Abstract: A toy apparatus for a horse to play with when kept in a stall of a stable. The toy apparatus includes an elongated rod member, a base frame member to support the elongated rod member on the stall, and a connection system to pivotally connect the elongated rod member to the base frame member in a manner such that, when the toy apparatus is in an installation position on the stall, the elongated rod member is to project into the stall for engagement by the horse which causes the elongated rod member to pivot relative to the base frame member.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making a training aid for detecting a biohazard, and related devices and methods of using the device, including a canine training aid. The devices are made by positioning a polymer layer in proximity and physically separated from a biological material, so that volatile organic compounds contact and bind or infuse the polymer layer. The device is made render-safe by inactivating the infused polymer layer, such as by heating to a temperature sufficient to inactivate biological agents on or in the analyte-infused polymer layer. The device can be stored in a substantially air-tight configuration for subsequent use in training, such as canine and/or or artificial detectors.

Abstract: Scratching apparatus 1 comprising a plurality of scratchable sacrificial elements 7 that can be assembled together to form a tower 5, and a base 3 having a first surface on which the tower 5 can be mounted so that the tower 5 is generally upstanding from the base 3 when the apparatus 1 is in use.

Abstract: A destruction-resistant pet toy for a canine includes a main body for biting, grasping, or playing by the canine with its mouth; an attractant for attracting the canine, the attractant includes a scent source for emitting a scent; a cavity disposed in the main body for holding the attractant; and a plurality of scent passages for passing the scent to the canine, each scent passage having a first end at the cavity and a second end at an exterior surface of the main body. The destruction-resistant pet toy further includes an access channel for passing the attractant to the cavity, the access channel extending from an exterior surface of the main body to the cavity.

Abstract: A scented insert for use with an animal training aid, toy or device, the insert comprising a substrate having, a microencapsulated scented material thereon, and/or therein, and either one or both of: a substantially scent impermeable coating, wherein the coating substantially prevents release of a scent from the scented material; and at least one detent for engaging with a cognate protrusion or depression of a carrier for the insert.

Abstract: A cat toy includes a hollow structure and a clump of material disposed within the hollow structure. The clump of material includes cat attractant material. The hollow structure has at least one opening configured to release an aroma of the cat attractant material outside of the hollow structure and to maintain the clump of material entrapped within the hollow structure.

Abstract: An animal toy includes a generally spherical center portion having an opening, a slidable door configured to close the opening, and a plurality of flexible legs. The slidable door is configured to frictionally fit within open such that the door is capable of being in an open position, a closed position and a partially opened position. Each of the plurality legs includes an arcuate portion so as to at least partially surround the generally spherical center portion.

Abstract: An animal toy includes an elongated body portion having a first end and a second end. A first wheel is disposed on a first rotating member adjacent the first end, the first rotating member extending in a first direction, the first wheel having a first opening disposed in the first direction. A second wheel is disposed on a second rotating member adjacent the second end, the second axle extending in a second axial direction, the second wheel having a second opening disposed in the second direction. A first electric motor is configured to drive the first wheel. The second electric motor is configured to drive second wheel independently. A controller is programmed to control the first electric motor to control the rotational direction of the first wheel and control the second electric motor to control the rotational direction of the second wheel.

Abstract: A stuffed toy includes a body and a head connected to the body, the body and the head together defining an internal space and forming an exterior of the stuffed toy. The stuffed toy includes a container at least partially filled with a cat attractant material which emits an aroma. The container is disposed within the internal space of the stuffed toy and has an opening in a portion of the internal space corresponding to the head such that the emitted aroma is greater at the head of the stuffed toy as compared to along the body.

Abstract: A animal scent emitting device for rapid and economical dispensing of an animal scent without it being contaminated with human scent. The animal scent emitting device includes a shell capable of holding animal fluids inside thereof; a weight member fastened to the shell; and a cap removably engaged to the shell.

Abstract: An interactive pet toy is provide having a housing body in the form of a thread spool or plastic egg configuration having a cylindrical center forming a containment volume in which an interactive sound element may be contained. The outer surface of the cylindrical center may be covered with a tactile sleeve formed of carpet, fabric, sisal, corrugated cardboard, jute, sea grass, cork, or similar material known to function as claw scratcher elements. Catnip or similar attractant may further be incorporated into the sleeve as a composite material. A sound unit is secured to the housing. The sound unit sounds a noise when the toy is manipulated by the user. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: An improved treat-dispensing pet toy includes a hollow chamber, which is made of flexible elastic material and has a plurality of slots in the inside of the chamber; the slot has a plug removably clamped to the slot, which is made of pet food and includes a protruding cap and a protruding button connected to each other to form a dumbbell shape, and a middle connection position of the plug can break when being chewed by a pet; the protruding cap is exposed out of the chamber and the protruding button is inserted into the slot; and the chamber has a food leakage opening in communication with the inside of the chamber, which has a block structure that can prevent food in the chamber from easily falling off, and when the chamber is pressed, the block structure deforms to enable the food in the chamber to leak from the opening.

Abstract: A toy suitable for dispensing treats when the toy is manipulated by a user is provided. The toy includes a housing having an interior space and an exterior surface. The interior space defines a treat cavity for storing a treat to be dispensed from the toy. A plurality of differently sized or shaped exits from the housing are provided. The treat is dispensed through the exit when the toy is manipulated by the user. A sound unit is secured to the housing. The sound unit sounds a noise when the toy is manipulated by the user. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A feeding system and methods for feeding cats is disclosed. The system includes a package holding plural feeding devices. Each feeding device is made up of a hollow container configured to dispense a portion of the daily ration of a cat's dry cat food therefrom. Each feeding device has an internal cavity bounded by an arcuate external surface that provides the appearance of a creature that constitutes prey of a feral cat. The container has an outlet port configured to enable a portion of the cat food to gradually exit from outlet port when the container is rolled on a surface by the cat playing with the feeding device. The feeding system may include a plurality of feeding devices packaged together.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing scent includes a housing defining a bladder configured to hold a volume of liquid scent, a flexible tube connected to the bladder, the flexible tube having a distal end opposite the bladder, and a wick receivable on the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An oral chew for toothed animals including at least one outer stabilizing structure and at least one inner stabilizing structure said inner stabilizing structure substantially supporting one or more mesh segments exposed through one or more openings through said outer stabilizing structure to chewing and/or grasping by an animal. The mesh supported within the interstice between the outer stabilizing structure and the inner stabilizing structure and rubbing against an animal's teeth and/or gums during chewing or grasping with oral surfaces.

Abstract: An animal treat delivery system includes a multi-part body having an interior volume and baffle portions within the body that divide the interior volume of the body into compartments having openings therebetween that facilitate at least indirect communication between the compartments. A first recess is formed in a first part of the body and a second recess is formed in a second part of the body. An exit hole positioned within the first recess communicates with an exit compartment, included within the compartments, such that animal treats within the exit compartment can be discharged from the body via the exit hole. A lever that is integrated in one part of the body includes an end that is externally accessible via one of the recesses and is configured to releasably engage a structure in the other part of the body to facilitate coupling and uncoupling the first and second parts.

Abstract: Animal attractant compositions, devices, systems and methods that can be deployed to attract game animals, such as deer by stimulating several of the animal's senses to attract animals to a desired location. The invention can use a combination of ultraviolet brighteners for visual interest and one or more of deer urine based scents, foods, mineral or salt. The invention capitalizes on the link between many animals' ability to see ultraviolet light with their desire to visualize urine territory markers left by other animals of the same species.

Abstract: A puck formed from compressed paper strips is provided that has utility as an animal entertainment device and nest building material. The paper strips include at least one ply of fibrous material, and may be treated with adjuvants illustratively including flavorants, fragrances, dyes, and odor suppressants. The unfolding and deconstruction of the puck into constituent paper strips by an animal provides the animal with a degree of mental stimulation and nest construction for thermal regulation, and it is noted that animal food consumption and health are generally improved by alleviating behaviors associated with cage confinement. The pre-measured quantum of material in an inventive puck affords a benefit to the caregiver in that the product is simply placed in the cage without resort to measuring and thereby saving time and precluding spillage of separated materials. The puck is particularly beneficial to rodents and especially mice.

Abstract: A cork-catnip composite material is provided that is capable of being molded, compressed, extruded or similarly processed into small or large bodies or sheets and allow for the economic manufacture of a variety of products for domestic pets, especially felines. Dried and granulated catnip (or similar olfactory attractant) is blended with a fill material such as powdered or granulated agglomerate cork material are then mixed with a bonding agent. Lignosulfates bonding agents can be used, as well polyurethane food grade adhesives such as urethane, melaminic and phenolic resins.

Abstract: A retrieving tool including a retrieving dummy and/or a kit incorporating the same is provided that facilitates training a dog or puppy to find and/or retrieve antlers that were shed by antler bearing animals. The retrieving dummy is shaped to resemble a naturally grown antler and emits an antler scent. A scent carrier may be applied to the retrieving dummy, to allow the retrieving dummy to emit such antler scent. The kit may further include a second retrieving dummy that is less similar in shape, texture, hardness or feel, to a naturally grown antler than the first, and a scent intensity of the antler scent may be varied with use of the one or more retrieving dummies so as to allow for incremental or gradual introduction of the shape, feel, and/or scent of naturally grown antlers to the dog or puppy being trained.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a structural configuration in which a center of gravity is displaced from a geometric center of the toy so as to provide erratic kinetic movement.

Abstract: A domestic pet toy is provided having a housing element formed of a moldable or extrudable catnip composite made of a solid catnip attractant, a lignocellulose cork agglomerate filler material, and an FDA approved binding agent adhesive. The housing material provides sufficient delivery aromatic olfactory attractant to be effective in having an interactive response with a domestic feline. A sound chip assembly can also be positioned in a retention cavity and emits a prerecorded sound as an audible attractant in response to one or both of commencement and continuation of movement the pet toy.

Abstract: A pet chew product comprising a molded chewable body formed of a composition including edible resin and natural animal fibers, wherein the natural animal fibers are at least one of: (a) located within the chewable body, and (b) located on an exposed surface of the chewable body, and wherein the natural animal fibers are provided by natural animal hair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet toy wherein the pet must determine how to solve the puzzle and obtain treats located in concealed receptacles in the base portion of the toy. Treats are located in receptacles wherein retrieval may be prevented or allowed when the animal is required to remove tab affixed “step blocks” in a specific order to retrieve the treats. Step blocks cannot be removed out of order or complete removal is prevented.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel pet puzzle toy in which a base piece has treat receptacles which a pet must learn to solve the puzzle to obtain. Removable inserts seat in the receptacles and base coverings. The base coverings must be slid outward after the pet learns to remove the inserts which impede that movement otherwise. Thereupon the treats are exposed and pet's cognitive abilities allow it to solve the puzzle whenever treats are inserted.

Abstract: An edible pet chew for pets primarily dogs has a chewy sheet of meat based material. The “meat based” chewy sheet imitates the chewy property and chewing function of known rawhide sheet and thus substitute the “meat based” chewy sheet for the known rawhide sheet to form a pet chew. In order to achieve the “chewy” property, a necessary additive is used to form the “meat based” material. The “meat based” chewy sheet is then formed to pet chews with various shapes and structures as known rawhide sheet is. A second aspect of present invention is that, wrapping another member of “edible chewable material”, preferably chicken jerky into the “meat based” chewy sheet to further enhance attraction or nutrition to dogs. A third aspect of present invention is that, instead of chewy sheet, a three-dimensional-shape chewy mass is introduced wrapping or containing another member of “edible chewable material” preferably chicken jerky in the chewy mass member.

Abstract: A treat dispenser for an animal having, in one embodiment, a container supported by a cage, the container having an opening for the dispensing of treats provided therein, and the cage preventing direct access to the opening by an animal. The cage and the container having a consistent outer periphery to enable rolling of the treat dispenser.

Abstract: A highly manufacturable toy for cats with which cats can play in direct contact contains silvervine. The manufacturing method involves the preliminary mixing step to form a molding compound by melting a resin raw material and then mixing the molten resin material with silvervine, and the molding step to melt the molding compound formed in the preliminary mixing step and then molding the molten molding compound into a toy shape. Silvervine is characterized in that the degree of activity to cats is increased when it is heated prior to the molding process.

Abstract: A retrieving tool including a retrieving dummy and/or a kit incorporating the same is provided that facilitates training a dog or puppy to find and/or retrieve antlers that were shed by antler bearing animals. The retrieving dummy is shaped to resemble a naturally grown antler and emits an antler scent. A scent carrier may be applied to the retrieving dummy, to allow the retrieving dummy to emit such antler scent. The kit may further include a second retrieving dummy that is less similar in shape, texture, hardness or feel, to a naturally grown antler than the first, and a scent intensity of the antler scent may be varied with use of the one or more retrieving dummies so as to allow for incremental or gradual introduction of the shape, feel, and/or scent of naturally grown antlers to the dog or puppy being trained.

Abstract: Animal attractant compositions, devices, systems and methods that can be deployed to attract game animals, such as deer by stimulating several of the animal's senses to attract animals to a desired location. The invention can use a combination of ultraviolet brighteners for visual interest and one or more of deer urine based scents, foods, mineral or salt. The invention capitalizes on the link between many animals' ability to see ultraviolet light with their desire to visualize urine territory markers left by other animals of the same species.

