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 and learning thought treat reward at the same time.
There are many types of pet toys on the market that squeak or dispense treats in a fairly simple fashion. This novel toy is a round clear plastic ball with circular maze pieces affixed inside the clear outer ball wherein holes in the maze pieces allow a treat filled tennis balls to travel through the holes therein and ultimately have the pet release the ball through any hole and retrieve a tennis ball with treats inside. The toy also contains a giggle apparatus which is heat sealed to the mase pieces and will make a “giggling” sound which further entices the pet to try to obtain whatever it perceives to be a prize.
Two maze pieces are arranged on an x axis and heat welded to one another so they may roll about inside the clear shell, but will remain affixed to one another on that x axis.
The object of the present invention is to motivate and maintain interest of a pet, as well as challenge the pet's memory skills in terms of recalling how and where it obtained the treats in this toy from.
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 clear ball allows a pet to see structure within as well as smell treats that may be inside the tennis balls which were inserted. Two maze pieces are welded together on an x axis and contain holes for tennis balls to travel through upon manipulation of the toy by the pet. The movement has to be just right to allow gravity to release a tennis ball from a hole in the outer ball shell.
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.
The invention is described in further detail by reference to eight (8) drawings sufficient in detail to describe the invention in which: