Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
Some horses are very aware of their own strength and have learned to push down posts, fences, gates and even stable doors. Their reward for this behavior is temporary freedom or, often, access to pastures with newer, greener grass. Occasionally fear can lead to horses' pushing down posts, but whatever the reason, pushing over posts is a dangerous habit. If your horse gets loose through broken fencing, it can cause accidents not only to itself, but to others in the vicinity. It is essential that you cure your horse of this habit as soon as possible.
Animals, just like humans, have a wide range of personality traits such as laziness, which can gain them quite a reputation. Some animals may gain this reputation from their slow-moving gait and quiet demeanor, such as the sloth. Others, such as the dormouse, may be deemed lazy simply because of their long periods of hibernation.
Although dogs seem content with daily walks and occasional affection, they also require some form of mental stimulation. Dogs that chew household items or dig holes in the garden often do so because they are bored. Interactive dog games encourage dogs to think, while using not only their sense of smell, but their sight as well.
If you're looking to train your dog but still have fun while you're doing it, consider using games to train your dog. Many games can still teach your pet valuable skills that will help create a greater bond and reinforce commands such as stay, come and sit. By making training into a game, your dog will learn faster and will enjoy the training process.
Dogs like to have a job. Bored dogs with excess energy often exhibit destructive behavior, such as chewing, scratching and jumping, causing considerable damage to property. The key to providing dogs with games that engage them mentally and physically is to tailor games to the individual dog. Be consistent and set aside specific times of the day for play. Dogs will learn to save their energy if they know they will have an opportunity for play every day.
While having a dog can be a lot of work, it can also be a very rewarding time as well. One way to strengthen your relationship with your new pet is to take them to fun places and allow them some time to burn some energy. Taking your dog on special trips and to different locations will become something both you and your pet enjoy.
Dogs as a rule are social and playful creatures. If you have a dog that's sleeping all the time or seems lazy, it's important that you get your dog some exercise and make sure that it's all right. What looks like laziness to the untrained eye could, theoretically, be a health concern that owners should be aware of as soon as possible so it can be corrected.
Dogs can be trained to detect a wide range of subjects including people, money, weapons and illegal substances. Fully trained detection dogs are a valuable asset to search and rescue teams, police and security personnel. For a dog to be successful at scent training it must have an enthusiastic and energetic temperament to enjoy the training. A dog that is food oriented can be a good candidate as treats can be used as incentive to find the desired object, although a favorite toy can also be used as well. Training for a number of detection-based jobs can be done using…
What better way to spend time with your canine companion than by playing in the backyard. Your dog will love the exercise and probably be a bit quieter and better behaved around the house as a result. Whether you plan on playing with your dog or simply want to give your dog something to occupy itself (make sure your yard is escape-proof), there are a variety of toys on the market to suit you and your dog's needs.
Playing fetch is one of a dog's favorite games. It allows the dog to run and get exercise, and is easy on the owner because he does not have to run after the dog. Some dogs fetch by nature, but any dog can be taught to retrieve a toy or ball. It takes training, patience and consistency to teach your dog to retrieve like a pro.
Dogs need to play and exercise just like humans, but that doesn't mean your house should become a jungle gym. Building an enclosure for your dogs will set boundaries on their play area while still giving them room to roam. Don't forget about your dogs while they are in their play space, though. Keep a healthy supply of food and water in the play center at all times so your dogs can remain well hydrated and fed to promote healthy play.
