a ladder on the ground, your dog learns to pick up his feet as he walks over each rung. For this dog obstacle, you can use a regular ladder placed on a soft non-skid area.

Cavalletti refers to single pole jumps that are slightly off the ground. It’s a common term in the horse world.

How to Create a Ladder

If you want to get super fancy and raise the height of a ladder rung for cavalletti, create an agility ladder with PVC piping. You can also use the above jump idea as inspiration by purchasing 10 laundry baskets and 5 wooden poles (or brooms), and set them up as a jump.

Move the jumps close together with a six-inch or one-foot gap between each jump (larger gap for bigger dogs). Always start with the poles on the ground. Once your dog progresses, move the poles up the laundry baskets in small increments. Don’t forget to lure your dog over each rung. Better yet, place one treat between each rung. This will slow your dog down, so he doesn’t walk on the rungs instead. 🙂

Dog Tunnels

I’ve never figured out how to make a DIY dog agility tunnel that lasts more than a few sessions, so I recommend purchasing an agility tunnel. Once your dog becomes addicted to running full blast through a tunnel, a DIY or cheap option will shred in minutes.

High-quality dog tunnels usually cost more than $100. These are made of super durable material, can expand from short to long and can take a beating. If cost is an issue, the HDP 18-Ft Dog Agility Training Open Tunnel is a great buy for under $40. It can be purchased on Amazon. Just make sure to shorten the tunnel when teaching your dog to go through it.

Dog Tunnel Training Tips

Teaching your dog to walk through a tunnel can be tricky. When dogs balk at agility equipment during class, it’s usually the tunnel. Please, never force your dog through a tunnel. Shorten the tunnel and grab lots of yummy treats. Toss treats through the tunnel, so that your dog must step through it to eat the treats.

You can also ask a friend to stand on the other side of the tunnel opening and call your dog through it. Expand the tunnel in small increments once your dog willingly and happily walks through the tunnel.

Where to Store

A dog agility tunnel is super addicting! When not in use, fold the tunnel up and store in an area where your dog is unable to reach. Trust me, if you keep a dog tunnel available in your backyard at all times, your dog will likely be running through the tunnel instead of pottying. As for indoor tunnels, I leave ours out in the formal dining room (that’s what formal dining rooms are for, right?). We were woken up by the sound of our dog gleefully running in and out of the tunnel at midnight. 🙂

Dog agility is fun and very addicting—I’m just warning you!

June 11 2018

Vacationing with Your Dog

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets dog travel, dog vacation, dog-friendly travel, taking your dog on a trip, vacationing with your dog

7 tips for worry-free travels

When packing for your and your dog’s vacation, remember to bring along a few of his favorite toys and lots of treats.
©Monika Wisniewska/Adobe Stock

June heralds the start of the summer vacation season and travel gurus are predicting that more dogs will go with their owners than in previous years. If your dog knows what to expect when he hears any variation of “leash, car, suitcase, carrier, airplane, vacation and/or travel,” here are a few tips to ensure he is ready for and has a great holiday, too.

First, your dog will need to be up-to-date on his vaccinations. You will need to show proof that he has been vaccinated before flying or entering another state or country. You should also have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), also known as a health certificate. Most airlines, some train lines and many U.S. states require a CVI along with proof of vaccinations for traveling pets. Some hotels also require them as will any doggie daycare you use while on your travels. Always check with a state or country’s regulations regarding pet travel before you finalize your plans.

Ensuring your dog is on his best behavior when you are out and about is essential. He should be well-trained in proper manners, especially when encountering new people or other pets. Unfortunately, slip ups can happen. If your dog bites another dog or a person, he could end up quarantined for 10 days until authorities can confirm that he is in good health and not rabid. Such an event would certain but a damper on a vacation and is not worth the gamble.

If you’re traveling to somewhere hot, bring a long a set or two of dog booties, such as Pawz , to protect your pet’s paw pads.

One way you can help your dog adapt to his new and changing surroundings is to bring along his favorite blanket or bedding. Such familiarity will help him settle comfortably wherever you go. The same can be said for taking along his favorite treats and toys. If one of his playthings is something cuddly and plush, also consider giving it a gentle wash before the trip.

