These are fun things you can do with your pets indoors or outdoors. This is great exercise for them and lots of fun for all of you. 

K-9 Calenders Presents Dog Parks In The USA...

5 Running Games To Play With Your Dog

                                                  

             Kitty Play Dates

                                                               

By Darcy Lockman

When best friends Carolyn Miller and Jennifer Cohen adopted kittens around the same time, they decided it would be fun for their cats to become playmates. The reality of the situation was that one cat spent an hour terrorizing the other cat, causing worry about the cat's safety. They agreed that would be the first and last playdate.

Tip No. 1: Start young.
"Kittens aged 7 to 12 weeks are the most suitable since this is the critical time to shape positive behavior," says Brunt. "Many veterinarians recommend kitten socialization classes, like Kitten Kindergarten, where kittens are allowed to interact with each other." During these classes, kittens are also introduced to handling, grooming and transport. Food rewards are given to reinforce positive actions and reactions.

Adult cats can also be socialized -- they simply must be introduced to their new cat friends more slowly (see below).

Tip No. 2: Identify your cat's personality type.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, cats may be loosely classified into four categories: bold and active, easy and affable, withdrawn and timid, and assertive. Your cat may be easier or harder to socialize depending on its personality.

Tip No. 3: Find a neutral territory.
"A neutral territory is a place neither cat has been," explains Brunt. When neither cat has claimed a place as its own, you can expect less territorial and adversarial behaviors. If a neutral territory is not a possibility, Brunt suggests choosing one room in your home. "Any room can serve as a playground, as long as you're there."

Tip No. 4: Make slow introductions.
"Always go slow!" emphasizes Brunt. Relaxed owners should introduce cats gradually -- over a period of days or weeks. Begin with complete separation, which means the cats are occupying different rooms in the same house. Then allow the cats to make visual contact.

Tip No. 5: Know your cat's signals.
Your cat's body language speaks loudly. "A ‘Halloween cat,' standing with its back arched and tail up, is exhibiting an aggressive stance and should not be further aroused, as it may exhibit extreme aggression," says Brunt.

Owners who are familiar with their cat's communication can watch for signs that the animal is uncomfortable or unhappy, and can extricate the pet from the situation. Recognizing signs of contentment and positive energy is important as well. Brunt encourages rewarding an animal with treats for "speaking" appropriate body language.

To read more: http://www.news9.com/story/13142268/cheer-up-your-cat-with-a-kitty-playdate?redirected=true                                                     

                           Dog Scouts. Start Your Own Troop

                               

We are a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about responsible dog ownership, the important role of the human/canine bond and to challenge people and dogs to learn how to better serve each other. It is the DOG that becomes a Dog Scout, so the individual at the loop end of the leash can be an adult or a child.  We have programs for all ages!.

We Have a Junior Scout Program for Kids This part of DSA is a wonderful program for children to become involved with. It teaches kids responsibility, and some very important life lessons. It helps them build self-esteem, and how to reach success with goal-oriented steps. It’s not always possible for a child to be a fully responsible dog parent.

 If you'd like to know more:

http://www.dogscouts1.com/

                                                                                    

Fun Things to do with Your Pet 

Cat Games

Cats love exercise and play time! Search the Cat Games for fun activity ideas to do with your cat. You can also post your favorite games to play with your kitty companion here. Then, review the list and rank them to give newcomers an idea of what’s most popular.

Dog Games

Dogs love exercise and play time! Search the Dog Games for fun activity ideas to do with your dog. You can also post your favorite games to play with your canine companion here. Then, review the list and rank them to give newcomers an idea of what’s most popular.

Dog Parks

It’s important for dogs to have time with fellow canine comrades too to help socialize them properly around other animals and pets. Find dog parks in your area here. You can use this section to share your favorite parks with other www.healthypet.com users. You’ll also find our reviews useful – add your own or read through others’ to get an idea of how the parks worked for other pet-owners and their dogs.

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Exotic Animal and Bird Games

Your exotic pets and birds love exercise and play time! Search the Exotic and Bird Games for fun activity ideas to do with your pets. You can also post your favorite games to play with your pets here. Then, review the list and rank them to give newcomers an idea of what’s most popular.

