Page 21 - FWG Issue 3 April 2024

Animals Matter

WHY PLAYING WITH

YOUR PET IS IMPORTANT

OVER 25 YEARS here can be nothing more fun
than watching animals play,
whether it’s in the wild or in our
OF EXCELLENCE AT Tgardens. It makes us smile and
laugh. No matter what the species, play is
important and makes us feel good. From
CRAWFORD a scientific point of view, humans are
animals, and therefore it makes sense that
animals use play just like we do. When
they feel safe, it allows them to explore
INTERNATIONAL and navigate their environment, hone
their predatory skills, or practice evasive
techniques if they are prey animals.
Like humans, animal play contributes to
coordination, strength, dexterity, and
FOURWAYS physical skills.

Often, if there is a multi-pet household,
animals will get excited at the anticipation
FROM GRADE 0000 – GRADE 7 of an event just like kids do when wanting Photo by Justin Veenema
to go to the beach on a hot summer’s
day. In their excitement they will
spontaneously roughhouse each other as
they go towards the dinner bowl or leash cats (like children) who don’t get enough the mental and physical well-being of all
area. It’s one of the best parts of my day to playtime may become frustrated and creatures, great and small. Have fun!
see my animals get the wind in their tails display destructive behaviour as they do
Reserve your spot for 2024 and play towards the reward. not have an outlet to vent their repressed Scent Game 1
energy. Indeed, all work and no play does 1 x muffin tin, 12 x tennis balls and a few high
Our pets also like to play with us; make Jack a DULL boy! value treats.
unfortunately, some owners shrug this off. Place the treats into a few muffin tin holes
They believe that if their pet has access to a To get started, invest in a cat wand (feathery and cover them with tennis balls.
garden/patio then that’s all they need but stick) for your cat to chase and set up a Put the other tennis balls into the empty
animals need social interaction just like us. scent game for your dog. By allowing our muffin holes.
Our pets benefit greatly when we allocate pets to express what comes naturally to Give the “puzzle” muffin tray to your dog
one-on-one time with them; it relieves our them (predatory maneuvers and the use and watch them search for the treats.
stress and theirs, strengthens the human/ of noses) sets them up for success. Play is When doing the game again, place treats in
animal bond and builds trust. Dogs and an emotional state which contributes to different muffin holes so that the game is not
predictable.

Scent Game 2
Jeanette Furstenburg is a Certified Animal Having your dog use both his eyes and ears
Behaviourist. She holds a Diploma in Companion is first prize!
Animal Behaviour (DipCABT) with distinction and is Take three identical cups and place them
a full member of the COAPE Endorsed Association of upside down on a flat surface.
Applied Pet Behaviourists and Trainers International Place a high value treat under one of the cups.
(CABTi), which is a member of the UK Dog Behaviour Let your dog watch as you switch the cups
and Training Charter 2024 and the International around.
Companion Animal Network (ICAN). In addition, she is Allow your dog to knock the cups over to see
a member of the South African Board for Companion which one contains the treat.
Animal Professionals (SABCAP). Increase the difficulty by waiting for him to
nose (point out) one of the cups, pick up the
For more information call 082 445 8422, cup he has indicated and allow him to take
email: jeanette@animalsmatter.co.za or visit: the treat or realise he has chosen the wrong
www.animalsmatter.co.za one.
Reshuffle and play again.

Fourways Gardens • 19 • April 2024