Talk about washing, your dog will be better received on your travels if he’s well-groomed and clean. If you are in charge of his beauty routine, be sure to cut the hair between his toes as well so that no detritus gets caught in his paws. It’s a really good idea to travel with doggie wipes to ensure his feet are clean at all times. If you are staying with family or friends, they will certainly appreciate your attempts to keep dirt and grime out of their home. A bottle of waterless shampoo is great for quick clean-ups.

Summertime travel can mean unbearably hot sidewalks, pavement, asphalt and beach sand can. Disposable booties, such as Pawz, will certainly help protect your dog’s paws if you are outside in the heat. Your dog might also need some protection from the sun, especially if he has white fur or light skin. There many canine-specific sunscreens on the market. Dog googles, such as Doogles, will protect your dog’s eyes and make him look super cool.

If you’re out and about in the bright sun, a pair of Doggles will help protect your dog’s eyes.

Don’t forget to keep your dog well hydrated when traveling and going places. Always bring water along when you are out with your dog; there are myriad dog-hydration travel products, including collapsible bowls, water bottles and sealable/spill proof dishes.

Many locations and places in the U.S. and around the world put out the welcome mat for dogs. The AAA has a directory listing more than 14,000 pet friendly accommodation options. You could also check out the “Ruff Guide to the United States” by BringFido.com, which lists 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states, and“The Dog Lover’s Guide to Travel: Best Destinations, Hotels, Events, and Advice to Please Your Pet-and You” from National Geographic, which covers the U.S. and Canada. Happy travels!

Take Photos of Your Dog With These 4 Tips

May 18 2018

4 Tips for Taking Fabulous Dog Photos With Your Smartphone

melissa Fun dog photos, dog selfie tips, easy tips on taking dog photos, how to get a dog still for photos, how to take a dog selfie, how to take dog photos with smart phone, pet photography, take dog pictures with iphone, taking a selfie with dogs, taking dog photos with smart phone

Taking Photos of Your Dog Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

We are obsessed with taking pictures of our dogs. They’re our best friends and just darling to look at too! Professional pet photographers across the world will cringe as I type this, but you don’t need professional equipment or fancy lighting to capture perfect dog photos. All you need is your voice, dog and smartphone; and, of course, sunlight will always help.

How to Take Photos of Your Dog

1. Make a High-Pitched Sound

Dogs love rapidly repeating high-pitched sounds. Use these sounds to your advantage when taking pictures of your dog. Honestly, these sounds work better than treats. Before using your high-pitched voice, get your camera ready and be prepared to snap away the moment you make these sounds.

Examples of what you can say or do are “puppy, puppy, puppy;” kissy sounds or tongue clicks. Make sure to repeat these sounds rapidly over and over again. As for tone, do your best imitation of an 8-year-old girl’s voice. If this is impossible, ask a friend to stand right behind you and clap repeatedly until you’ve captured your dog’s darling expression.

2. Get Close

Zoom in or get close to your dog’s face when taking close-up photos. Of course, if your dog is scared of the camera, you’ll need to zoom in. Personally, I don’t think you could ever get too close. You’d be amazed at your dog’s eye expression close up. If your dog turns away, rapidly repeat a high-pitched sound to get his attention and snap your photos quickly.

3. Sit on the Floor

Plop down on the floor and snap a few pictures at your dog’s level. You’ll get some really great standing, playing and downright funny photos. Snap away, as your dog is walking toward you and your camera. These moments make the best photos! Again, if your dog is distracted, use a high-pitched voice to redirect him back toward you.

4. Crop & Add a Filter

Honestly, the best photos are perfectly cropped and enhanced with filters. Our smartphones make this super easy now. If your dog is further away in the background, crop to remove visible background, so your dog is center stage. Red eyes happen or, better yet, green eyes happen even with the best photographer, so don’t forget to add a filter. By far, my favorite filter is Chrome on iPhones. It will lighten and enhance every picture. Don’t be afraid to play around with filters until you find just the right one. There are tons of free photo filter apps too, so no excuses.