Hiking Trails

Dogs love to hike too! Find dog-friendly hiking trails in your area. You can use this section to share your favorite hiking trail with fellow www.healthypet.com users. You’ll also find our reviews useful – add your own or read through others’ to get an idea of how the trails worked for other pet-owners and their dogs.

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Do you have a game you like to play with your pocket pet? Share it! Small pets need stimulation too. Use this section to search for fun game ideas others have posted as well. Then, review the list and rank them to give newcomers an idea of what’s most popular.

If you'd like to see more:

http://www.healthypet.com/JustForFun/FunThingsToDo.aspx  

Doing yoga with your canine companion, commonly called doga is getting more and more popular.  I’ve actually heard that there are even doga classes local to me.  Wasn’t all that long ago you might have been able to find it in larger metro areas but people are finding that even in a tough economy, many dog owners still are not stinting on their pooch’s care and it’s becoming more widely recognized that there are many health benefits to having a pet in your life.

So, while doga is best practiced in a class, especially if you’re just getting started, here’s a few simple instruction to get your started.  You can both yourself and your dog used to it and see if it’s for you. Hey, if it’s not, how about a little poochie pilates?

 See Video Below By Brenda Bryan

Busy Pets Are Happy Pets: Fun Ways to Keep Your Pet Active

It seems like the most natural thing in the world—our pets need food, water, medical care and lots of love. But dogs and cats have other needs, too. Our furry friends need ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to lead truly full and happy lives. ” To prevent behavior and health problems, Kristen recommends the following physical and mental workouts—both when you’re there to join the fun and when your pet is home alone.

• Move it! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day. Jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy.
  
  
• Get Their Games On: Engage in structured games, like fetch and tug-of-war—they’re not only great exercise but also teach your pet impulse control and strengthen the bond between you.
  
  
• Engage in the Hunt: Keep your dog occupied when he’s home alone by giving him a food-stuffed puzzle toy, like the Kong, or some tasty chew toys.
  
  
• Let’s Get Physical: Like their canine counterparts, cats also need plenty of aerobic exercise. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions, such as chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice.
  
  
• Feline Pastimes: Encourage your cat’s favorite home alone activities, including bird watching, exploring paper bags or boxes, watching cat videos or spending time in secure outdoor enclosures.
  
  
• Teach Your Cat New Tricks! Felines are quick studies and can learn practical skills like coming when called, sitting up, rolling over and even using the toilet!
• 

  If you'd like to read more:
  

  http://www.aspca.org/blog/busy-pets-are-happy-pets.html

Buzzle.Com..  Fun With Your Pets...

Fun things to do with your dog!They do all kinds of fun things together and so can you!

• Games! Play some fun games with your dog! Thanks Wagntrain.com!
• Even more fun games! Thanks Dog Scout!
• Learn a new trick! Teach your dog some new tricks and have a blast! Thanks Dog Scout!
• Can't get enough of those tricks! Thanks Pat Saito and Tasha.
• All about Clicker Training and having fun training your dog - they will think it's a game! Thanks Karen Pryor.
• How to play fetch with your dog! Here's a great article from PetPeoplesPlace.com! Thanks Steve Dale.
• How to play Frisbee with your dog! Here's a great article from Heather Wallace.
• 
  
• To see more activities:  http://www.wikifido.com/page/Fun+things+to+do+with+your+dog!
  

Camp Bow Wow / Find a location near you

Camp Bow Wow® - Premier Doggy Day and Overnight Camp®

Camp Bow Wow® provides a fun, safe and upscale environment for dogs to play, romp and receive lots of love and attention! We provide doggy day Camp for clients wishing to drop their dogs off in the morning and pick them up in the evening, as well as overnight boarding for travelers. Overnight boarders play in the day Camp program during the day and have their own individual cabins at night. Some of our Camps also offer a variety of other services including grooming, training, and an assortment of retail items, including Camp Bow Wow branded dog bowls, collars, clothing, bandanas and more!

Camp Bow Wow Services

• All Day Play, Snooze the Night Away®
• Large Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas
• Certified Camp Counselors®
• Live Camper Cams®
• Spacious Cabins with Comfy Cots
• Tasty Bedtime Campfire Treats
• FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN FUN

Where A Dog Can Be A Dog!®

Our Canine Campers spend all day at Day Camp, from early in the morning to late in the evening, romping and playing indoors and outdoors with lots of attention from our well-trained certified Camper Care Specialists and Certified Camp Counselors®. Overnight campers even get special "campfire" treats each night before lights out, when they are tucked into their own spacious, clean Camp Bow Wow® cabin. Each cabin includes a comfy bed with a fleece blanket to curl up on in a climate controlled atmosphere. Campers from the same household can even stay together in the same cabin. In addition, Camp Web Cam monitoring and professional security systems make sure all our Campers are happy and safe!ervice for our Campers, and peace of mind for their parents. Since we started franchising in 2003, we have grown to over 100 Camps and 75 Home Buddies franchise territories nationwide, plus one in Canada. As Camp Bow Wow grows, our simple philosophy remains the same: It’s all about the dogs.

Fun things to do with kittens.

                

Kittens are like simple people: easy to entertain. To be quite honest, when it comes to kittens I am VERY easily entertained. They are just so cute and cuddly! How can you resist that tiny, high-pitched "mew", that soft fur, and slow purring sound? Better yet, how can you resist coming up with ways to make them do funny things?

One fun thing to do with kittens is to watch them go crazy over shiny things. Take a laser pointer or a flashlight and make circle motions around the kitten in the dark. Eventually the kitten will get dizzy. This is one way to get a good laugh. Make the light dance on the walls and skid across floors, and your kitten will be sure to follow. 

Kittens love dangly things. You could go to the store and buy one of those elastic strings with various doodads attached, but I prefer to be cheap. One thing I did as a child (and admittedly still do from time to time) is to get a rope with a small toy attached to it. In my house it was a cat mouse toy. Tie one end of the rope to something that moves, such as the ceiling fan. Turn the fan on at a moderate speed and watch the kitten go flying through the air in a vain attempt to capture the flying beast.

Sometimes, the most simplest of things can keep kittens amused for hours. Just look around your house and there will surely be something that makes for a great cat toy. If there is a bottle cap without a bottle attached to it, she will take the cap in her mouth and bring it at floor level. Then she will smack it across the floor for hours.

Does your kitten have a toe fetish? When my cats see my toes wiggle under the blanket, they go nuts. As long as you have a couple of layers and maybe a good threshold of pain, this can make for a good time.

When playing with your kitten, just remember that they are not stuffed animals. Do not throw them in the air or give them toys they can choke on. After all, kittens are only fun so long as they're alive.

If you'd like to read more:

http://www.helium.com/items/136225-fun-things-to-do-with-a-kitten

How to Entertain Your Betta Fish

 

 

Bettas are generally curious and social fish. Hopefully, I'll give you a few things you can do to help keep his curiosity sharp and maybe have some fun with him (or her).

1. Now we come to the more peaceful/playful - and perhaps even "educational" things you can do with your betta. One thing I notice is they seem to like following things that move. This is especially the case if it is the only moving object in an otherwise static environment. This is where the balled up pieces of paper come in. All I do is toss them in the air where the betta can see it, and let it hit the ground near their aquarium. Many times, they will see it and chase it. They'll then look down at it and try to move towards it to see what it is. This triggers their curiosity and helps also get them interested in their environment (making them even more curious).

2. Another thing you can try it putting some ping-pong balls in the water. Don't worry, it's safe (but wash them first if they were used for something else or you just bought them). Ping-pong balls will float and move around with the current, which can get them interested in them. Try to get balls of different colors because bettas CAN recognize colors and even have preferences (or hatreds) of certain colors. I had one betta that HATED the yellow ping-pong ball while it happily chased the others around for hours. But when it saw the yellow one, it would bite it and hit it away from the others! Perhaps your bettas will display such a nature if given a chance.

3. Another thing to try with the ping-pong balls is test your betta's problem solving skills. Yes, some bettas can do this. It's best to try this when they are hungry. What you do is set the ping-pongs balls to block of a corner of your betta's aquarium. Then put some floating food in the blocked off area. See if your betta can figure out how to get the food. It can be interesting to watch how they solve this problem. Some will use force. Some will try to squeeze between openings, etc.

