Play music and dance in front of your dog. Encourage him to be silly and move a lot, it will burn the dog's energy and he will be calmer in the house
Have your cat chase feathers on a string ora battery operated mouse. Your cat will play in a predatory manner with his toys and will be less likely to play rough with you.
I will take my dog to a park once a week for play, exercise, and training.
Take your dog to a park that is not crowded, put him on a fifteen/twenty foot leash and throw a ball or frisbee for him. When he catches it, call him to you and give him a treat. When he lets go to get the treat, throw the toy again. He will learn that it's fun and he gets good things when he comes when called. This will motivate him to drop items he shouldn't have when you ask.
I will teach my cat a trick like jumping through a hoola hoop or to sit.
Your cats can learn basic cues and tricks just like dogs can. Teach your cat something fun. He will be better behaved because of it.
I will play with my rabbit, gerbil, hamster every day.
Our small mammal friends like to get out of their cages and play too. If you have a rabbit watch him run and jump through your living room. Put your hamster or gerbil in a "hamster ball"and let him roll through the house. Make sure that you put your dog or cat in another room before you let your little guy out. You will enjoy your pet more and he will be happier.
These are just some ideas to get started. The Houston SPCA can help teach your animals through our training classes and trick classes for dogs. The Houston SPCA is the only shelter in the greater Gulf Coast region with a university-trained animal behavior specialist on staff who can work one on one with your family and your pets. For more information call 713.869.7722 x187. Make this New Year a fun, motivating and exciting time for your pet!
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