When you’ve captured, cropped and filtered a fabulous dog photo, please share it with the world on social media. Then, have it blown up and framed to display at home and work.

May 2 2018

6 Must-Have Dog Toys

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources dog toys, fetch toys, interactive dog oys, new toys for dogs, plush dog toys, tug toys

Whether your pets prefer chewing, chasing, tugging or snuggling, these are sure to keep them entertained.

It’s hard to find a dog who doesn’t like toys. Whether it’s chasing, tugging or chewing, most dogs enjoy interacting with toys designed specifically for them. Pet product companies are always looking for new ways to entertain dogs, and creating fun and innovative toys are at the top of the list. Here are six new dog toys that have recently hit the market and are bound to keep your dog entertained.

Huggle Hounds Naturals

Made of all natural materials, Huggle Hounds Naturals come in a variety of adorable shapes that will entertain both you and your dog. The toys are made from water buffalo leather and cotton rope, and contain a rubber squeaker. Each toy comes in a two-pack paired with a compatible companion. The Duck & Bunny, Moose & Cow and Sock Monkey & Raccoon two-packs will make you laugh, especially when you see your dog carrying them around. hugglehounds.com

Dawg-Nut

If you’ve got a dog who likes to retrieve, the donut-shaped Dawg-Nut might be for him. This tough retrieving toy from Ruff Dawg is USA-made and constructed out of solid rubber. It bounces in crazy ways when it hits the ground, and also floats for dogs who like to water retrieve. It has a springy texture, and is gentle on the teeth and gums. It comes in bright colors to make it easy to locate after your dog is done playing. It is available in two sizes for medium and large dogs. ruffdawg.com

Zooma Chew-A-Ball

So you know how your dog likes to chew on his tug toys? He’s not the only one. The Zooma Chew-A-Ball is designed especially for this kind of treatment. Made from all edible ingredients, the Chew-A-Ball features grooves along the sides so your dog can grip it with his teeth, and a handle meant for you to hold while your dog is tugging. As your dog pulls on the ball, he can also gnaw on it, satisfying both his play and chewing instincts at the same time. zoomachews.com

Orbee-Tuff GuRu Ball

If you have an active dog in need of both mental stimulation and physical play, the Orbee-Tuff GuRu Ball from Planet Dog is for you. This interactive ball features five different openings that you can use to hide your dog’s favorite treats, bully sticks or his regular kibble. Your dog will have to chew, squeeze and work hard to get them to pop out; the treats won’t release until your dog applies just the right about of pressure. The ball’s soft texture messages his gums while he works. Made in the USA, the material is non-toxic. planetdog.com

Tuggo Shake-N-Fetch Bowling Pin

This unique, hard plastic toy is shaped like a bowling pin, and can be filled with water, sand or rocks to make it rattle as you throw it for your dog to retrieve. The noise makes your dog all the more excited about chasing after it and bringing it back to you. It is available in red, pink or yellow, and sizes small, medium and large. tuggodogtoys.com

Mutt Hatter Plush Toy Collection

Watch your dog have endless fun as he uncovers all the hidden squeaks and crinkles inside these whimsical hat-themed toys, which include a Viking Helmet, Sheriff Hat, Leprechaun Hat, Gladiator Helmet and Pirate Hat. Sold as set or individually, these plushies feature hand-made craftsmanship, double layer exteriors and double-stitched edges to ensure extra durability. And, for added enjoyment, the toys have two built-in loops so you can secure each hat with a strap and turn your dog’s favorite toy into an Instagram photo-op. petplay.com

April 4 2018

Teaching Your Dog Agility Moves

melissa Dogs, Fun, Games, Lifestyle, Pets, Training dog agility, dog agility moves, teaching dog agility

Start with basic commands and then introduce various obstacles one at a time.

When training your dog to run an agility course, she will need to master each obstacle or task separately before moving on to the next one.
©kaninstudio/Adobe Stock

Agility dogs are good at running up A-frames and through tunnels, scaling tire jumps and racing through weave poles. And they do all this while focusing on their humans, who provide them with verbal and physical cues.

If you have ever wondered how agility dogs learn to negotiate a course at top speed while taking direction from a handler, the answer is simple: a little at a time. Teaching dogs to do agility starts with them learning basic behaviors that can be transformed into running a course.