4. Another thing to try is simply putting things around their aquarium for them to look at. It may not seem like it, but they do notice a chance in environment outside their aquarium, and changing what's in front of/behind/around their aquarium is a "change in environment" as far as their minds are concerned. This is where the various objects I mentioned needing will come in. Anything is fine. Lamps, pictures, rocks, pencils, memory cards, screws, socks, whatever. Your betta may even flare at it, especially if it has bright/multiple colors or patterns.

Recycled household items to make Cat toys.

By Stephanie Sharpe, Planet Green

Cat lovers will do almost anything for their cats. Buy organic treats, luxurious cat beds, fancy toys—anything to keep your kitty comfortable and entertained. This makes for big business surrounding pet pampering. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Your feline friend may be just as happy with ‘toys’ you already have around the house.

For example I’ve always heard that cats love the plastic rings from the tops of milk jugs. However my cats have long been deprived since I tend to buy soy milk or organic milk in cartons. But thanks to my roommate, my cats have now discovered the joy of milk cap rings, and I discovered the joy of watching them play with them. Take a break from kitty consumerism and try offering a few of these reusable household items as toys. You can spice up the ‘toys’ with cat nips or treats to make them even more interesting. It’s a great way to reuse household items that were headed for the recycling bin anyway, plus have tons of fun with your kitty.

Household Items that Double as Cat Toys

• Paper bags (remove any handles)
• Cardboard boxes (spice things up with a cat fort or make a cat scratcher)
• Old or torn sock (pour in some catnip to make it more interesting)
• Crumpled up scrap paper
• Tissue paper that is too old for reuse
• Old newspaper (when you’re done, donate them for animals)
• Pencils (unsharpened) or pens (remove ink)

Animal Planet also suggests:

• Toilet paper tubes (try putting treats inside)
• Wine cork
• Shower curtain rings
• Egg carton with treats inside

Note: for your cat’s safety, don’t let them play with anything smaller than a ping pong ball without supervision. Also be wary of strings and ribbons, cats can easily choke on these.

Amazing Videos Of Dogs In Slow Motion!

Following are some of the best videos that feature dogs being dogs... all in slow motion!   #1 Dogs Drinking Water - these have excellent close-up footage of dogs lapping water. You can see the physics that go into each lap of water.             #2 Dogs Catching Things - a Border Collie repeatedly catches a Frisbee, and then each of his steps is analyzed. Next, a classic slow-motion compilation of dogs catching pieces of dog … [Read more...]

The Best Stuffed Dog Toy (…In The Eyes Of My Dog)

It's been a running joke among those who know us... Our dog, Tenor, uses this one huge stuffed animal as a "pacifier." No joke.  Whenever he's stressed, anxious, or even happily excited, he sprints to find his dolphin toy. And it legitimately seems to calm him. He just holds it squarely in his mouth, while wagging his tail rapidly and blinking his eyes -- watching us closely to gauge our next move and how that move will (or will not) involve him. It's the sweetest thing! But … [Read more...]

What’s The Difference Between Purebred, Mixed Breed, and Hybrid Dogs?

Are you wondering how to tell the difference between a purebreed dog, a mixed breed dog, and a hybrid dog? You're definitely not alone. Many use the terms interchangeably.So, here's what you need to know about purebred dogs, mixed breed dogs, and hybrid dogs...  … [Read more...]

Best Indestructible Dog Toys For Aggressive Chewers

It's a fact, dogs are going to chew. Chewing is just as natural to them as wagging their tails. While chewing can be an annoying habit for the dog owner to witness (and have to deal with) every day -- especially if your dog is chewing on something that you value -- you can train your dog to chew other things.  Your best bet is to find some great chew-friendly dog toys. Here are some almost-indestructible dog toys that you might want to try...   … [Read more...]

To see more fun stuff: http://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/category/home-garden/fun-dog-stuff

Hamsters are born to run!  

