Paws and Purrs Abound at Pet Expos

By Suzanne Alicie

If you haven’t ever attended a pet expo, you should make it a point to do so. There are organizations all over the country that host pet expos throughout the year. The world’s largest and most well known is the America’s Family Pet Expo held each spring in Southern California.

So, what exactly is a pet expo?  Basically, it is a showcase for pet products and services all set up in one location for a certain amount of time. But believe me, it’s a lot more exciting than walking through the pet store. Just imagine booths and tables set up, stages and videos all over the place. A pet expo is a pleasurable attack on the senses that is lots of fun for pet lovers of all ages. There are demonstrations of pet products, attractions and competitions as well as helpful and informative representatives from each of the companies involved to answer your questions. Simply put, if you are a dog or cat owner, you should definitely check out a pet expo.

The America’s Family Pet Expo held in Orange County, California on April 15-17 is the biggest and best! Visitors will find not just cat and dog displays but all sorts of pets including birds, rabbits, fish, reptiles and creepy crawlies. Just visiting the expo this year, you’ll see more than 1,000 animals!

CANIDAE is sponsoring the Splash Dogs Dock Diving competition again this year. This popular sport involves dogs jumping from a dock into a large pool, which is then judged for distance. While some of the canine competitors might cover a mere few feet before they splash down into the water, others are exemplary athletes who can sail 20 feet or more.

CANIDAE will also have a consumer booth indoors at the expo, and another booth outdoors near the Splash Dogs event. CANIDAE reps will be on hand to talk to pet owners about proper nutrition and hand out coupons and free samples of their premium quality dog food, cat food and gourmet treats.

There’s something for everyone at the America’s Family Pet Expo, from fun performances to working dog demonstrations and Police K-9 demonstrations. There will be experts on pet feeding, training and grooming who will demonstrate their techniques and even offer tutorials and tips for responsible pet owners. There will also be adoptable pets at the expo, so you can not only pick up a new family member but also learn how to care for your new fluffy friend.

You can learn about decorating aquariums, how to interact with birds, and all about fish and reptiles. Kids, this is your chance to convince Mom and Dad that you need a snake! The parents can get all the information they need to help them make a decision. Once you’ve had your fill of finned, feathered and scaled pets, wander over to check out the cat show, petting zoo, horse demonstrations and pony rides.

The America’s Family Pet Expo is three days jam packed with all things pets. Your whole family will have fun as you explore new gadgets and toys for your pets and learn more about how to make sure your pet is as happy and healthy as he can be. You’ll find fundraisers, raffles, auctions and more to help pet organizations. Learn more about pet expos with Julia Williams and her article about the Michigan Pet Expo, and be sure to stop by the CANIDAE booth to say hello!

If you can’t make it to the America’s Family Pet Expo this year, be sure to check with your vet or local pet store to find out when another pet expo is coming up that you can attend. There’s nothing like wandering through a huge expo filled with pet lovers for a great time.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

A Kitty Cat Trivia Quiz, Just for Fun!

By Julia Williams

If you’re a “cat person” like me (now…don’t go calling me crazy just because I love cats!) then you probably know a lot about them. Test your knowledge of kitty cat trivia with this fun quiz. 

1. Calico cats are almost always:
A. Left pawed
B. Female
C. Friendly
D. Finicky

2. A group of cats is called a:
A. Clowder
B. Pack
C. Hoard
D. Nothing. Cats don’t congregate in groups.

3. Which of these is NOT a well known cat myth or saying?
A. Cats always land on their feet
B. Cats have nine lives
C. It’s raining cats and dogs
D. Don’t throw the cat out with the bath water

4. What is a cat doing when it’s “making biscuits?”
A. Playing with bread dough
B. Training to be a chef
C. Kneading with its paws
D. Auditing for a Food Network show



5: A cat with Pica does which of the following:
A. Measures things
B. Eats strange non-food items like wool, plastic bags and yarn
C. Sheds profusely
D. Hides from strangers

6: What is the scientific name for hair loss in cats?
A. Balding Disorder
B. Minoxidil
C. Alopecia
D. Lymphadenopathy

7. Former “Price is Right” host Bob Barker recently helped rescue:
A. 10 monkeys from a movie set
B. 65 rats from a research facility
C. A three-legged shelter dog
D. 25 circus lions from Bolivia

8. Hemingway Cats are felines that have:
A. Written a best-selling book
B. An abnormally large head
C. A cropped tail
D. Extra toes

9. What is the scientific name for “Fear of Cats?
A. Felineophobia
B. Get-it-away-ophobia
C. Ailurophobia
D. There isn’t one because it’s not a recognized fear.

10. Giving your kitty catnip might cause it to:
A. Be sleepy
B. Be energetic
C. Do nothing
D. All of the above

ANSWERS:

Question 1: B. Female. Calico is not a breed of cat, it’s a three-color pattern. Calico cats are nearly always females, for complicated genetic reasons (just Google it, okay?). About one in 3,000 calico cats are male, and they’re usually sterile.

Question 2:  A. Clowder. And a group of kittens is called a kindle.

Question 3: D. Don’t throw the cat out with the bath water.

Question 4: C. Kneading with its paws. Some call this “making biscuits” because the motion resembles a baker kneading dough. Cats usually knead on a soft surface like a pillow, comforter, another cat, or their favorite human.

Question 5: B. Eats strange non-food items. Dogs and people can have this eating disorder too.

Question 6: C. Alopecia. This term is also used for hair loss in humans.

Question 7: D. 25 circus lions from Bolivia. Animal advocate Barker helped finance the $200,000 bill to bring the lions to a Colorado sanctuary.

Question 8: D. Extra toes. When a cat has more than 18 toes, it's called a “polydactyl,” but nicknames include mitten cats, thumb cats, boxing cats and Hemingway cats. 

Question 9: C. Ailurophobia. “Love of Cats” is called Ailurophilia.

Question 10: D. All of the above. Catnip makes some cats wildly energetic, while others get sleepy. Most kittens under 3 months and some older cats are not affected by the herb at all.

SCORING:

10 Correct: You are a feline fanatic!
7-9 Correct: You must love cats!
3-6 Correct: You like cats, but need to brush up on your feline facts
0-2 Correct: You are a dog person

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Can Computer Games Teach Kids about Pet Care?

By Tamara L. Waters

Computer games have become a way of life for kids and adults alike. When it comes to pet-related games, do any of them actually teach skills or instill learning that will help a kid become a responsible pet owner? My own children have enjoyed computer games that involve caring for pets and while some are silly and useless entertainment, a few can actually introduce responsible pet care to children who have never owned a pet.

