Pet Ownership

Lesson 3: Nurturing the Bond

The essence of keeping pets is companionship. We enjoy spending quality time with them and they enjoy quality time with us. We have our jobs, families, friends, and hobbies but their only world is us. Close interaction will nurture this bond. In this lesson we will discuss ways to share fun times with them, show them off in competition, and communicate with them.

Fun and Games

Playing together can build a strong friendship. There are many activities that we can enjoy with our pets. Dogs love to go swimming or jogging with us. Toys, tricks and games are options for almost all pets. I’ve even read about iguanas being trained with food to walk up the arm and stand on the shoulder.

Dogs love to chase a ball, fetch a toy, play a game of tug, or a game of “find”. During a game of fetch, you can hide the toy in a nearby and easy to find place and tell the dog to “go find it”. As he is successful, you can increase the difficulty. Dogs enjoy a boisterous game of hide and seek. Go hide behind a tree or bush and call the dog. When he finds you, jump out and give him a hug.

Cats love toys that move. Homemade ones can be just as much fun as bought ones. Balls with bells inside, feathers on a string, or even crumpled paper will be fun for your cat to chase, pounce on and “kill”.

It’s fun to teach your pet tricks. Many people do not know that, with patience, cats can be taught many of the same tricks that dogs can. They can be taught to “sit” in much the same way that dogs are taught. Hold a treat over his head and push his hindquarters down into a sitting position while saying the word “sit”. Then give him the treat and praise him. The key is repetition and patience. Using this trick along with the cat’s natural instincts to reach for something above his head, hold up a food treat and tell him “up”. He will learn to stand for a treat. A trained cat will really impress your friends.

Dogs and cats can be taught to “shake hands”. Have the pet “sit”, and then lift the front paw while saying “shake”. Praise him and give him a treat. After a few times, try giving the command and waiting to see if the pet will lift his paw on his own. If he does, praise him and give him a treat. If not, continue to lift it for him until he catches on.

Cats and dogs alike can be taught to jump through a hoop. Start with the hoop on the floor and have them walk through it for a treat. As they become comfortable with that, raise it slightly off the floor, increasing the height as they become comfortable with each change. As this is mastered, chairs, stools, or costumes can be worked into the ‘act”.

Training a pet involves consistency, patience and respect. Just as you deserve respect, so does he. Pets can have bad days just as humans can and if he seems tired or disinterested, respect that and leave him alone for awhile. Remember, the whole idea is to have fun.

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