Abstract: A guidance vehicle guides a dog for a walk, and includes a leash attachment, a distance sensor, and an electronic control unit. The leash attachment is configured to attach a leash that connects the dog. The distance sensor is configured to detect a dog-to-vehicle distance being a distance between the dog and the guidance vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to execute a travel control of the guidance vehicle. The electronic control unit includes, as one of modes of the travel control, a walk guidance mode that causes the guidance vehicle to automatically travel along a walk route while guiding the dog to walk. The walk guidance mode executed by the electronic control unit includes a basic walk mode that controls the dog-to-vehicle distance so as to maintain a constant distance when the dog is moving along the walk route.

Abstract: An animal exercise device that is suitable for mounting to a vehicle. A flexible pole is mounted to the vehicle and extends from a side of the vehicle and away from oncoming traffic. A lead extension is connected to the flexible pole and to a coupler having a first elastic section and a second elastic section. The first section and second section act as a leash for a first animal and a second animal, respectively. The animal exercise device allows multiple animals to walk or run beside the vehicle. The device is constructed to keep the animals positioned to a side of the vehicle and away from the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising a dog and a method of using the apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a first elongated member having inner and outer ends with the inner end being fastened to a vehicle in a first location; a second elongated member having upper and lower ends with the upper end fastened to the vehicle in a second location; and a means of attaching the outer end of the first member and the lower end of the second member to a fastener device that contacts the dog, such that the first and second members establish an angle ? of separation between themselves that is within the range of about 15° to 75°. The first and second members are fastened to the vehicle such that angles ? and ?, are formed between the vehicle and the members with at least one of the angles between about 15° to 165°.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating animal agility. The multiuse centerline weave device includes a rail with interchangeable legs positioned on alternating sides of the rail. One set of interchangeable legs is a competition leg set that includes a plurality of legs each with an attached peg that connects to a weave pole. Another set of interchangeable legs is a sliding leg set that includes a plurality of legs each with a slider that moves a peg from the centerline of the rail to an outboard position relative to the rail. One type of slider has a peg attached to a plate that moves with the slider. Another type of slider has a tilting mechanism that tilts the peg in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating animal agility. The multiuse centerline weave device includes a rail with interchangeable legs positioned on alternating sides of the rail. One set of interchangeable legs is a competition leg set that includes a plurality of legs each with an attached peg that connects to a weave pole. Another set of interchangeable legs is a sliding leg set that includes a plurality of legs each with a slider that moves a peg from the centerline of the rail to an outboard position relative to the rail. One type of slider has a peg attached to a plate that moves with the slider. Another type of slider has a tilting mechanism that tilts the peg in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rail.

Abstract: An animal exercise system in the form of a game includes an apparatus comprising an animal transport device; a game board; a plurality of edible game pieces in the form of a treat. In operation, the animal transport device engages and travels along the game board to selectively contact the game pieces. One or more of the game pieces may be fed to the animal as a reward.

Abstract: An apparatus for a foldable treadmill for pets includes a front frame, a rear frame, at least two hinges, at least two stabilizing mechanisms, a belt, an overhead bar, and a pair of side panels. The front frame and the rear frame pivotally connected to each other by the at least two hinges, which allows the front frame and the rear frame to move in between a folded position and an unfolded position. The at least two stabilizing mechanisms linearly secures the front frame and the rear frame at the unfolded position. The belt is linearly positioned around the front frame and the rear frame where a motorized front roller and a back roller rotate the belt. The overhead bar and the pair of side panels create a restricted area so that pets can exercise on the rotating belt.

Abstract: An animal entertainment device comprises a guide unit and a wheel that travels on the guide unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating animal agility. The weave apparatus includes a rail with a set of members positioned on alternating sides of the rail. Each member includes a slider with a weave pole. Each slider is movable along a longitudinal axis of a corresponding one of the members with the weave pole positioned over the rail in one position. In various embodiments, the weave apparatus includes a set of releasably removable members, indicia indicating the distance the slider is from the rail, a tilting mechanism between the weave pole and the slider, and/or a set of gates.

Abstract: An animal exercise system in the form of a game includes an apparatus comprising an animal transport device; a game board; a plurality of edible game pieces in the form of a treat. In operation, the animal transport device engages and travels along the game board to selectively contact the game pieces. One or more of the game pieces may be fed to the animal as a reward.

Abstract: An apparatus for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave apparatus includes a rail with a set of releasably removable legs. The apparatus has a plurality of joints that each secure a leg to the rail. The joint includes an axle that the leg pivots about relative to the rail. The joint in various embodiments includes a toolless releasable latching mechanism and/or a locking mechanism. In an embodiment used for training, the legs are grooved or slotted for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In a competition style embodiment, the legs provide support for the rail and the peg for the weave poles is attached to the rail.