Abstract: A dispensing animal interactive device formed of a perforate flexible pouch holding an animal attractant dispensed through perforations in the pouch during animal-induced deformation of the pouch during animal interaction. The pouch is formed of an endless sidewall of a biaxial woven or braided construction whose perforations change in size responsive to animal interaction. One preferred pouch holds catnip that is dispensed through perforations by engagement between the pouch sidewall and catnip from cat interaction that abrades catnip into smaller particles and that squeezes catnip out perforations in the sidewall with cat interaction causing the size of perforations in a region of the sidewall adjacent cat-induced deformation to increase dispensing catnip out of enlarged perforations. Ground catnip can express oils that can be dispensed in the form of a scent from the pouch and which increases the pungency of dispensed catnip.

Abstract: A retrieving tool including a retrieving dummy and/or a kit incorporating the same is provided that facilitates training a dog or puppy to find and/or retrieve antlers that were shed by antler bearing animals. The retrieving dummy is shaped to resemble a naturally grown antler and emits an antler scent. A scent carrier may be applied to the retrieving dummy, to allow the retrieving dummy to emit such antler scent. The kit may further include a second retrieving dummy that is less similar in shape, texture, hardness or feel, to a naturally grown antler than the first, and a scent intensity of the antler scent may be varied with use of the one or more retrieving dummies so as to allow for incremental or gradual introduction of the shape, feel, and/or scent of naturally grown antlers to the dog or puppy being trained.

Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toy is either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Moreover, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.

Abstract: The pet toy of the present invention comprises a light weight body and a pet treat dispenser for dispensing a treat to a pet animal upon accessing the pet toy with the pet treat dispenser affixed to the body at a location at or substantially close to the center of gravity of the pet toy and comprising a flexible material divided into at least two sections with each section including one or more layers of flexible material extending from a border area surrounding the perimeter of the pet treat dispenser such that the flexible layer(s) form a plurality of flaps for removably gripping the pet treat.

Abstract: A pet amusement device comprising: a receptacle for catnip; a continuous track surrounding the catnip receptacle; a toy, such as a ball, contained within the continuous track such that the toy may travel along the continuous track; and at least one opening along the continuous track such that the continuous track and the toy are accessible through the at least one opening. The catnip receptacle may have a cap allowing a user to easily add catnip to the receptacle and allowing the scent of the catnip to exit the receptacle. In use, a pet, such as a cat, may smell the catnip and bat the ball around the continuous track. The pet amusement device may be combined with another device with a larger continuous track to produce a device with two concentric tiered tracks in addition to the catnip receptacle.

Abstract: A pet treat is manufactured of mostly or entirely of a compressed food material or similar substance. The treat has a semi-rigid or flexible outer shell, skin, film or membrane formed of an edible paper products such as a food paper or rice paper of a type capable of being made from white rice flour, tapioca flour, salt, and water, or from a planar sheet of edible material made from, for example, ground yellow corn, or, with any material, may be used separately or together with poultry by-products, fish meal, catnip or fish oil. Catnip, alfalfa, or any other olfactory or gustative attractive material may be provided in a liquid or flake form, and may be applied integrally in the manufacture of the edible sheet, or included in a central core that is encased by the outer sheets. A method and means of packaging is also provided.

Abstract: A biodegradable chew toy having a first body that is made of a first biodegradable material have first characteristic. A second body is made of a second biodegradable material having a second characteristic. The second body is overmolded by the first body. The first characteristic and the second characteristic differ by elasticity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of processing porkhide dog chews. The method includes the step of first subjecting pigskin rawhide to defatting and depilation treatment. Then the rawhide is split to obtain a first, a second, a third and a fourth layer of rawhide material. The rawhide material undergoes defatting, rinsing, and sun-drying to produce a finished hide product. The hide product is smoked to achieve objectives of dying and flavoring to result in a finished porkhide dog chew product.

Abstract: An animal attracting device is provided. The animal attracting device may include a body that has an exterior body surface that has at least one recessed portion for the receipt of attractant so that the attractant may be deposited on the exterior body surface and the at least one recessed portion. An attachment member may also be included for attachment to a support member.

Abstract: A scented stuffed toy has a latex body formed to define an exterior appearance and having a chamber therein, a scented material being scented and mounted inside the chamber, and a PU stuffing formed by polyurethane foam, fully filled in the chamber and adhered to an inner wall of the latex body. A method for producing a scented stuffed toy has a mold preparing step, a latex injecting step, a polyurethane filling step, a scented material adding step, a foaming step and a demolding step. As the PU stuffing is combined with the scented material and foamed inside the latex body, the present invention emits a scent and attracts the sense of smell of pets so that pets can play with the scented stuffed toy with more fun.