Pet Vet 3D: Animal Hospital

With this game, the player becomes a veterinarian who takes care of an assorted variety of animals – from horses and ponies, to cats, dogs, bunnies and even piglets. My daughter really enjoyed this game as she learned facts about the animals “she” was treating, and it piqued her interest to learn more about these animals and their care.

There are other similar computer games that allow the player to “become” a veterinarian and provide care for furry patients. There is Paws & Claws Pet Vet, Paws & Claws Pet Vet 2, Pet Vet 3D: Wild Animal Hospital, and Happy Tails: Animal Shelter which allows you to care for animals and find them a forever home.

Petz 5

This has been a favorite game for my kids. While the pet care obviously isn't realistic, I found that this game helped my kids learn about caring for pets in a fun and easy way. With this game, you choose a pet (a dog or a cat in your choice of breed and color), name it and then set out to play with and care for your pet. The animals in Petz 5 want affection (just like a real pet), need to be fed, played with, and paid attention to. If you don't feed your pet, he or she might run away.

What I found with this game was that while it was mostly for fun and entertainment, it introduced my kids to the concept that pets aren't toys that you just put away or care for when you feel like it. After the first time or two my kids forgot to care for their virtual pets and they ran away, they were more vigilant about making sure they took care of and fed their pets.

Petville

The Facebook game Petville is a game that my nine-year-old daughter enjoyed but it was simply for entertainment purposes. I played it with her several times and found that it wasn't a game that really provided more than that. The care for the pet isn't very realistic and even though a pet will run away if you forget to feed it, you can easily pay to get it back from the pound.

In real life, this isn't how it works. Thankfully, my children have real pets to care for, and they understand that feeding, socializing and regular care is just part of daily life when you have a pet.

How can these computer games help kids learn about responsible pet ownership? I do believe they provide value by introducing kids to the concept of pet care, but all in all, they are just games. Nothing is the same as the actual hands-on care of pets. If you would like an opportunity to teach your children hands-on pet care with real pets, check with your local animal shelter. Many shelters appreciate and need volunteers who are willing to come in and play with the animals, walk them, brush them and provide actual care. This is a better way to help your kids learn about caring for real pets prior to bringing a pet into your home.

Read more by Tamara L. Waters

Fun Songs for Cat Lovers

By Julia Williams

When we posted Fun Songs for Dog Lovers a few weeks ago, some kitties got their knickers twisted because they were feeling left out. How dare we compile a list of must-listen songs about dogs, yet not mention any songs about cats. Well...okay, I lied. Everyone knows kitties don’t wear knickers so they can’t very well get them twisted. But some feline fanatics did want to see a list of cat songs. Never one to deny the kitties their due, herewith I present a few of my favorite songs about cats. Enjoy!

“Kitty Cat Dance” is one of the funniest videos I have ever seen. It’s a compilation of great cat photos and video snippets, accompanied by a “song” that basically consists of “Cat. I'm a kitty cat, and I dance dance dance, and I dance dance dance” followed by “Cat. I'm a kitty cat, and I meow meow meow, and I meow meow meow.” There are quite a few different versions of this song on Youtube, but I think (not 100% sure) the original one was “Kitty Cat Song” by Steve Ibsen. It’s also very amusing, but in my opinion the Kitty Cat Dance video is better. Another version I like is “Cat, I’m a Kitty Cat.” It doesn’t really matter to me who made the first one – they’re all funny, and I laugh my butt off every time I watch them.

“I Love the Cat Life” is another hilarious gem of a song about cats that I like to watch when I need a little laugh pick-me-up. Cat lovers will surely see the humor in the video of the naughty kitty doing things like scratching on the brand new couch. I crack up when the cute cat sings “I make you feed me, when I go Meoooooow, Meow…” and “I love the cat life, cuz’ when it’s raining you make the dog stay out.”


“Psycho Kitty” is a catchy little ditty about cats that anyone who has a “Jekyll & Hyde” feline will appreciate. You know – those cats that are all sweet and innocent one minute and go all nuts on you the next. I think the lyrics were taken from real life because I know a few cats that this fits to a T: “I look like an innocent kitty cat. But let me tell you I can change like that.”

The “Smelly Cat” song from Friends. The character of Phoebe Buffay (played by Lisa Kudrow) wrote and performed this silly song about a smelly yet lovable cat. Yeah, it’s kind of dumb, but it’s funny and it’s a classic, especially for fans of the Friends sitcom.

“What's New Pussycat?” by Tom Jones, was originally released in 1965. This version on Youtube features cute pictures of cats and kittens along with the lyrics, which include “Pussycat, Pussycat, I love you. Yes I do!  You and your pussycat lips! You and your pussycat eyes! You and your pussycat nose!” Catchy song, adorable cats – how could it not completely slay you?

“How I Love My Kitty” is a short, cute song about cats. It’s primarily for kids, but if you love cats, this song will make you smile.

Okay, so this list of fun songs about cats barely scratches the surface of all that are out there. Youtube is a veritable treasure trove of cute cat songs, and one could spend hours watching them while you are actually supposed to be working. Not that anyone I know (cough, cough) would do such a thing!

If you have some favorite songs about cats that I didn’t mention, please give them a meow out in the comments.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Do Dogs and Cats Get Cabin Fever?

By Julia Williams

Around this time every year, the side effects of winter start to take their toll on my household. My three cats and I all become irritable, depressed, bored, restless, frustrated, and just plain ticked off at the world. The bitter cold and knee-deep snow make the outdoors inhospitable, so we hole up indoors. On good days we are able to stay out of mischief; on the darkest days of winter we go stir crazy, which generally results in some sort of bad behavior. What that behavior is varies with the day (and the species), but yes – just like humans, pets can and do get Cabin Fever.

While not an actual disease as the name suggests, Cabin Fever is a state of mind. It’s a claustrophobic reaction brought on by an extended stay in a confined space or a remote, isolated area. Although Cabin Fever is more prevalent in winter, it can occur any time of the year.

Normally well-behaved dogs and cats suffering from Cabin Fever may begin to pick fights with other family pets. They might stare vacantly out the window all day, chew on things they’re not supposed to, or race around the house like something possessed. So what’s a responsible pet owner to do when the weather outside is frightful? Find ways to make being indoors more enjoyable!


Active Play

All dogs need regular exercise and active play. Even though the harsh winter weather might prevent you from taking them out for long walks, runs or playtime at the dog park, they still need to get sufficient exercise for their breed. An indoor tug-of-war session is a great way burn off excess canine energy – and you’ll burn calories too!

Playing hide-and-seek not only keeps your dog moving, but gives him mental stimulation as well. Most dogs quickly learn how to play this game. “Tell your dog to stay (or have someone hold him) and then go hide,” suggests certified dog trainer Robin Bennett. “Once you're hidden, call your dog and let him use his nose to find you.” Other active ways to play with dogs are to create a mini agility course in your basement or playroom, or lay broomsticks over chairs and teach your dog to jump over them.

Cats need exercise and active play too. Keep them fit and stave off Cabin Fever with interactive toys that stimulate their hunting instincts – such as feather wands, kitty “fishing poles” and remote controlled mice. Cats love to climb and scratch, so satisfy both of these natural feline urges by giving them their own cat tree/tower with multiple perches and scratching surfaces. Lastly, you can set up a Feline Agility course in any room with a little extra space.

Mental Stimulation

Winter is a great time to teach your pet some fun tricks. You can invest in a dog training book that gives step-by-step directions for all the basic tricks, but there’s plenty of info online too. We’ve written several “how to” articles about teaching tricks on this blog, including Teach Your Dog to Roll Over, Train Your Dog to Ring a Bell, and Teach Your Cat the High Five Trick.”

Hiding your dog’s favorite toy or some CANIDAE Snap-Bits™ treats around the house will work his mind, which can be just as helpful as physical exercise for combating Cabin Fever. Refresher obedience exercises can also help stimulate his mind. For cats, a window perch with several bird feeders outside will provide lots of stimulating action. Some dogs and cats even enjoy watching Pet Sitter DVDs on your TV.

High Quality Food

Feeding a premium pet food like CANIDAE or FELIDAE won’t “cure” Cabin Fever, but it can certainly help, because good food is the foundation for good health, and a healthy pet is a happier pet. When their nutritional needs are met, our dogs and cats have better digestion, and more vitality and energy.

Extra Attention

One of the simplest things you can do for a dog or cat with Cabin Fever is to spend more time with them. Plenty of grooming, petting, hugging, playtime and just hanging out can help keep the winter doldrums at bay – for both of you!

Get Outside on “Nice” Days

I put “nice” in parentheses because I think the only pleasant thing about winter is that it eventually leads to spring. (Yes, I hate winter!). Nevertheless, on those winter days when the skies are calm and the sun provides a welcome respite to the bitter cold, get your dog outside. You can take a winter hike, go snowshoeing or try skijoring, a fun sport that involves getting pulled along on cross-country skis by an intrepid canine “driver.”

For more great suggestions on how to keep your pets from going stir crazy in winter, check out these articles: How to Deal With Canine Cabin Fever, and Games to Play with Pets on a Cold Winter Day.

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Fun Songs for Dog Lovers

By Tamara L. Waters

Sure you love your dog, but how about go another step and create your own play list of songs that make you think of your canine buddy? Take a listen to these 13 tunes that are about dogs or make you think about dogs – for the dog lover in you.

Atomic Dog - George Clinton. This song will get you and your puppies moving while you get your funk on. You can't sit still when "Atomic Dog" starts playing.

Hound Dog - Elvis Presley. The King of Rock and Roll sang this great cover song, and it's a classic. I'll bet you knew it would be on this list!


Who Let the Dogs Out? - Baha Men. Who can resist this catchy tune that was heard everywhere – and I mean EVERYWHERE – when it was released in 2000. Even if you don't know all the words and verses, I'll bet you know the chorus to this one.

Snoopy vs. the Red Baron - The Royal Guardsmen. This particular doggy song brings back memories for me. As a child in the late seventies, I had an old 45 record of this song that had belonged to my dad and my brother, and I used to listen to it all the time. We definitely knew the song about Snoopy in his Sopwith Camel, fighting that Red Baron!

Puppy Love - Donny Osmond. Yep, it's young Donny Osmond in his pre-pubescent voice singing all about puppy love.

Scooby-Doo Theme Song. What song list for dog lovers would be complete without including the most famous mystery-solving dog's theme song? Scooby-Doo, really, where are you?

I Love My Dog - Cat Stevens. His name might have been Cat, but this singer really loved his dog and he sang this great song which says it all.

How Much is That Doggie in the Window - Patti Page. This song is a classic and may be one of the first songs I learned in grade school music class (complete with barking sound effects!).

Big Dog – Akon. This song, from the Disney movie "The Shaggy Dog," is plenty of fun (and the movie was too!).

The Chihuahua Song. This is just a cute and fun song that I found on YouTube. Even if you don't like these little dogs, you'll get a kick out of the song that goes "Cha cha cha Chihuahua!"

I Think I Might Be a Dog - Daddy a Go Go. This song is a humorous dog's view of life and is full of funny lines and catchy tunes for all ages.

Dog-Gone It Baby I'm in Love - Carl Smith. This country song from 1954 is a catchy tune about being in love with somebody – dog-gone it!

Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone. This song, like "How Much is That Doggie in the Window," was one that I learned early on. I believe I first learned this in a book of nursery rhymes, and there are several versions of the song available on YouTube. Pining for your lost dog – isn't that the way it works with those of us who love dogs? We miss them when they are gone and if they get lost, we anxiously wait for their return.

Create a play list using some of these suggestions, or search and put together your own favorite songs about dogs. You'll howl with pleasure (yeah, I know, really bad pun)!

Photo by Kristina Rogova

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Does Your Dog Watch Television?

By Suzanne Alicie

Have you ever looked at your dog and thought he was watching television? Better yet, have you had music playing and thought for sure that he was listening intently while his tail wagged in time to the beat? Well, you may not be far off base with that thought, but Rover is probably paying attention to the visual and auditory stimulation in a way that is different than the way a human watches TV and listens to music.

Dogs have eyesight that is different from that of humans, so when your dog appears to be watching television, he isn’t exactly seeing the action and the story unfold, but he is seeing the flickering light and hearing the sounds. You’ve probably seen your dog get excited when a dog barks on the television, or whine when there is a high pitched sound. 

Many responsible pet owners who have to leave their dog home alone will leave a television on to provide the dog with “entertainment.” Whether the dog is entertained or not, the television provides the lights and sounds that he is used to when his owners are at home. This may keep the dog from becoming anxious or acting out when he is left alone for a few hours. 

Music doesn’t provide any visual stimulation for your dog, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel the beat or get invigorated by the tempo. Dogs also hear differently than humans and can’t decipher the individual notes and instruments in music. Depending on the pitch, music can also agitate your dog. 