Agility dogs work off leash and at their handler’s direction, so knowing basic obedience commands is a must. Obedience also establishes your relationship with your dog, and teaches him to follow your commands.

Agility training begins with mastering basic obedience cues, such as focus, sit and stay.
©peter verreussel/Adobe Stock

Whether you teach your dog yourself or enroll her in an obedience class, your dog should have these commands mastered before she heads off into an agility career:

Sit: The sit command is important in agility because your dog will have to sit when he comes to the pause table. The pause table requires your dog to go from full-speed ahead to a complete stop. He will have to sit for 5 seconds until you give him the cue to continue on the course.
Down: The down command is also used at the pause table. The judge at an agility trial has the discretion of requesting the sit or the down. If the judge calls for the down, your dog will need to stay in this position for 5 seconds.
Stay: Your dog not only needs to stay put at the pause table, he also has to stand still at the starting line until you release him to take the course.
Come: Your dog has to reliably come when called in order to be successful at agility. After he’s finished with the course, he needs to come to you when you call him so you can leash him up.

An obedience class is the best place for your dog to learn these commands so he can learn to focus on you while other dogs are around.

Once your dog is used to walking on different surfaces, you can begin introducing her to various agility obstacles, such as a ramp at a dog park.
©fserega/Adobe Stock

It’s also important to expose your dog to the types of obstacles he will be facing in agility class. Dogs in agility are expected to go over tire jumps and bar jumps, through tunnels, and across A-frames and dogwalks. Invest in some of this equipment so your dog can get used to being around and on it, or find a dog park that has agility equipment set up that he can play on.

It’s best to start exposing your dog to this kind of equipment as a puppy. Nylon tunnels made for cats can be great fun for a puppy, and can help him get used to being inside a tunnel well before he’s ready for agility class. Encouraging your puppy to walk on a variety of different surfaces will also help him when it comes time to start learning agility. He might be less worried about the A-frame and dogwalk if he’s had experience walking on planks of wood and low walls when he was young.

Always make your dog’s encounters with agility a positive experience. Use treats and praise to encourage him to approach or enter an agility obstacle. Never use force or correction—you want your dog to have a positive association with all things agility.

April 4 2018

Play with Your Cat the Right Way

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets cat play, cat toys, how to play with your cat, play with your cat

Feline preferences matter when choosing interactive toys and games.

Every cat has individual play preferences, just like people do. Some will love chasing a dangling toy, while others might not.
©amthinkin/Adobe Stock

Every person and cat will have their own playtime preferences. If you don’t know what your cat enjoys, this article can help you figure that out. However, before I begin: If you and your cat are enjoying yourselves (and you’re not encouraging unwanted behaviors), there’s no wrong way to play. What matters is that you are doing it together; all cats need to play.

Read more about our unique Cat Training course.

The first thing to remember is cats are predators. This means exploring methods of play that engage their hunting instincts. Cats all have different hunting styles and their individual style will elicit the best response if you cater to their specific preferences.

As predators, hunting precedes feeding. In a domestic setting, this translates to playtime before mealtime. But, a typical cycle in a cat’s day is to play (hunt), eat, and then sleep. Disruption to this cycle can result in behavior problems and physiological changes, such as problems with weight gain or behavior changes.

Lurkers

A simple cardboard box could turn a basic game of “catch the wand toy” into a “lurker” cat’s favorite activity with her human.
©alexmia/Adobe Stock

Some cats are excellent at hiding and bursting out to ambush a playmate or “prey.” For these types of personalities, you should choose cat furniture that lets them hide, such as a tunnel, cat condo, or even a cardboard box or blanket fort. Anything they can hide in and leap out at “prey,” such as dangling wand toys is an ideal addition to your cat’s home environment.

If you have a cat who loves to hide and ambush, there are many great ways to play with them. Make sure there are plentiful hidey-holes, and use a wand toy, a laser pointer or something as simple as a peacock feather to simulate prey moving outside their little cave. Don’t shove the toy into their hiding place, as this will ruin the feeling of ambushing their prey.

Climbers

A tree that has open and enclosed platforms gives felines a variety of options. In addition to a fun place to play, it gives them something to climb and observe from, and somewhere to hide and nap.
©Africa Studio/Adobe Stock

Some cats prefer climbing and love to be up high. If you allowed them outdoors, they would likely spend time observing activity from a tree top. It’s important to give these cats plenty of opportunities to climb during the day. Not only will it give them a new place to relax and nap, but it will give them more confidence around you, your family and your other pets.

Consider installing shelves that allow your cat to leap across platforms and use a teaser toy that they can chase from platform to platform. There are a number of great companies out there who create innovative wall units. Take a look at Hauspanther’s new line of cat shelves.

If you’re not able to construct shelving for your cat, consider picking up a couple of tall cat trees. (I love these lifelike trees from Pet Tree Houses.)

Personally, my favorite wand toy to use anywhere in the house is NekoFlies Ultimate Rod toy. The longer rod gives me lots of reach for climbing cats and allows me to coax them from one shelf to another. But, it also serves as the perfect lure system for encouraging play in any type of hunter.

Solo-Play Toys

In addition to playing with your cat every day, you should provide her with plenty of her favorite solo toys to keep her entertained when you are not around.
©Sarka/Adobe Stock

Automated solo-play toys, like the Frolicat Fox Den Toy that extends a fox paw out in random patterns, are ideal for entertaining cats while their human is busy. My cats love to watch the movement, then pounce at the perfect moment. I can even leave this toy on while I’m working to make sure my cats are entertained (ideal for conference calls).

The Smart Cat Peek A Prize Toy Box is another fun way to encourage activity. This wooden box features extra holes that you can easily place roll toys inside and then let your cat entertain himself by grabbing at the toys within.

Keep in mind that solo-play is never a replacement for you playing with your cat. Solo-play should never be the only time a cat gets to “hunt,” since you know the moves your cat wants from their “prey” and can replicate them better than any machine or solo-play toy.

Feeding Time

Mealtime can also become a game for cats. Food puzzles, such as the Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center from Trixie Pet Products, encourages felines to hunt for their food.

When feeding your cat, it’s good to remember that they should earn their meal. This means letting the cat play (and win) before feeding time and/or using feeding puzzles. Feeding puzzles are especially helpful in cats that tend to eat too quickly. Not only do feeding puzzles help slow your cats down during feeding times, but also helps them eat in a more natural way.

Consider a feeding game like the Doc & Phoebe’s Hunting Game. In this game, you place your cat’s food in individual “toy mice.” Then you hide the mice in different areas of the house. Your cat will quickly discover that he has to hunt for his food throughout the day as he gets hungry. This is a much more natural approach to feeding for cats and can help decrease tummy trouble, keep your cat active and encourage hunting behavior.

There are many other types of feeding puzzles and toys that you can incorporate into a feline hunter’s day. The Wooly Snuffle Mat from Paw5 encourages foraging for food. Simply place treats in the long shag and let your cats sniff them out. While it’s designed for dogs, I’ve learned my cats enjoy this simple foraging method as much as the dogs do.

Games You’ll Regret Teaching

No matter what your type of play your cat prefers, you should not encourage him to think of your hands or feet as toys.
©josemanuel246/Adobe Stock

After working with many different personalities in cats, I’ve come to discover there are a few games that—while extremely popular—are also games you’ll regret in the end. Now you can benefit from my experience: Here are some games your cat will adore, but you will come to regret.

Bed Mouse: This is just about any cat’s most favorite game: a person places their hand under the bed covers and moves it a bit. Your cat will be hypnotized and eventually pounce. It’s fun at first, but you’ll soon discover that your cat is crepuscular, which means he is most active at dusk and dawn. That means you had better plan on getting up at dusk and dawn because any body part that moves under covers is now fair game. This makes for a late night problem when your feet become the “mice.”

Hands and Feet: There aren’t too many games I don’t recommend, but a good general guideline is to never use your hand or foot as “prey.” It’s a bad habit to get into and you leave yourself open for attack whenever your cat feels like playing.