In addition to being your best friend and a loyal companion, teach your dog to be a good playmate. Train your dog to obey basic commands, play a game of fetch, or even to catch a Frisbee. The most powerful tool for shaping your dog's behavior is to react positively when it performs the way you want it to. If a passive pooch is not what you have in mind, offer your dog an assortment of toys and your undivided attention during one-on-one play time. (reference 1)
A dog pen is a great investment if you want to be able to let your dog have its own space to run around and play. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to let your dogs run free. Most people who invest in one of these either do not have a large yard or do not have a fence. Dogs are naturally friendly and curious, but that nature can also cause them to get lost or get hurt. You can build a playpen for your dog, so it has the room it needs to exercise and the peace of mind…
Portable corrals have a multitude of uses for both the large operation livestock rancher and the hobby farmer. Made of steel piping in 5 to 5 1/2 foot heights and 10 to 12 foot lengths, the panels link together to form a sturdy enclosure capable of holding anything from a goat to a bull. Smaller and lighter portable corrals are made exclusively for people who show and trail ride their horses and need an easy assembly, lightweight method of horse containment. Cattle ranchers find portable corrals useful for working cattle, and are able to take the pens and corrals to…
Many cats roam freely through the house, but at times you may want your cat safe in an enclosed area, such as when you are having construction done on your house. Or, perhaps you have an infant, and you don't want the family pet around. Build your own cat playpen to keep your pet safe and out of the way during these times. Use PVC pipe as the construction material as it is lightweight, sturdy and easy to assemble. You can make the pen as large or small as you would like.
Both you and your dog benefit from using an exercise pen. It helps you confine your dog, train them in a controlled area and when traveling it provides a quick pen that transports and sets up easily. A portable pen allows your dog to exercise in a safe, secure environment and provides a familiar and comfortable place to rest. Many vendors offer portable dog runs for purchase, but can cost more than you want to spend. Luckily, for not much money you can build one yourself.
Dogs are social pack animals. Play is an important component of their mental health and well-being. Toys and games can help fight boredom and prevent destructive behavior by giving the dogs an outlet for their energy. This is especially important in a doggie day care situation, where dog owners are expecting the day care operators to keep their canine charges safe and entertained.
Playing fetch can be a terrific bonding exercise for dogs and their owners. Before the fun can begin, however, you must first teach your puppy how to fetch. Most dogs will run after a moving object, but even retriever breeds need to be taught how to bring it back and place it in the owner's hand. Without training, your dog will get the ball -- then spend an hour playing keep-away and chase. Although the nine-to-12 week age range is ideal for beginning training, it is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks.
Adult dogs will chew as a way to relieve stress, out of boredom or simply because an item tastes good. This chewing can turn from beneficial to destructive, especially when a curious dog begins to chew on the wood found on furniture and around the home, such as trim, house doors or even pieces of decorative art. It is possible to control a dog's desire to chew on wood without the need to remove all of the furniture from a home.
Most dogs are playful by nature and love to play with other dogs or with their owners. Playing games with your dog helps you bond, and games can make training sessions fun. When you play a game with your dog, you need to communicate and work together for the game to be successful.
While exercise is vital for the health of all dogs, your overweight dog may have a more difficult time when beginning a new exercise program. Games make the transition easier for him and allow him to lose weight at a gradual pace. Remember that any bit of exercise helps and will allow him to be a healthier dog.
Many dogs suffer from blindness. Some dogs are born blind others develop blindness later in life. A primary concern of owner a blind dog is to make sure your animal is safe when playing. There are several different games owners can play with their dog that are fun and cater to the dog's disability.
Looking for something fun to do with your dog? Tired of just going for a walk or to the dog park? Why not turn your next outing or play group into a learning game that is not only mentally stimulating, but helps reinforce obedience skill sets. Based on time, you can play with just your dog or invite others to join in a friendly competition. Either way, you'll both have fun while strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
Many people live in terror of being attacked by an aggressive dog, and in some cases this fear is well justified. Any dog can become dangerous if it's raised improperly, and some dog owners aren't equipped with the necessary knowledge required to handle their pets. Depending on the size of the animal involved, a dog attack can easily result in serious injury or even death. When dealing with a vicious dog, you can take action to minimize your risk. In many cases, your natural reaction to fear will actually work against you because it plays into the canine's predatory instincts.
Exercise is important to the health and well-being of your dogs. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to let your dogs run free in your yard and home. An unsupervised dog can cause a lot of property damage and can get hurt. You can build a playpen for your dog. Your dog has the room it needs to exercise in the playpen, but you have the peace of mind knowing that your dog is not free to roam unsupervised.