As a dog owner, I have watched my dog while she watches television. While I write she will curl up and watch the TV that I keep on for background noise. Many times she will fall asleep lulled into relaxation by the normal noise and light activity. However, if one of the community warning tests comes on with a high pitched alert sound, she will whine and run under the bed. Some dogs are more sensitive than others and respond more predictably to the sounds of television and music.

Around my house music is not something that our dog enjoys; she doesn’t seem to pay any attention to it other than if there is a high pitched level or a lot of bass. Either of those types of music will send her running. There are some dogs, though, that seem to really enjoy music and react to the beat. Some people actually devote a great deal of time to working with their dogs and music; the sport of Musical Canine Freestyle is quite popular in the United States, Canada, Japan and many other countries.

Each and every dog is unique, and will have his own reaction to visual or auditory stimulation. Play some music or watch television with your dog and see how he reacts. You may be surprised at the sounds and action that get his attention. If you have a dog who gets anxious when you have to leave, consider leaving a television on to provide him with some comforting, everyday sounds and movement that may help him stay calm.

If your dog seems to enjoy watching television, you might want to get him one of the many Pet Sitter DVDs that are available. The Pet Sitter videos are designed to stimulate and entertain pets while the humans are away from home. They have both Cat Sitter DVDs and Dog Sitter DVDs, each with different sights and scenes that play in a continuous loop for all-day entertainment.

Part of being a responsible pet owner is understanding that some things will stimulate, calm, excite or otherwise elicit a response from your pet. This can lead to fun activities if your dog reacts positively to music, or provide a solution to anxiety if the television or music calms and soothes your dog.

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

Fun Indoor Activities for Your Dog

By Suzanne Alicie

Sometimes it is just too cold to be playing outside with your dog, but Fido still needs exercise and entertainment. So what do you do with your dog when you’re confined inside? Anyone who loves dogs knows that there are many ways to interact with your dog indoors, but to actually get some exercise and expend some of his canine energy may require a little more than having him lie on your cold toes to keep them warm. Well, maybe that is just me; my favorite thing about winter is a warm dog to cuddle with! For the rest of the time, here are some indoor activities you and your dog can enjoy together.

Indoor Fetch

A tennis ball or a chew toy can be used in a fun game of indoor fetch with your dog. If you don’t have a lot of room, don’t worry – you aren’t going to actually be throwing the toy. It may take a few times for your dog to understand the game, but once they catch on they’ll be just as eager to play indoors as they are outside. Call your dog and show him the tennis ball or chew toy, then either roll it across the floor or hide it behind you. Your dog will be excited to either chase it across the floor or bound around you to try to get it from you.


Tug of War

Knotted ropes are a great deal of fun for indoor play with your dog, and all you really need is a small area that isn’t cluttered or surrounded with breakables. This helps your dog work off some energy and build up some strength as well as letting him interact with you and have your attention. 

Training

Okay, so training may not sound like a fun time for your dog, or for you. But when your dog is cooped up inside, the one-on-one interaction will keep him from getting bored and adopting a bad habit. Work on a new trick or challenge your dog with some indoor agility training. Try an indoor obstacle course or create a musical canine freestyle routine, and be sure to have plenty of CANIDAE Snap Bits™ treats on hand to reward your pooch for their hard work. There are plenty of training activities you can have fun with when you are indoors with your dog.

It is common knowledge that any time you interact with your dog it’s enjoyable for you and for the dog, but it can be emotionally and physically beneficial for both of you as well. Using your imagination and finding creative ways to interact with your dog will make those cold cooped up days go by much faster. I look at winter about the same way the children in the Cat in the Hat book looked at a rainy day. I can sit around and stare out the window and wish for sunshine, or I can have a lot of fun inside while I wait for spring.

There is still plenty of cuddle time and lots of lazy evenings with a dog lying on my feet or 50 pounds of furry love planting herself in my lap for a belly rub. But I can tell when my dog has had enough lying around and wants to play, and I indulge her with these and other indoor activities. Summer will be here soon enough, and then I can spend an afternoon outdoors tossing a ball for my dog and wishing for my nice air conditioned home. But as a responsible pet owner, I know that in any season it’s important to do what is best for my dog, whether in the heat or cold.

Photo by Michal Osmenda

Read more articles by Suzanne Alicie

K9 Nose Work – a Fun New Sport for Fido!

By Julia Williams

First there was surfing. Then there was Musical Canine Freestyle. The latest sport that really makes me wish I had a dog is K9 Nose Work. I love my cats dearly, but as anyone with kitties knows, there are limits to the fun things you can do with them. The only sport I know of for cats is Feline Agility, and my skittish kitties would not do well in that arena. But if you’re a dog owner, you really ought to look into the relatively new sport of K9 Nose Work.

What is K9 Nose Work?

All dogs have an incredible sense of smell, said to be a thousand times more sensitive than a humans. Whereas we have a mere 5 million olfactory receptors, a dog has more than 220 million, which makes them a natural for scent work.

The exciting sport of K9 Nose Work evolved from the important scent work that detection dogs and professional handlers do, e.g., searching for explosives, drugs and cadavers, tracking, and search and rescue operations. Three Southern California dog trainers started K9 Nose Work (also called fun nose work) to give everyday dog owners a chance to let their canine friends put their impressive sniffers to use while having a good time. K9 Nose Work was designed to develop a dog’s natural scenting ability by utilizing their curiosity, desire to hunt and fondness for toys, food and exercise.

K9 Nose Work is a terrific training activity that helps a dog gain confidence and allows them use their mind and muscles in addition to that amazing sense of smell. Unlike some dog sports, there is very little equipment to buy, and it’s portable since your dog’s nose goes everywhere he does!

The beginner level of K9 Nose Work training encourages dogs to find their toy in a box, and they’re rewarded with the toy, lavish praise and dog treats. Once they master this activity, the toy is hidden in a box among other empty boxes. Training then progresses to locating a hidden scent in more and more difficult locations. These Nose Work “target odors” are made by placing a tiny amount of essential oil (birch, anise or clove) on a cotton swab.

Once the dog finds the target odor, he’s supposed to alert his owner/handler, similar to the way professional detection dogs are trained to do. Some dogs bark, others paw at the container and some sit down and stare at their handler to alert. K9 Nose Work could be considered a “team sport,” because it involves closely observing the dog and knowing him well enough to discern when he's actually found the odor as opposed to a false alert.

Who Can Participate in K9 Nose Work?

Perhaps the greatest thing about this new dog sport is that all breeds, sizes and ages can participate. All dogs have a powerful sense of smell, after all, and can be trained to put it to good use. It isn’t just the typical “detection” breeds who excel at K9 Nose work either – “mutts” compete against German Shepherds, Beagles and Bloodhounds, and it’s anyone’s game to win. Success comes more from consistent training and good handler/dog communication than bloodlines. 

K9 Nose Work is ideal for those who prefer a less physically demanding sport that isn’t populated by overly excited dogs and handlers. Since speed or agility isn’t required, it’s a great low impact sport for older dogs too. Although K9 Nose Work training classes are usually done in groups, only one dog is worked at a time. Consequently, it’s suitable for shy or reactive dogs that might not fare well in a sport involving close proximity to lots of other dogs.

How to Find a K9 Nose Work Instructor

The National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) is the only official sanctioning and organizing body for the sport of K9 Nose Work. The NACSW established guidelines for instructor certification, to ensure that standards of excellence are met when teaching the sport to handler/dog teams. Certified nose work instructors may use the acronym CNWI after their name to indicate they’ve achieved the requirements. A current listing of certified nose work instructors is available on their website.

Getting Started in K9 Nose Work

Currently, K9 Nose Work classes and NACSW-sanctioned trials are only offered in a handful of states, including California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. However, this exciting new dog sport is becoming more popular by the day and additional locations are planned for 2011. You and your dog can also begin to do nose work on your own.

Jill Marie O Brien, one of the founders of K9 Nose Work and a Certified Nose Work instructor, has written several informative articles on the sport, among them, a good guide for beginners with tips on what is needed to get started and the best way to introduce dogs to a more formal nose work routine. I also found another great guide on getting started in K9 Nose Work here.

Doesn’t K9 Nose Work sound like a fun sport? I’m really intrigued by it. All I need now…is a dog!

Read more articles by Julia Williams

Great Quotes Inspired by Cats and Dogs

By Julia Williams

Our pets have inspired many witty sayings over the years. Considering the extraordinary bond many of us forge with our four-legged friends, it should come as no surprise. Pets make us laugh and they make us cry; at times they even make us shake our heads and wonder “why.” Pets are, above all else, a source of great inspiration to me and to so many others. I could fill a book with all of my favorite quotes about cats and dogs. Here are just a few of them. 

Great Cat Quotes

“A kitten is the delight of a household. All day long a comedy is played by this incomparable actor.” - French novelist Champfleury

“It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens.” - Cynthia E. Varnado

“The cat is above all things, a dramatist.” - Margaret Benson

“No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch.” - Leo Dworken
“I had been told that the training procedure with cats was difficult. It's not. Mine had me trained in two days.” - Bill Dana

“Some people own cats and go on to lead normal lives.” - Unknown

“If there were to be a universal sound depicting peace, I would surely vote for the purr.” - Barbara L. Diamond

“Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this.” - Anonymous “I gave an order to a cat, and the cat gave it to its tail.” - Chinese Proverb

“In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats.” - English proverb

 “Most cats, when they are Out want to be In, and vice versa, and often simultaneously.” - Louis F. Camuti, DVM

“I put down my book, The Meaning of Zen, and see the cat smiling into her fur as she delicately combs it with her rough pink tongue. Cat, I would lend you this book to study but it appears you have already read it. She looks up and gives me her full gaze. Don't be ridiculous, she purrs, I wrote it.” - from Miao by Dilys Laing

 “There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast.” - Unknown

“As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat.” - Ellen Perry Berkeley

“Time spent with cats is never wasted. - This quote, by French novelist Colette, is my all-time favorite.

Great Dog Quotes

“The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.” - Anonymous

“The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” - Andy Rooney

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” - Ben Williams

“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” - Roger Caras

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” - Josh Billings

“If your dog is fat, you aren't getting enough exercise.” - Unknown

“You can say any fool thing to a dog, and the dog will give you this look that says, My God, you're right! I NEVER would've thought of that!”- Dave Barry

“Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well.” - from the 1991 book, Old Dogs, Old Friends: Enjoying Your Older Dog, by Bonnie Wilcox

“I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better.” – from the book Troubles with Bird Dogs by George Bird Evans.

“Even the tiniest Poodle or Chihuahua is still a wolf at heart.” - Dorothy Hinshaw Patent in Dogs: The Wolf Within (Understanding Animals)

“To err is human, to forgive, canine.” - Unknown

“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.” – Unknown

“I used to look at [my dog] Smokey and think, If you were a little smarter you could tell me what you were thinking, and he'd look at me like he was saying, If you were a little smarter, I wouldn't have to.”- Fred Jungclaus

 “If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.” - cowboy wisdom

So there you have it, my personal list of favorite quotes inspired by cats and dogs. If you have some great quotes of your own that I’ve not mentioned, please do share them with us!

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Animal Movies for the Holiday Season

By Suzanne Alicie

The holidays are a time when even the most diehard Scrooges are often overcome with a warm fuzzy feeling. There are classic holiday movies that have been favorites for generations, then there are newer holiday movies that are well on their way to joining the established ranks. But when it comes to animal lovers, there are some holiday movies featuring various fuzzy creatures that will always top the list. After all, there’s nothing that will warm your heart like a great family movie featuring your favorite animal. Keep in mind that this list is based upon my personal opinion and includes holiday animal movies that we love to watch at my house.

The #1 Holiday Movie with Animals

Okay, so maybe there aren’t real reindeer with shiny red noses, or even any real reindeer at all in this movie; but Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is a wonderful classic that will tug at your heartstrings as you gather to watch poor Rudolph save Christmas.

The #2 Holiday Movie with Animals

This is a new one we are looking forward to. The Dog Who Saved Christmas Vacation is a sequel to last year’s favorite, The Dog Who Saved Christmas. The new installment debuts on ABC on Sunday, November 28th and features Paris Hilton as the voice of Bella the French poodle, and Mario Lopez as Zeus. We enjoyed the first movie in this series tremendously and are excited to see how the new one stacks up. If you miss the TV showing, the DVD will be released on Amazon in early December.

The #3 Holiday Movie with Animals

Alvin and the Chipmunks may be about a lot of different things – singing chipmunks, the music biz, and a hapless human who hears talking animals – but it also has Christmas. With songs like The 12 Days of Christmas and Christmas Don’t Be Late, you and your kids can sing along as you enjoy the adventures of Alvin, Simon and Theodore.

