Animal Companions
Make play time with your pet a priority

Not so long ago, you were crazy about each other. If it seems like you’re spending less time together, then turn that scenario around. Put your relationship back at the top of your priority list. Recapture the thrill of being together with your best friend — your pet!

Start small . . . pledge 10 minutes a day to play with your pet.

Taking your pet for a walk may take some planning, but it's worth it. Rob Nishida and Jasmine enjoyed this "walk" in the park. Stan Wright for the Hawaiian Humane Society

Instant fun

Presenting a new toy to your animal companion is good, but playing along is best. The hot toy for cats is the mechanical "mouse," which looks like a futuristic version of your computer mouse. A tap of the paw sends the toy zig-zagging in many directions with eyes flashing. Fifteen seconds later it stops, taunting the cat to tap it again. For extra excitement, put the mouse toy in a paper bag or under a blanket.

Treat-holding toys are favorites of the canine set. A new "treats and chuckles" ball is meant to be enjoyed while supervised. Put kibble inside the ball and adjust the holes for how fast the treats will be dispensed.

Then play an interactive game of fetch that is guaranteed to keep your pooch entertained. The ball "laughs" and treats fall out to provide another reward. Not meant as a chew toy, the ball should be removed when playtime is over.

Birds need mental stimulation from bird toys and accessories. Toys can also help in maintaining the beak and nails at their proper length.

Try adding the multicolored wooden lifesaver-style rings that hang on a vertical wooden dowel. The bell at the bottom adds audible fun. Be sure any new toys added to the bird cage are appropriate and don’t contain plastic or small parts that can be ingested.

Guinea pigs, mice and rabbits enjoy the challenge of a homemade maze to enjoy while supervised. Construct your own maze out of cardboard tubes, containers and empty tissue boxes on a base of spread-out newspapers. Use treats to entice them to go through the maze.

Even fish can have more fun when you pay attention to them. Try adding something new to their tank.

Hit the trail

Go outdoors with your pet. Whether you want to tote your terrier or carry your kitty, use a colorful cotton pet carrier on your adventure. The open backpack-like style holds your pet securely on your chest. The animal faces out and sees everything you see. Choose the carrier that matches your pet’s weight and size, then take a test-walk around the neighborhood to see how your passenger reacts. When your pet is comfortable, go to the park or take a hike, remembering that the extra weight might slow you down a bit.

Hook up the leash to your dog and you’ll both enjoy the exercise of a walk around your neighborhood. There are many parks across the island where dogs on leash are welcome. Total freedom for socialized dogs is a trip to O‘ahu’s two off-leash dog parks, McInerny Dog Park at the Humane Society and Bark Park at

Diamond Head Road and 18th Avenue. Be prepared to pick up after your dog and bring an old towel to clean muddy paws.

Learn something new

Check out a new magazine or book about your pet. Search the Internet for the answer to a pet question that’s been bugging you. Sometimes just understanding your pet better will bring you closer together. Your research will help you discover how to connect better with your pet.

Obedient animals

Taking classes with your dog is an excellent way to gain your animal’s trust. Sometimes people learn as much as the dogs - newfound insights bring the dog closer to the family. The dog is a better-behaved companion and therefore goes more places and has more fun.

Training should always be done by using positive reinforcement; in other words, give treats and praise when your dog does something right. Scolding or hitting your dog for bad behavior will not correct the behavior and will make your dog afraid of you and other people. The training classes are inexpensive and held in many different locations.

Once your dog has mastered the obedience classes, try graduating to the other programs offered by some training clubs, such as agility courses, tracking and scenting and such. Or consider showing your pet; the magazine Ilio & Popoki has a list of upcoming shows along with the results of past events.

Training clubs

Some choices for dog training on O‘ahu. Check with your veterinarian or pet store.

Art’s Obedience Club, 239-8138
Ho‘olaka Training, 263-6076
Leeward Training Club of Hawai‘i Inc., 674-8792
Obedience Training Club of Hawai‘i, 456-9565
Prime Time Pets, 737-1259
Progressive Dog Training Inc., 488-9471
Sirius Puppy Training, 732-0258

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