Abstract: Couplable first and second hemispheres form a hollow spherical chamber. An opening in one of the hemispheres has a door movable between a closed and an open position. The top of a base is in a concave configuration with a radius of curvature essentially equal to the radius of curvature of the spherical chamber and forms a recipient surface for receiving and rotatably supporting the spherical chamber. An animal within the spherical chamber may walk and run in place for exercising in a relatively restricted space.

Abstract: The invention is a device for exercising a pet. One embodiment of the invention is a combination of a treadmill and control configured to motivate a pet to use the treadmill responsive to motivation provided to the pet in the form of visual, audio, aromatic, and/or food rewards. Another embodiment of the invention is a device having a motivation control system configured to be secured to and/or adjacent to a separate treadmill, with the device controlling operation of the treadmill and the motivational control system providing appropriate motivation to the pet to use the treadmill.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of a mobile system for delivery and administration of exercise, conditioning, and hydrotherapeutic massage of horses, including thoroughbred race horses, comprising a tank containing a pool of water, a self-contained, mobile structure for holding the pool of water, a self-contained, mobile reservoir or reserve tank for quickly filling the tank containing the pool of water, a system for transfer of water from the reserve tank into the tank containing a pool of water and vice versa, a plurality of current inducing jets, a plurality of water massage jets, a lift device for raising or lowering the horse into the pool, an outlet for rapidly discharging the contents of the filled tank containing the pool of water and pumps of a sufficient power to induce a current within the tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for a weave trainer for demonstrating animal agility. In one embodiment, the weave trainer includes a rail with a set of adjustable poles. Attached to the rail are telescoping legs extending away from the centerline of the rail. The legs are grooved for engaging by a slider. Each slider engages one of the legs and includes a vertical projection that engages a pole. With the slider fully engaging the leg, the projection and pole are directly above the rail centerline. In one such embodiment, the legs are removable. In another embodiment, the angle of the projection is adjustable such that the engaged poles are movable to selected angles from vertical. In another embodiment, two rails are connected by a hinge that allows the two rails to fold.

Abstract: An apparatus for any predatory animal having first a rigid base, comprising of a shape designed to return to a set position once interaction is terminated, as it directly applies to the function of said apparatus, and second a shaft housing a pulley mechanism to guide an internal retraction system for attachable/interchangeable amusement devices, third an internal hollow bladder, with the ability to be filled with various substances to increase the coefficient of friction on any given surface, and finally comprising of a “top piece” covering in no specific design, to cover and visually enhance said apparatus.

Abstract: A treadmill-like device for exercising large animals such as dairy cows. The large animal exercising device includes a hoof abrasion system and treadmill cleaning or flushing system. The exercise device of the invention can also include a cow identification reader for recovering information off of a data storage or identification device attached to the cow, with such information potentially including exercise pace and duration as well as animal routing information after an exercise session is completed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for exercising livestock animals to increase their muscle mass and decrease fat content. In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which provides a resistance over which a livestock animal must overcome to feed. In one embodiment a feeding apparatus is provided which allows for adjustable resistance.

Abstract: An automated animal-training system is provided, which includes an enclosure device for the animal, an arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device, and an actuation mechanism for moving the automated animal-training system. In order to simulate real racing situations for the animals, the arrangement for adjustably fixing the location of the animal within the enclosure device is controlled by one or more motors movable on sliding rails. Furthermore, a mechanism is provided for suspending the animal in the training device in case the animal trips.

Abstract: An animal walker or conditioning system. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a horse walker or conditioner incorporating a direct drive hydraulic motor, the motor configured to provide a powered bearing surface to support and axially rotate a vertical shaft having laterally extending arms emanating therefrom, which arms can be utilized to direct a horse or other animal in a circular path about the vertical shaft. The unique design utilizes an off the shelf direct drive hydraulic motor and conventional power system, with the hydraulic power unit preferably situated away from the vertical shaft, and power and control lines running underground to the hydraulic motor supporting the vertical shaft.

Abstract: A portable animal exercising device that includes a plurality of individual panel members engageable in a manner sufficient for assembling inner and outer boundaries that define a width therebetween to create a circular exercise path for the animal. At least one animal-prodding curtain is configured and dimensioned for sufficiently spanning the width of the path so that the animal cannot pass between the curtain and the inner and outer boundaries. A central, rotatable drive member is provided for advancing the curtain along the path at a selectable, predetermined speed corresponding to the desired movement of the animal along the path, with the drive member being mounted upon a support that is portable for removably positioning the drive member at a desired location. Also, a radially extending arm is releasably connected between the drive member and curtain.

Abstract: A teeter-totter base for training canines may be coupled to the middle of an elongated plank. The base has a pair of legs that can be rotated in order to change the height of the plank off of a ground surface.

Abstract: Shelves suspended in culverts allow animals to move easily and safely under a highway. The shelves can be retrofitted to any existing culvert or can be part of a new, manufactured culvert. The shelves are removable so as not to impede water movement in times of high water or flood. The shelves are adapted to encourage all animals to use them as passageways under the highway. Ramps allow animals to access shelves. The shelf floor is mesh of the less than one inch to allow smaller animals to cross comfortably. The shelves are equipped with tubes to encourage small semi-fossorial animals to cross. The tubes provide covered protection from predators. Entrance funnels direct vole-like animals toward the tubes. The culvert shelves of the subject invention encourage animals to cross under the highway so that the highway no longer poses a barrier to these animals.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a computerized treadmill 24 for dogs or other animals 12 wherein the treadmill is enclosed within transparent structural walls 16 having a door 28 hingedly 30 attached thereto to allow the dog to enter and exit for exercise. An overhead adjustable bar 18 is included for attaching a lease 38 thereto. A control console 20 is provided to allow the user 22 to set the parameters for the dog's 12 exercise session.

Abstract: An automatic horse training system includes a horse training device with lateral and rear sides covered by a flexible material. The front side is closed by a locking arrangement thereof, and actuated by a tractor placed front or rear part thereof, and guided by rails or line located upper side of the training device. Electrodes or veterinarian arrangement are placed on different regions of the bodies of the horses for monitoring physical performances thereof by remote electronic signal transmission or alternatively by remote sensing. Movement of the whole mechanical components including stables and corridors in the training system is performed automatically.

Abstract: A dog is exercised on a conventional a treadmill by locating the dog on the treadmill by providing a support base mounted on the ground underneath the base of the treadmill and held in place by the base of the treadmill and an upstanding support member extending from the support base at the front end of the treadmill, and confining the dog within an enclosure supported in cantilever manner by the support member and extending rearwardly therefrom so as to be supported by the support member over the walking surface such that the dog is positioned within the enclosure on the walking surface. The enclosure has a front wall and side walls extending from a bottom edge close the walking surface and within the side edges thereof to a height above the dog to restrict its vision.

Abstract: A flexible, rotatable, removably detachable tie-out system configured to mount easily for set-up, adjustment, storage, and the like on horse trailers or other structures. The tie-out system includes a base. Coupled to the base is a receiver configured to both receive a connector and allow rotation of the same therein. The connector is coupled to a tie-out that includes a flexible portion, the flexible portion configured to both allow substantially universal motion of the tie-out and dampen the pulls and tugs of an animal, while preventing damage to a trailer or other structure, the tie-out, and the animal. The tie-out may be rotated and stored attached to or removed from a trailer while traveling. Furthermore, by having additional bases and receivers mounted where convenient, a detached tie-out may be moved to multiple sites on the trailer or to a building or other structure as the need arises.

Abstract: A structure for training and exercising canines is disclosed having a first and a second inclined surface joined at a hingeable joint. The first surface has generally parallel sides and the second surface has a first region having generally parallel sides and a transition region. The transition region having a first dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first surface and a second dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first region.

Abstract: A treadmill system for providing a safe and convenient method of exercise for quadrepedal animals under 150 pounds. The treadmill system includes a frame assembly having a first and second pair of vertical support members, a first and second lateral support member extending between the vertical support members, and a central brace member extending between the lateral support members; a tread assembly rotatably coupled to the frame assembly and designed for providing a running surface for a quadrapedal animal under 150 pounds; and a drive assembly mounted to the frame assembly and coupled to the tread assembly for rotating the tread assembly.

Abstract: A structure for training and exercising canines is disclosed having a first and a second inclined surface joined at a hingeable joint. The first surface has generally parallel sides and the second surface has a first region having generally parallel sides and a transition region. The transition region having a first dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first surface and a second dimension corresponding to the dimension of the first region.

Abstract: A flexible and removably detachable tie-out and tie-out system are provided. The tie-out includes a rigid portion removably coupled to a flexible portion. The flexible portion allows total universal motion of the tie-out and absorbs the pulls and tugs of an animal, while preventing damage to a trailer, the tie-out, and the animal. The tie-out system includes a base. Secured to the base and set out by a spacer is a receiver that is adapted to receive a connector. The connector couples the receiver to the tie-out. The tie-out system may be mounted easily for set-up on horse trailers or other structures. The connector and tie-out can be left attached or removed from the trailer while traveling. Furthermore, by having additional bases and receivers mounted where convenient, a detached connector and tie-out can be moved to multiple sites on the trailer or to a building or other structure as the need arises.

Abstract: A treadmill system for providing a safe and convenient method of exercise for quadrepedal animals under 150 pounds. The treadmill system includes a frame assembly having a first and second pair of vertical support members, a first and second lateral support member extending between the vertical support members, and a central brace member extending between the lateral support members; a tread assembly rotatably coupled to the frame assembly and designed for providing a running surface for a quadrapedal animal under 150 pounds; and a drive assembly mounted to the frame assembly and coupled to the tread assembly for rotating the tread assembly.