March 23 2018

National Puppy Day Giveaway

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Win a Free Shampoo and Conditioner Set

In honor of National Puppy Day, Animal Behavior College has partnered with PetAg to provide three lucky winners a free shampoo and conditioner set from Fresh ‘n Clean. Here’s how you can enter the contest.

In honor of National Puppy Day, Animal Behavior College has partnered with PetAg to provide three lucky winners a free shampoo and conditioner set from Fresh ‘n Clean.

Here’s how to enter the contest:

Go to this link.
Upload your photo and fill out the form.
Share the giveaway with your friends.

It’s super easy! Treat your pup to a high quality bath with Fresh ‘n Clean products.

Official Rules

To be entered in this contest, you must complete the form above and submit your photo. Comments and replies on social media pages/email will not be considered as official entries. Only residents of the United States or Canada qualify for this contest. The contest will end on 3/26/2018. No further entries will be taken. The mailing address submitted will only be used the send the prize. By submitting your photo, you agree that Animal Behavior College and PetAg may re-use these photos for marketing purposes.

January 17 2018

Up-and-Coming Internet Cats You Should Follow

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets cat pictures, cat posts, cat videos, cats of instagram, cute cats, facebook cats, famous cats, instagram cats, internet cats, monty the cat, nala cat, nathan the beach cat, sophie the model cat

Some say the internet belongs to cats. Watching cute cat videos is one of the most popular online activities among users, and felines have a strong presence in all social media platforms, especially Facebook and Instagram. Here’s a look at five up-and-coming internet cats that are getting the attention of cat lovers online.

Nathan the Beach Cat

Nathan the Beach Cat, a black domestic shorthair living in Queensland, Australia, was adopted by her parents Rian and Mel from a shelter last year. Because Rian and Mel love the ocean, they decided to take Nathan with them to the beach when she was 11 weeks old. The trips started with Nathan on a harness and graduated to untethered and following Rian into the water for a swim. Nathan’s unusual love for water led to Rian and Mel creating an Instagram account to share photos with friends and family.

Nathan now has 164k followers on Instagram (nathan_thebeachcat), and 7,022 followers on Facebook.

Sophie the Model

Another black domestic shorthair who has swept the Internet is Sophie the Model. Self-described as an aspiring “meowdel” and ambassador for black cats, Sophie loves to get dressed up and pose for photos. Her goal is to promote black cat adoption by dispelling the stereotype that black cats are bad luck.

Sophie has 212,000 followers on Instagram (sophie_the_model); and 3,114 followers on Facebook.

Nala Cat

Beautiful Nala is a 7-year-old Siamese/domestic shorthair mix. Adopted from a shelter at 5 months old, Nala came from a hording situation and was the only cat from this situation left at the shelter when her mom adopted her. Suffering from a respiratory infection, it took Nala some time to recover and show off her personality. Once she did, her mom decided to start an Instagram account to keep her friends posted on her antics.

Before long, Nala had 3.5 million followers on Instagram (nala_cat). Nala is well on her way to ruling the internet. Visit her at nalacat.com

Monty

Monty Monty is a special kitty born with chromosome abnormalities. His family adopted him from an animal shelter in Denmark, and has been helping him cope with a sunken nasal bridge that causes some respiratory challenges. The issue gives Monty a distinctive look, and helps him promote the idea that looking different doesn’t mean you can’t be fantastic. Monty has become an ambassador for animals and humans worldwide who might not look perfect in everyone’s eyes. Monty also promotes shelter adoptions, and spaying and neutering.

Monty has 386,000 followers on Instagram (monty_happiness) and more than 403,000 on Facebook.

Sabrina Pound

Budding Internet star Sabrina Pound is a former shelter cat who is on her way to becoming a “Hollywood superstar.” Her persona’s backstory reads like that of a famous actress who clawed her way to the top of the silver screen. Originally from Rego Park, in Queens, N.Y., Sabrina Pound has film and theater credits in her resumé, including a stint at directing. This beautiful longhaired diva has fluffy white and gray fur, and stunning emerald green eyes.

Sabrina Pound has 93,000 likes on Facebook, and is just getting started building a fan base on Instagram (sabrinapound).

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

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