The #4 Holiday Movie with Animals

101 Dalmatians has always been a favorite – who could resist that many adorable puppies? Apparently Cruella DeVille can. Whether you watch the Disney animated version or the newer version featuring real doggies and Glenn Close, you can be sure the family will enjoy the antics of the Dalmatians and their humans.

The # 5 Holiday Movie with Animals

This one is my personal favorite. A Dog Named Christmas tells the story of a child who convinces his parents to foster a dog over the Christmas holiday. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll find yourself hoping that Todd gets to keep Christmas, even though the agreement with his Dad is that the dog goes back to the shelter on the day after Christmas.

There are several movies I enjoy watching around the holidays featuring animals, that aren’t exactly considered holiday movies. When you watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (which does have a dog, and I suppose the Grinch is some sort of animal) and get in a Dr. Seuss mood you can always watch The Cat in the Hat. Home Alone is a holiday favorite for many, and I’m pretty sure there is a pet tarantula, a bird and possibly a dog in that movie as well.

Heck, it’s your holiday season, you can pick whatever movies make you feel warm and cozy inside. If you feel that the Garfield movies put you in a holiday mood, go for it. Add the fat orange cat and his pal Odie to your holiday must-view list. If you aren’t in a holiday mood, be sure to check out our great lists of movies for dog lovers and cat lovers.

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How to Teach Your Cat the High Five Trick

By Julia Williams

I’ve never been very successful at teaching my cats tricks. It’s not because training cats is impossible – I’ve seen plenty of performing cats in videos and at cat shows to know that felines definitely can learn tricks. My cat training failures stem mostly from a lack of patience and motivation. Since my cats run and hide from nearly everyone who comes to visit us, the payoff of teaching them tricks doesn’t seem worth the effort.

That is, until now. I’ve actually found a cat trick that is pretty easy to teach, most likely because it’s a fairly natural behavior. One of my cats, Rocky, is picking up the High Five trick quickly, and although we’re not at the “perform on command for your friends” stage, I’m betting it won’t be long. Of course, then I will have to find a way to keep Rocky from hiding under the bed when people come over.

If you want to teach your cat the High Five trick, keep reading for my step-by-step instructions. But before you actually start your cat training, make sure you have plenty of their favorite treats on hand. Cats are not usually motivated by praise, but most are quite motivated by food, especially if it’s something they love. So keep the cat treats handy, because you’re going to need them.

Step One: Take your cat and the treats into a quiet room where the two of you can practice without distractions.

Step Two: Have your cat sit in front of you on the floor or the bed.

Step Three: Hold one of the treats in your hand. Let your cat know you have the treat and allow them to sniff it.

Step Four: Slowly move your hand with the treat back and forth, above your cat’s head. If they get up on their hind legs or try to grab the treat with their paw, just move them back into a sitting position and try again.

Step Five: Hold your hand with the treat off to one side above your cat’s head to encourage them to touch your hand with just one paw. If your cat reaches for your hand and touches it with their paw, say “yes” and give them the treat. If they use their claws or mouth, pull your hand away and try again.

Step Six: Repeat step five several times. Next, make the same motion but without a treat in your hand. When you are able to get your cat to touch your hand, say “yes” and give them a treat you’ve stashed somewhere nearby.

Step Seven: Practice step six several times. Next, place your open palm in the same place above your cat’s head. Say “high five” if they touch your hand with their paw, and then reward them with a treat.

Step Eight: Repeat the entire sequence a few times each day until your cat learns the High Five trick. Just like people, every cat is an individual and they don’t all learn at the same rate. Some cats might pick it up with just a few training sessions, and others might take weeks. Be patient!

Tips for Teaching Your Cat the High Five Trick:

● Make sure your cat’s nails are kept trimmed for training.

● Keep the training sessions short and try to make them fun.

● If your cat becomes agitated during training, stop and try again later.

● Schedule the training sessions before mealtimes so your cat will be more motivated to get the treat.

If you decide to teach your cat the High Five trick, let me know how it works out! In the meantime, I’ll be working on Rocky to get him up to speed. Then I can work on teaching him to stay in the room when company comes over.

Photo by Michaela Kobyakov

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Simple Dog-Inspired Crafts to Make

By Tamara L. Waters

Are you a dog lover, or know someone who is “doggone crazy” about their canine friend? Whether you are looking to decorate your own home with man's best friend or you want a cute gift for someone else, homemade dog crafts are a great way to show your personality and creativity. If you have kids in the house, they will enjoy making some doggy crafts just for fun. Check out a few of these dog-inspired crafts, and get busy!

Toilet Paper Tube Doggy

Recycle an empty toilet paper tube into a simple craft little ones can make. The website dltk-kids.com has great printable templates for toilet paper tube dogs. These are simple to make and always a hit with the kids.

Clothespin Dog

Use a tongue depressor craft stick and two spring-loaded clothespins to create your own little doggy. Clip the clothespins to the tongue depressor, one on each end to start. One clothespin should be more toward the middle instead of directly at the end of the tongue depressor. This end part of the tongue depressor will become the dog's head.  The clothespins will be your dog's legs and the tongue depressor will be the body.

Once you have assembled the body you can create the rest of the dog. It is really your own choice. You can paint the whole dog or just the head, tail and clothespin legs, then add felt to create a "fluffy" body. Cut a felt piece to wrap over the body and the tops of the clothespins and glue into place. Add any other decorative features (collar, etc.) and this little guy can sit on a desk or a dresser.

Juice Lid Doggy Magnet
This fun craft combines recycling (hang on to those metal juice lids!) and dogs for an easy craft. First, collect what you will need: a juice lid, wiggly eyes, pom poms, black or brown felt, craft glue, adhesive magnet, scissors, and creativity.

Start by cutting two ears from the felt. Make the ears however long or short you prefer.  I chose to make my doggy ears long and floppy. Next, glue the components of the face onto the lid. You will need two black or brown pom poms (about 3 mm), one red pom pom (about 1 mm) and one black, brown or pink pom pom for a nose (about 1 mm). Position the wiggly eyes (these can be any size) toward the top of the lid and glue into place. The black or brown 3 mm pom poms will become the dog's muzzle, the 1 mm red pom pom will be the dog's tongue (positioned under the muzzle) and the 1 mm pink, black or brown pom pom will go at the top of the muzzle.

After you glue the face, glue the ears into place and add a magnet to the back. There are some variations you can do with this doggy craft. Cut a circle from white felt to glue inside the lid, then glue the face on to create a more interesting look. You can also tie a piece of ribbon into a bow (add a small jingle bell to the ribbon) then glue into place underneath the dog's tongue. To create a girly dog, tie a small bow and glue into place over one ear. These are cute and easy for all ages to make.