In the wild, hamsters would travel miles every night in search of food, and some hamsters in captivity have been reported to run up to 8 km per night on their exercise wheels. Hamsters need lots of exercise and most pet hamsters love to use exercise wheels.

The Running Surface
The best kind of hamster wheel has a solid surface (not rungs) that either attaches to the side of the cage or is free standing without side supports than span the wheel opening. The common wire wheel that looks like a ladder wrapped into a circle with side bars for support is not the best choice as it can cause injuries.

Noise Levels
Keeping in mind hamsters are nocturnal and generally use their wheel a lot at night, you definitely want a quiet wheel. This is especially true if you share your room with a hamster! A squirt of vegetable oil is a safe option for greasing squeaky wheels.

Size
I can't find any absolute recommendations for minimum sizes of exercise wheels. Most marketed for hamsters will be suitable, keeping in mind that the smaller wheels are best suited to dwarf hamsters only, and larger hamster wheels should be used for Syrian (golden, teddy bear, etc) hamsters. Get the largest hamster wheel that you can, since a wheel that is too large shouldn't pose problems, but a wheel that is too small will be uncomfortable for your hamster.

Alternatives to Wheels
The run-about balls for exercise outside of the cage are popular, but given the amount of running most hamsters like to do won't really provide sufficient exercise on their own. As a novelty or additional means of exercise they are fine, though. These are available as a simple ball, a wheel shape that propels a car frame and other novelty shapes. There is also now a track system that you can set up to keep your hamster's movements in a run-about contained. Be careful not to leave a hamster in one of these balls for too long or they may overheat (15-20 minutes at a time is plenty), and never use them around stairs that the hamster could tumble down.

If you'd like to read more:

http://exoticpets.about.com/od/hamsters/a/hamsterwheels.htm

Sitter City. Find Pet Sitters All Over The United States.

                 DogGeek.Com

MAKE DOG STUFF OVERVIEW

Below is a summary of how to make dog stuff or build it using our detailed instructions.

Dog Accessories
Includes instructions for making fur accessories (see "Bows, Ribbon" below), a bandana, dog tags, portable and no-skid dog bowls, and sunglasses.

Dog Beds
Make a dog bed out of foam with a sewn cover. Turn a couple of old couch cushions into a dog bed or a dog bed with pockets. Or make a portable dog bed pad that can be used wherever you go.

Dog Boxes, Dog Crates
Tips for making your own dog truck boxes and crates, as well as a crate cover.

Dog Carting
Using dogs to pull carts is a centuries old practice. Learn how to build modern day versions and how to train your dog to pull them.

Clothes
Instructions and ideas for making dog coats, sweaters and socks.

Collars
Plenty of ideas to create collars out nylon and other materials.

Dog Costumes
Get ideas and patterns for dog costumes, including simple capes, hats and more.

Dog Exercise Equipment
An overview of what you can construct for dog exercise such as agility, joring, and bicycle equipment, as well as unique homemade exercise toys.

Making Your Own Dog Food
A guide to making homemade dog food, whether it's raw or cooked.

Dog Party
Some ideas to get you started to make dog stuff from scratch for that next dog birthday party or those holiday gifts.

Harnesses
A custom short pulling harness and links to another site offering instructions to make other kinds of harnesses.

Dog Houses
Build a dog house out of plywood or a practice one out of cardboard. Ideas for adding insulation, a porch or a ramp. See our comparison charts on doghouse plans.

Leashes
Make a variety of leashes so you can have one for every occasion.

Dog Party
Some ideas to get you started to make dog stuff from scratch for that next dog birthday party.

Custom Built Dog Ramps
Build dog ramps for indoors or out so your dog can get up on a bed or sofa or in and out of a car, house, pool or boat.

Doggie Stairs
Doggie steps can help dogs with places too high too reach.

Homemade Toys
Make dog stuff such as cheap, homemade dog toys.

Homemade Dog Treats
Recipes for healthy dog treats. Some require baking, others don't.

Dog Wheelchairs
Information about dog wheelchairs and links to some homemade dog wheel chair designs.

To see more:  http://www.make-and-build-dog-stuff.com/

Tail Tube...

Lucky Dog Radio Show...

Travel Friendly Pet Places And Information...

