Games People Play by Cynthia Gallagher



	Games People Play Unique Alternatives to Playing Fetch on Those Dog Day Afternoons . . . by Cynthia Gallagher Join the PetCorner Discussion Group

	Anyone who thinks dog ownership is easier than child rearing obviously never had to entertain two energetic boxers cooped up inside on a rainy day. For a breed that loves to run and frolic, high-speed chases around the sectional sofa hold their interest only so long. Made a desperate woman by two pairs of plaintive brown eyes, I thought back to the favorite games of my own childhood. The surprising results are guaranteed to wear out even the most active dogs, rain and/or shine. Soap Bubbles A bargain at twice the price, a bottle of non-toxic bubbles is a safe, mess-free indoor activity especially suited to born jumpers. Our fawn boxer, Paige, burns off her pent-up energy by springing straight up to annihilate every last bubble emitted from the Magic Wand. Outdoors, slight breezes only intensify the fun. But not all dogs may find chasing and eating soap bubbles their idea of a good time. Brooke, our brindle boxer, prefers to sit and watch her manic sister in action. But for the bubbles enthusiast, this activity is a fabulous workout. Balloons Another indoor favorite, balloon volleyball is a lively game dogs and owners can play together. Mere humans must bat the balloon around with their hands, but dogs love jumping up to bounce it off their noses high into the air. The favored arena for this game is a high-ceilinged, carpeted area, otherwise you'll end up on a stool wiping slobber off the ceiling, and crying when you find out how much it will cost to have the hardwood floor refinished. More importantly, be sure that you, not your dogs, are the one to decide when it's time to call it quits. Wait for them to decide, and your first clue will be when one of them pauses to casually vomit and gets right back in the game. Inflating the balloon just right is crucial. Blow it up enough so that it sails easily through the air, but not so taut that it will explode at the slightest pressure. This will lengthen the life of the game when dogs corner a grounded balloon. On a serious note, when teeth (theirs, not yours) or claws (yours, not theirs) burst the balloon, as they inevitably will, vigilance is paramount. Retrieve balloon pieces quickly, before Fido has a chance to swallow any. Ingested balloons can pose serious health threats, so if your dog beats you to the punch and eats them, consult your veterinarian immediately. Tug of War It's been said that this game can encourage your dog to challenge your authority. I have never found this to be a problem. From day one, it was clear who ruled this roost: the dogs. Once that is established, tug of war with a sturdy dog rope intended for this purpose becomes a good isometric workout for dogs and humans alike. This can prove helpful on days when you can't get to the gym. But since I was unwilling to promote doggy orthodontia, tug of war was put off until all puppy teeth were replaced by their adult counterparts. Soccer Save this vigorous game for a large roomy basement (or the great outdoors), and team up with or against your dogs. If you decide to play humans versus dogs, be warned: they can do a few things you can't, like pick up the ball in their mouth, run really fast, and play great defense (body blocks mean nothing to them). Conversely, we have a few advantages of our own: we can be our own referees, we're much better at passing, and since dogs use their mouths, we can use our hands. Hey, it's our game, our rules! Remote Control Cars Dogs love to chase anything that moves, and this toy is always a pack pleaser. They seem to love the challenge of keeping up with abrupt direction changes. Remote control cars work well indoors on a tile floor but have more potential outside in a confined section of the driveway or street. A relatively pricey toy, this form of dog entertainment is more expensive than the others, but you can always take Fido for a walk just as little Billy next door brings his car out for a spin in your cul-de-sac -- and be prepared to replace it if it's totaled! So the next time your Best Friend looks at you with those please-play-with-me eyes, don't just reach for the nearest tennis ball. Recapture your "inner child" and let your dog enjoy the games people play! Emma’s Peanut Butter Biscotti by Emma Spataro I just love baking Biscotti in the kitchen! Of course Eva has to help me open the refrigerator and turn the knobs on the stove. Anyway, I thought this recipe is really tasty and is great for a midnight snack! Meet the Author Deb Wood author of "Help for Your Shy Dog" hosted by Evamarie Spataro see the interview, FREE excerpt, breed profile & coloring page She spent two years researching scientific information about shyness, speaking with trainers and behaviorists, and talking with people who own shy dogs. She has created a practical "how to" guide to give owners of shy dogs the tools to help their dogs blossom. Get the tips on how to pick a dog and even deal with the "shy dog." Also see the breed profile for the author's dog, the Papillon with a fun coloring sheet too!!		Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats *more* Dog books *more* Dog training books The Basset Hound Owner's Survival Guide *more* Dog books *more* Animal books FREE Breed Profiles The Art of Raising a Puppy *more* Dog books *more* Dog training books How to Choose a Puppy Puppy Training

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	Cindy Gallagher is a freelance writer who lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband, Kevin, and boxers, Paige and Brooke. Her house is part tastefully decorated home/part shrine to the dogs in her life, past and present.