Ever wondered just how much your favorite furball might not only enjoy playing but really need it to live a happy life? Join us as we explore the role of play, toys, and enrichment throughout your pet's life, Our special guest, Katherine Kekel is a certified dog trainer, Kong toy enthusiast, and a frontline worker at her local county animal shelter. Her vast experience with various animals and pet owners brings a uniquely insightful perspective to this important conversation.
In this episode, we dive headfirst into the importance of play and toys in our pets' lives and how caring for pets extends beyond just providing food, water, shelter, and the occasional pat on the head. Kat enlightens us on how play serves as an essential tool for cognitive development, stress relief, and curbing problem behaviors in pets. What's more, we navigate the labyrinth of toy selection for our pets, considering factors from texture to type and even how breed identification and experimentation play a vital role.
But hold on; the adventure doesn't stop there! We take a detour to explore the heart-wrenching reasons that lead pet owners to surrender their pets to shelters. With Kat's guidance, we learn how preventive measures, such as play, socialization, and understanding behavioral cues, can drastically improve pet behavior and prevent such situations. We also get some golden tips on navigating dog playgroups and catering to the unique needs of senior pets.
So, whether you're an experienced pet parent or a novice, this enriching discussion promises to deepen your understanding of your pets' needs and help you create a more stimulating, happier environment for them.
Shoutouts in this episode:
KONG Company - and be sure to check out their "KONG Classroom" with videos and webinars all about providing the best life and care for your pets!
Cherokee County Animal Shelter
Learn more about Kat and her training services at: https://www.vonkekelcanine.com/about-us