Check Your Local Library or Bookstore

Make a stop by your local library or favorite bookstore for a book on dog-inspired crafts. I found this particular book on Amazon that would be worth a look, "The Dog Lover's Book of Crafts: 50 Home Decorations that Celebrate Man's Best Friend" by Jennifer Quasha. I also found "Dog Crafts (Kids Can Do It)" by Linda Hendry. Check them out for more great dog-inspired craft ideas.

Top Photo: Toilet Paper Tube Doggy, dltk-kids.com
Bottom Photo: Juice Lid Doggy, Tamara L. Waters

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Cute Cat Crafts to Make

By Tamara L. Waters

Meow! Cats inspire more than just cartoons and humor, they can inspire crafts too. If you are a cat fan or know someone who is, try out a few homemade projects to decorate your home or give as gifts. If you have kids, they will also enjoy these kitty cat crafts on a rainy day or to bust some boredom.

Printable Cat Crafts for Kids

For young children, printable paper crafts are fun and easy to do. Whether you are looking for templates to create toilet paper tube kitties, cross stitch patterns or other simple cat crafts, this website has lots of them. This is my favorite go-to site for simple crafts for the kids.

Kitty Treat Jar

Save a plastic peanut butter jar with lid to create a cute kitty treat container. Wash the jar out thoroughly. Use felt to cut out cat eyes, nose, mouth and ears. Glue them onto the jar to create a cat face. Be sure you don't glue anything in such a way as to obstruct the lid. Store your kitty treats in the jar.

Assorted Cat Crafts

I found a great website that offers a variety of cute crafts: daniellesplace.com has cat-inspired crafts that are fun to make and appeal to all ages. From a decorated tuna can food bowl to placemats for feeding your kitty on, to simple paper plate crafts and more, you can find it here. There are step-by-step instructions and links, and it is definitely a craft site worth checking out. About.com also has a listing of assorted cat crafts and links to websites featuring cat crafts.

Cat Face Luminary

For this craft you will need craft paint, slick puff paints, clear spray paint (to seal the paints), a glass jar and a candle (a battery operated tea light will be safest).

Start by making sure the jar is clean and dry. Use the puff paints to create a cat's face on one side of the jar. Leave parts of the face open (the mouth, the eyes) to allow the candle to shine through. Paint and decorate the rest of the jar so it looks like a cat. Use a fine-tipped paint brush and black paint to create whiskers. After all of the paint has dried, take the jar outside and spray the outside with clear spray paint to seal it. Allow the jar to dry thoroughly, add a candle and you've got a unique decoration!

Sock Mouse Toy

This craft is more for your kitty than for you, but you will benefit from the fun of watching your kitty play. Cut the toe end off of a sock – any color will do. Put a jingle bell and a bit of crinkly cellophane (or use a piece of a grocery bag – you know, the noisy kind) in the sock piece. If you have catnip, add some of it.  Sew up the sock piece then sew a length of yarn for a tail onto one end. Tie another jingle bell onto the end of the tail. For a variation, use a pipe cleaner instead of yarn (you might have to attach it by pushing it through the sock material then twisting it back onto itself). My cats seem to adore pipe cleaners. Don't forget the jingle bell on the “tail.”

Books

There are lots of books that offer instructions for fun cat crafts. I checked Amazon.com and found "Cat Crafts (Kids Can Do It)" by Linda Hembry, "Cat Crafts: More than 50 Purrrfect Projects" by Dawn Cusick, and "Sassy Cats: Purr-fect Craft Projects" by Sheila Haynes Rauen. Browse through your local bookstore or library to see what is available, and enjoy your crafting fun!

Photos:  paper plate cat crafts, daniellesplace.com

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Use Interactive Dog Toys to Beat Boredom

By Linda Cole

A bored dog can become a destructive pet when he's left alone. Leaving your dog with his favorite toys can help him pass the time. Better yet, provide some interactive dog toys that give him something to do – they will challenge him to think and “problem solve” to get what he wants. An active and focused mind means your furniture, shoes and household items won’t get destroyed when you're away from home.

Some dogs are just fine when no one is home; they entertain themselves by sleeping all day. Other dogs want more action in their life whether anyone's home or not. They spend the day chewing, barking, shredding and any other activity they can find to entertain themselves. The problem with letting a dog find something to do on his own is that he ends up getting in trouble once his owner gets home.

Dog toys have come a long way from the simple squeaky toys and rawhide chews that most canines quickly grow tired of. After all, there’s only so many times can you squeak a toy before it gets boring, and once the rawhide chew is gone, it's back to mischief making. If your dog needs something to do to keep him out of trouble, consider toys that can stimulate him and give him something to focus on. What you need are interactive dog toys that require your dog to think if he wants to get to the treat.

Wooden dog puzzles come in a variety of skill levels that can give your dog hours of stimulating problem solving to get to the treats hidden inside. They have to figure out how to slide blocks or pegs to find what they're looking for. Some are harder than others, but all of these dog toys challenge the smartest dogs. One of the harder dog puzzles has four layers that spin. The dog has to rotate the layers to get to pockets that hold his favorite CANIDAE® treat.

For dogs who inhale their food, you might want to consider an interactive dog bowl that's designed to slow down how fast they eat. Dogs who wolf down their supper can have digestive problems, and certain dog breeds have a higher risk of developing bloat if they eat too fast. The interactive dog bowl slows down their eating by making them work for their supper in a fun way that stimulates their mind. It also helps your dog learn good eating habits by teaching him to not inhale his food. You can use the interactive dog bowl for treats instead of dog food to keep him entertained and stimulated when you're gone.

Interactive dog toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All of them require the dog to use his brain to get to the hidden treats. They are designed to hold up to the dog who likes to chew – but why chew on the outside when there's a treat inside? Figuring how to get the treat out is stimulating and satisfying.

You can also find interactive chew toys for dogs. They can give your dog hours of entertainment as they push, chew, tug or pull on the toy to get the treat. Some are designed to make the dog roll the toy around to get the treats to fall out. Others have the treat in plain sight and the dog has to figure out how to get the food prize out of a pouch. For more on chew toys, read “The Best Chew Toys for Dogs.”

Treat toys are an excellent way to provide a game of hide-and-seek dog for your dog while you're away. Fill three or four toys with CANIDAE Snap-Bits™ treats and hide them around the house where he can easily find them. When he's finished with one toy, he can search for another one, which helps keep his mind focused on the treats instead of the temptation to destroy your couch cushions.