DogFriendly.com, Inc. is the leading provider of nationwide city guides and travel guides for dog owners. We are dedicated to finding places that people and dogs can enjoy together. If you want to travel, sight see, or just go around town with your pooch, then you've come to the right place! We focus on listing places that allow dogs of all sizes (some of our advertisers allow small dogs only), as well as focusing on lodging that does not restrict dogs to smoking rooms. DogFriendly.com has been online since June of 1998 and we are always adding new dog-friendly places for you and your best friend. By using our guides, dog lovers can now spend more time going places with their dogs and less time researching places to take them. To view our FREE online travel guide, please look here. http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/guides/park/park.shtml

 DogFriendly.com Offers The Following...

LODGING

We offer FREE online dog travel guides for dogs of all sizes and breeds. DogFriendly.com lists thousands of United States and Canada pet-friendly accommodations like motels, hotels, resorts, bed and breakfast inns, and vacation home and cabin rentals. But that's not all. In addition to lodging, we also offer over 70 nationwide dog-friendly City Guides. From pet-friendly attractions and outdoor restaurants to parks, beaches and even upscale stores, we have quite a variety of places for you and your best friend to visit. Here are just a few examples of dog-friendly places we list in our City Guides:

To view our FREE online travel guide, please look here.

Main Page to Dog Friendly: http://www.dogfriendly.com/

Feline Madness Fun With Your Cats..  

            

 Welcome to Siliconhell - Comedy Poured Over A Bed Of Feline Madness.

Fun Things To Do With Your Cat/Kitten

1. Get a big box (large shoe box etc) and cut different size and shape holes on the top and the side. Put a ball or toy inside. Wait for the cat to jump inside and play to their hearts content.

2.  Sell tape – a) Pull of a stretch of tape and fold it over to make a loop. Stick this on the cats paw. Watch – you may want the video camera for this one! (For variations try to stick a piece of paper, match etc. or something on the top of the tape circle) b) If the cat gets wise to the method described above, leave a large loop of tape on the carpet in a walkway. Some time in the evening the cat will forget and walk over the tape… with the same hilarious results as above. c) Get a beer bottle top (it is not too heavy) and attach it to a loop of tape. Gently throw this at your sleeping cat so it sticks on their side. Watch them jump up and try to remove the offending item

3.  Get a plastic bag from any supermarket and leave on the floor. The cat will crawl inside and start to run around. Our cat puts his head and legs through the handles and runs around. This is a tear educing experience. You must watch the cat to ensure that it does not get trapped and suffocate.

4.  Get a box from the packs of 12 cans of coke, or bottles of beer. Ensure that the box is empty. Leave the box in the cats’ sight. Wait for them to get in the box and then move it around the room. Watch them stick their heads out to watch the journey. They can play in/around the box for ages.

5.  Get a small cat ball with a bell inside. Throw this up the stairs when your cat is in a playful mood. They will run up and down the stairs trying to catch the ball. When the ball is at the bottom of the stairs repeat the action and throw it to the top again. After about 10 minutes of this your cat will be panting – if they have not fallen down the stairs first.

6.  Laser pens – Shine the laser on the wall/floor, up and down the stairs, and, watch your cat going crazy to catch the dot. You must NEVER shine this in your cats’ eyes, as it will damage their eyesight.

7. When using your computer allow your cat to sit on the desk so they can see the screen. Watch as they try to kill the mouse pointer and walk all over the keyboard.

8.  When your cat is near the TV put the snooker on. It seems to hypnotize most cats as they try to hit the snooker balls or just watch the match with a helping paw!

9.  Put a ball on the inside of a plastic laundry basket (the ones with square holes in and a solid base). Watch as your cat and it’s ball run the wall of death around the sides of the basket.

10.  If your cat likes to get inside things like ours – put on the floor and empty box of tissues and watch. (The best boxes to use are the ones with the clear plastic insert.) They stick their head in the opening but usually are not able to get out easily. They will run around the floor bouncing off furniture and other items until you take the box off out of pity or it falls off… Either way it is amusing.

http://www.siliconhell.com/madcat/cathumour/boredcat.htm

Irish Cat Lover Songs...