Abstract: An animal toy features the ability to connect two or more separate toys of varying shape, size, color, and/or texture, together to create larger and more complex toy systems. The animal toy allows an almost endless variety of toy systems to capture the interest as well as challenge and develop the animal's problem solving skills. The animal toys are either solid or include internal chambers for holding and ultimately dispensing food. When two or more toys with the internal chambers are combined the food may flow from the chamber of one toy into another toy several times before exiting the toy system. The increased problem of extracting the food challenges and develops the animal's skills. Morever, by combining solid and food dispensing toys in random combinations further increases the problem solving skills required to completely extract the food from the toy system.

Abstract: A chew toy includes a first body comprises a biodegradeable material, the first body includes an interior space and a passage to the interior space and a second body that is disposed at least partially in the interior space and extends through the passage to an exterior of the first body. The second body includes a food item. A method of making a chew toy includes inserting a food item into a mold and molding a biodegradable material as a body around the food item. The body includes an interior space and a passage to the interior space.

Abstract: A pet toy is provided having an interactive stimulus that actively engages the pet's senses during use. Stimuli include sight, sounds, smell, taste, and sound, and can include a combination of more than one such stimulus.

Abstract: A device for holding objects that are attractive to the senses of animals, including a device for protecting a live catnip plant for use by a cat, the device in one form having a protective enclosure defining an interior to receive the object, such as the plant and plant supporting medium, the cage including a plurality of bars spaced apart to prevent or restrict access to the interior and direct contact with the object while allowing liquid, air, and light to pass through the bars to sustain the plant life and allowing the plant to grow through the bars to the exterior of the device for access by the cat. A watering cap in a top of the cage distributes water to the plant inside the enclosure. A cat toy, scratching surface, or platform or combination thereof may be incorporated into or associated with the enclosure.

Abstract: A toy with catnip and pet treat dispensers and method for using are disclosed. The catnip dispenser, the third center wall, contains four small circular openings in the enclosure from which the catnip can either exit or be smelled. The treat dispenser, the first center wall, contains a ¾ inch circular opening in the enclosure from which random amounts of pet treats filter out upon exiting from a container enclosed by an interior wall with a ¾ inch circular opening opposite the first center treat dispenser wall. The pet is encouraged to roll the toy. The forward, backward and sideward rolling motion of the catnip dispenser and treat dispenser causes it to release catnip and/or pet treats through the openings at the bottom of the dispenser walls. The catnip and/or pet treats roll out the openings, encouraging the pet to further interact with the dispensers for fun and exercise.

Abstract: A positive-reinforced method of training a dog to chew or mouth only appropriate household items and chew toys. The method includes scent-training the dog (or puppy) to recognize a particular distinctive scent not normally found in nature as applied to an acceptable chewing object. The dog is introduced to the distinctive scent and encouraged to chew the marked acceptable chewing object. Each time the dog recognizes the scent, the dog is encouraged to chew the scented chewing object or some other acceptable chewing object marked with the distinctive scent and rewarded. The dog is tested with at least one unmarked object. The dog is trained once the dog can discriminate between the scent-marked object or objects and the unmarked object or objects. From there, the scent may be applied to other household items that are acceptable chewing/mouthing items (e.g., other chew toys). By absence of the scent, the dog recognizes that it cannot chew on unacceptable items (e.g., furniture, shoes).

Abstract: An attractant apparatus for use by animals. This apparatus is characterized as having surfaces on which the animal can play, scratch, and rub and a retainer for an animal attractant, such as catnip, used to induce such activity. The retainer may be opened to allow for the introduction and removal of the attractant. This cover is characterized as permitting odors emanating from the catnip to pass through, so as to induce play in the animal. An overlay partially covers the retainer to restrict direct access by the animal to the attractant held within the retainer, but allows partial access near the retainer and an additional surface and area for playing.

Abstract: An animal toy includes structure presenting regions having characteristics providing different degrees of animal interest and/or accessibility, such that there is a higher likelihood that a dog will retain a particular part of the toy in its mouth apart from another region intended for grasping by the owner. The toy finds application in various modes of play, including tug activities between dog and owner, throwing and retrieval, and any other type of interaction in which the toy is held by the dog in its mouth and is thereby subjected to a depositing of saliva over the particular involved region of the toy. An embodiment includes members which include animal access regions and which are disposed in circumferentially spaced apart positions about a toy axis and radially spaced apart therefrom, and at least partially shielded handles, portions of which are positioned radially inward of a outermost radial extent of said members.

Abstract: A recreational pet toy for cats which includes an outer covering and a cord attached to the pet toy for hanging the recreational pet toy during use. The pet toy also includes an elongated channel for receiving catnip and distributing the catnip along its length.