When buying an interactive treat toy for your dog, make sure to get the appropriate size for them. You can even get one for your cat! Puzzle dog toys and interactive games are designed so any size dog can work the pegs or twists and turns they have to maneuver through to get to the treats. If you have a dog who gets into mischief every time you leave the house, providing him with an interactive dog toy can help him beat the boredom of being left alone.

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Nine Ways to Make Your Pet Happy

By Julia Williams

Many people adore their pets (really, how could you NOT adore them?) and some even treat them “like children.” As a self-described Cat Lady myself, I see nothing wrong with that. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that I live for my cats, or even that I live for their happiness – and yet, I wouldn’t dream of having them in my life if I couldn’t do things that brought them joy. They may not grin wide enough to eat a banana sideways, but they have a pretty good life. Here are some ways you can make your pet happy.

Feed Them a High Quality Food

Good food is the cornerstone of great health, and a healthy pet is a happy pet. Like us, our pets are energetic and in high spirits when they’re healthy. “We are what we eat” may be a cliché, but it’s the truth. Junk food is just that! Premium quality pet food like CANIDAE and FELIDAE, on the other hand, provides your four-legged friend with all of the nutrients they need for optimum health.

Spend Quality Time with Your Pet

Take time to play, each and every day. Pets don't understand “I’m too busy to play with you,” or “I had a grueling day at work and I’m beat.” They’ve been lying around the house all day with nothing to do, and YOU are the bright spot in their otherwise uneventful day. Even if all you can spare is five or ten minutes, it’s time well spent because those precious minutes will make your pet happy.

Groom Your Pet Often

Like playtime, grooming is something that most pets love. Regular brushing doesn't just make Fido or Fluffy look pretty and feel good, though. Routine grooming also helps prevent skin and coat problems, enables you to detect problems in their early stages, and strengthens the bond between you and your pet. (See Basic Dog Grooming for more information).

Give Healthy Treats Once in Awhile

If your pets are anything like mine, it’s easy to see how ecstatic they get when the treats come out. Wildly wagging tails, excited barks, loud meows and nonstop purring communicate the message quite clearly. I’m still waiting for FELIDAE to make cat treats, but CANIDAE offers two natural and nutritious treats for dogs: the bite-sized Snap-Bits™ and their larger cousin, Snap Biscuit® treats.

Take Your Pet to the Vet

Now, I know what you’re thinking – how can vet visits make my pet happy? It’s true that many cats and dogs don't relish a trip to the vet. My cats wail so loud in the car (and more embarrassingly, in the vet’s waiting room) that it sounds like some sort of medieval kitty torture is taking place. Nevertheless, keeping their bodies healthy is an important part of responsible pet ownership, and like I said earlier, healthy pets are happy pets.

Tell Fleas & Ticks to Take a Hike

These pesky critters can cause intense itching that makes your dog or cat miserable. Some pets are so sensitive that a single flea bite can create a condition called “flea allergy dermatitis” which causes them to scratch and bite at their skin nonstop. Staying vigilant in the fight against fleas and ticks can help keep your pet happily itch free.

Stimulate Their Minds

Everyone knows how important regular exercise is for their pet, but did you know that mental stimulation is just as essential? Teach your pet tricks (yes, even cats can learn tricks!), participate in dog agility or feline agility competitions, or introduce your dog to fun sports like dock diving, flyball and lure coursing. If pets are left alone all day, buy them a couple of those “pet sitter” videos that play continuously on the TV. 

Talk to Your Pet

You don’t have to believe that your pet actually understands your words to see the value in talking to your pet. Our words have the power to calm, to motivate and to help our pets feel loved. I watched a very touching Youtube video titled “A Dog’s Wish” that said it best: speak to me often, for your voice is the sweetest music.

Do What They Love

This is perhaps one of the easiest ways to make your pet happy. Every animal is a unique being with individual likes and dislikes. It’s up to you to get to know them well, so that you understand what it is they love most – be it belly rubs, ear scratches, petting, being hugged, or sitting quietly on your lap. Do what makes them happy, and they’ll give you unconditional love in return. The “Dog’s Wish” video had another quote I love: treat me kindly my beloved friend, for no heart on earth is more grateful for kindness than ours.

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Fun Fall Activities for Your Dog

By Suzanne Alicie

You know how much you enjoy it when the days begin to cool down after a hot summer? Well your dog enjoys that as well. With cooler temperatures, your dog will have more energy and more stamina for being outdoors and enjoying fun fall activities. There are a few activities that are specific to the fall season that your dog will love.

Football - Your dog probably won’t do well with a regular football, but you can use a foam football or even a doggie sized football to take your dog out and play a great game of catch, fetch and tackle (be careful tackling, of course). Larger dogs especially enjoy the rough and tumble fun and exercise of a fall game of football.

Hiking - Once the days cool down, taking a hike with your dog is a lot less challenging for him than it is during the heat of summer. Choose a hiking trail where you and your dog can wander for a few hours and you’ll see just how much he enjoys all that sniffing and exploring, when it is cool enough to do so comfortably. Be sure to bring along your favorite snack, some bottled water, and a few CANIDAE Snap-Bits™ treats for your pooch. For more information on fall hikes, check out The Benefits of Hiking with Your Dog.

Lawn Care - Yes, I know dogs aren’t exactly great for your lawn, but when it comes to having fun they are wonderful for running through your raked up leaf piles. Be sure your dog has been treated for fleas and ticks, then let him have a ball playing in the yard.

Doggie “Play Dates” - If you have a social dog, fall is the ideal time for playing with other dogs at the park. The weather is cool enough for the dogs to enjoy themselves without becoming overheated or too tired. They will play for a much longer time and will also rest much better when they get back home.

Fun fall activities for your dog generally include anything that will get him out of the house and into the great outdoors to act like a dog. If you have a fenced yard and can simply let your dog run and play, you will see a great improvement in his health and in his behavior when he is allowed to run off some of his excess energy.

The fall is essentially the perfect time to be a dog. It’s not too hot and not too cold, the air is brisk and fresh and people want to spend more time outdoors. This means that Fido gets to go along and have fun more often as well. After all, we all know how miserable it can be to have a panting, slobbering hot dog cooped up in the car during the heat of the summer – fall is ideal for rolling down the windows and letting your dog’s ears flap in the wind. He will love it!

For responsible pet owners, the advent of a new season is also a reminder to take care of seasonal treatments like flea and tick medication, grooming, and checkups. I always try to do these things every 3-4 months, and season changes are my reminder. A clean, protected and healthy dog is ready for the coming cold weather.

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