An obedient dog is much more pleasant to be around both for you and for people who come over to your home. When your dog is well behaved, you tend to want to be around him more and play with him. Ironically, the more bored your dog is from lack of companionship or play, the more behavior problems he displays, whereas, the more you play with your dog, the more opportunities you have for obedience training.
Pointing dog breeds are so named because they point their bodies toward game to alert hunters to the exact location of the animal. Pointers are primarily hunting dogs, requiring daily exercise and entertainment. A bored pointer will find a way of entertaining herself, usually through destructive behavior. Playing games with your pointer can help tire her out while appealing to her natural hunting instincts.
If you've always wanted to make a tennis ball sling shot, look no further. You can use this fun toy to play fetch with your dog. You can also make a few of them to make up a new slingshot tennis ball game with your family.
Interactive games are a great way to bond with your dog while helping it release some of its energy. Some interactive dog games are more well-known than others, and not every dog is guaranteed to love all the games. Once you've found your dog's favorite game, it will love playing the game with you and might even start to initiate the game.
While playing with puppies and dogs is fun, there does come a time when your dog needs to entertain itself. When it is left alone, your dog needs to be able to play without damaging the furniture or unrolling the toilet paper. "Many behavior problems in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy. Toys offer mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. Directing your dog's energy into playing with toys can prevent or help resolve such problems as digging and chewing on furniture, shoes or shrubbery."
No matter what size your dog is, he needs a safe area outside for exercise. If you don't have a fenced-in yard, or you're trying to protect some expensive landscaping, you can construct a safe exercise pen or play yard.
Cats are natural prey for dogs, who are usually bigger and like to chase smaller animals. Though you can take some steps to prevent a dog from attacking a cat, remember that it is in the dog's natural instinct. Though his behavior can be restrained and taught to some degree, your dog may always feel an inclination to hunt cats. This does not make him a bad dog, and your success in training him not to attack a cat depends on the age of the dog, your consistency in training and your approach.
A dog pen can be used as an exercise area, a kennel or a portable yard when traveling or visiting. Pens come in a variety of types. Some are fairly permanent, while others are specifically designed to be collapsible to accommodate transportation and storage. The size of the dog determines the side of the pen. A dog that is prone to jumping fences will need a pen with a roof, and a dog that digs will need special consideration as well.
A dog party is a great way to get your friends and community of dogs over for a gathering. Depending on the size of party you're having, or the amount of dogs, you can do several things for fun games, activities and different parties.
You and your dog can play many games together during the winter. All require simple objects, repetition, treats, patience, creativity and the desire to have fun with your dog. Dogs in mild climates don't need to curtail their outdoor exercise, but people and dogs whose winters bring day after day of rain, snow and icy cold weather may want to bring some of their play time indoors. Whatever the climate or season, playing games strengthens your bond with each other.
What may seem like a full-on, fight-to-the-death match between two dogs, may actually only be a fun play session. It can be extremely difficult to differentiate between play and real fights. However, with a keen eye and knowledge of your pet's behavior, you will likely be able to tell the difference between the two.
The average dog's sense of smell is about 100 times better than a human, according to the "Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook" (Debra M. Eldredge, DVM, et al.; 2007). Over the centuries, humans have used the dog's sense of smell to locate game, predatory animals, intruders and missing people. There were at least 250 search and rescue dogs at the airplane impact sites of September 11, 2001. (See Reference 2)
Dogs need regular physical and mental workouts to keep them healthy and happy. Depriving your dog of these activities can result in health problems or destructive behaviors due to boredom, according to the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Jogging or swimming fulfills your dog's daily physical exercise requirements. Interactive games challenge her mind and strengthen your bond with her.
Incorporate daily exercises into the service dog's schedule. It promotes health and increases stamina. The information in this article provides non-traditional dog exercises for handlers who are limited in mobility.
