The present invention relates generally to stimulating, encouraging and motivating games and methods of playing regarding pets, e.g. dogs and cats. More particularly, the invention relates to motivational games, toys and methods for interacting with pets and providing exercise at the same time.
There are many types of pet toys on the market that squeak or that can be used in a tug-of-war game between an owner and a dog, or multiple dogs without their owner's interaction. This novel toy is designed to hold 3 tennis balls inside a plush character body which will eject from the mouth of the character when the pet interacts with the toy. The toy also contains a squeaker which further entices the pet to try to obtain whatever it perceives to be a prize.
The novel design of the inventive toy satisfies a dog's instinct to tug and tear at a toy that makes noise in response or contains an object they have to seek to remove from within. Studies have shown that even the most domesticated dog retains an ancestral instinct to actually kill its prey. Enter toys designed to make sounds in response to the dog's “attack”.
The object of the present invention is to motivate and maintain interest of a pet, and also be a durable toy that continues to function after being aggressively used by a pet. Pet owners spend several billion dollars per year on pet toys, and this toy provides great value for the price. Further, the pet owner can interact by throwing the balls for the pet to fetch, and then stuffing them back inside the toy for re-play.
Veterinarians caution pet owners about using the right kind of toy especially when the pet will be left alone for time periods. The toy should be durable, and not contain small pieces easily swallowed, yet still provide that action of having to get the balls out of the toy to play with. The inventive toy meets that criteria as well as providing the stimuli that will keep a dog interested in the toy, and hopefully not so interested in the couch.
The invention most closely corresponds with USPTO Class 119/707 wherein Class 119 relates to animal husbandry and sub-class 707 includes toys.
In its simplest form, the invention relates to a novel toy for pets wherein a plush toy character such as a pig, cow or even a fantasy character such as a dragon has a large mouth opening wherein 3 tennis balls can be stuffed inside and require the pet to get them out. The pet owner can also involve a fetch game and require the pet to bring the balls back for reinserting and the game begins again.
It well known that pets do experience a sense of boredom, and if not addressed, may manifest in negative behavior such as chewing furniture or going to the bathroom in undesirable locations in the pet owner's home. When presented with a toy that makes a high-pitched squeaky noise, many dogs will revert to a stylized version of the shake and kill pattern of their wild ancestors. Having a toy that merely squeaks is a positive step, but having a toy where the dog can actually be rewarded by getting something “out” adds significant stimulation. The dog can continue to play with the balls until its owner re-stuffs the toy and the dog gets to repeat the behavior. It can be appreciated in the art that the balls used with the toy can include balls constructed of different materials such as rubber or plastic and embodiments are not limited to tennis balls.
The invention is described in further detail by reference to six (6) drawings sufficient in detail to describe the invention in which: