Darf Blog

Pets’ Bill of Rights

We liked this list so much we got permission to post it from Drs. Fosters and Smith. (Darf  comments follow the list.)

1. We have the right to be full members of your family. We thrive on social interaction, praise, and love.
2. We have the right to stimulation. We need new games, new toys, new experiences, and new smells to be happy.
3. We have the right to regular exercise. Without it, we could become hyper, sluggish… or fat.
4. We have the right to have fun. We enjoy acting like clowns now and then; don’t expect us to be predictable all the time.
5. We have the right to quality health care. Please stay good friends with our vet.
6. We have the right to a good diet. Like some people, we don’t know what’s best for us. We depend on you.
7. We have the right not to be rejected because of your expectations that we be great show dogs or show cats, watchdogs, hunters, or baby-sitters.
8. We have the right to receive proper training. Otherwise, our good relationship could be marred by confusion and strife – and we could become dangerous to ourselves and others.
9. We have the right to guidance and correction based on understanding and compassion, rather than abuse.
10. We have the right to live with dignity… and to die with dignity when the time comes.

Like human babies, pets are helpless and dependent on us.  They are members of our families and we should treat them as such. Items #1, #2, #3, #4, and #8 are why we invented Darf Pet games.

Can My Pet Contract the Swine Flu?

People visit WebMD to see if  their symptoms are serious.  You can do the same for your pet.  PetMD, the pet health authority, helps you determine the seriousness of your pet’s symptoms.

Get your cat to “sit!”

After you have figured out what your cat likes as a reward, lure him into a sit by raising a treat above his head backwards while saying “Sit!”.  Reward him when he does it.

Some cats will automatically sit.  If your cat doesn’t sit, gently maneuver his bottom down while saying “Sit!”  Reward him after he does.

It is very important to train a cat in between naps and, if treats are used as rewards, when he his hungry.

Teach your cat to do tricks!

What reward works with your kitty?

Yes!  You can teach your cat to do tricks!  We’ll describe how to do the tricks in later posts.  Your cat can learn to do tricks if you choose a time and reward that works for your kitty.  If edible rewards are used, choose a time when the cat is hungry.  Also, make sure your cat is well rested.

Before your begin, find out what your cat considers a reward.  Some cats like tuna fish or cat treats.  Some cats like toys or catnip stuffed toys.  Our cats like attention (they don’t respond to treats).

I test my cat to see if she is ready to learn by calling her.  If she comes she’s awake and wants something.