Some dogs learn how to fetch faster than others do. Labrador retrievers, for example, tend to chase down toys and grab them on their own. Other dogs need a systematic approach. The time it takes for the dog to learn to fetch depends on not only the animal, but also how much you work at it. The more a dog works on fetching, the faster it learns. Start with a ball made for dogs. After the dog learns to fetch the ball, it may start fetching other toys.
Teach a dog to play catch with a ball by teaching them that the ball is a toy, and by emphasizing the importance of retrieving. Train a dog to play catch with tips from a certified dog trainer in this free video on pet care.
Train a dog to catch by teaching it to sit, while placing the ball in their mouth to relay information to them that they should retrieve the item. Play catch starting from short distances with tips from a certified dog trainer in this free video on pet care.
Train a dog to fetch a newspaper by first playing catch with a tennis ball on a leash in order to lure the dog back after its grabbed the object. Train a dog to fetch with tips from an experienced dog trainer in this free video on dog obedience.
If you dog does not have a biting problem, the tug game is a great game to play with your dog. Learn more about teaching your dog the rules to the tug game with tips from an animal behavior expert in this free dog training video.
You have acquired a place to keep your horse but it is not fenced. Now what? There are many types of fences, but not all of them are safe for horses, or horse-proof. If you have never built a fence before, just choosing materials can be intimidating, let alone figuring out how to actually construct a corral that will last. Fortunately, with a few basic tools and a little planning (and sweat), you can build your horse a corral that is easy to maintain, durable and safe for your horse.
Exercise is extremely important for your dog, since there are many behavior problems associated with lack of exercise. During the winter months it can be difficult to exercise the indoor dog-but there are still some steps that you can take to keep your dog active even when the cold weather keeps you inside. Here are some of my favorite indoor activities.
It always seems like a fun idea when you offer to pet sit for a friend's dog. However, when the cute bundle of fur starts scratching your furniture and chewing your shoes, you wonder if you did the right thing. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep a dog entertained for a couple days while your friends are away. Read on to learn how to keep dogs entertained.
Get tips on interacting with other dogs while traveling and visiting dog parks in this free video.
Train your dog to play dead after watching this free video.
Learn the rules of the game Schutzhund, how to play, and what is required of your dog in this free video.
Bring the Round Robin game into your dog training to see if your dog is still able to answer the "come" command in this free video.
Tug is a great game to play with your dog. Dogs love this game and it gives them exercise and a chance to use their teeth and jaws. It is an especially good game for young dogs and puppies that have a strong need to bite. You can direct the mouthy behavior to the tug toy instead. A lot of dog owners have heard that tug is a bad game to play, that it promotes aggression. Tug can become a bad game if you don't play with some rules. When you play tug and follow the rules outlined in this…
Training your dog to fetch the daily newspaper is not really difficult, as long as she is big enough to carry a newspaper in her mouth, that is. Some dogs are natural fetchers and carriers, and some will never want to do this. If your dog likes playing fetch, you can teach her to bring in the paper.
You can amaze your friends and family with a simple classic dog trick. It’s not difficult to teach your dog to play dead when you say "Bang," but it does take plenty of ammunition like patience and persistence. Read on to learn how to teach your dog to play dead when you say "Bang."
The only thing better than having a dog is having a dog you can play cool games with. Playing catch is one of the best games you can play with your dog. Tossing a Frisbee great distances is easier than tossing a ball the same distance. Training a dog to catch a Frisbee is not so much training as simply getting him to understand that you want him to catch it. Toss a few Frisbees and see what your dog does naturally.
Winter days can seem awfully long. Especially to a dog who is cooped up in the house during the cold weather. To help fight the winter blues and get a little exercise, take the dog outside and play in the snow. Read on to learn how to play with a dog in snow.
The old saying, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," really isn't true. Your pet wants to please you, no matter what his age. Teaching your dog to play dead can be fun for both you and your pet. Playing dead is an easy trick for your dog, no matter his age, because most every dog can learn to lie down and play dead.
