GB2448772A - Canine activity mat - Google Patents

Abstract

An interactive learning mat for use by dogs or puppies in which touch sensitive sound pads are incorporated into a play mat. The sound pads will produce different sounds such as those of thunder, fireworks, motorbike, vacuum cleaner, for example, to train dogs to get use to strange and frightening sounds. Above each sound pad is positioned a pouch into which dog treats are placed, so that the animal associates the sound with a reward, thus desensitizing the pet to the sounds. Other features such as mirrors and crinkle toys may be attached to the mat. The mat may be foldable for easy storage.

Description

1 2448772

Description

Canine Activity Mat This invention relates to a device for dogs/puppies to have an interactive learning Mat When people first buy a puppy or home a rescue dog, they often do not realise the dog has to become used to strange noises. This is to prevent fears occurring in later life. Common fears in dogs are being scared of Thunder and Fireworks. A lot of people also confuse fear With being disobedient. I have often encountered people getting angry with their dogs because they are barking at a bicycle bell. However this is not the dog trying to annoy the owner, this is usually a dogs first reaction to something it has never encountered before.

There are at present, to my knowledge, CD's around that play the different sounds on a CD player. However this alone will not help your dog overcome what could turn into a possible fear. Furthermore ta dog is now rewarded for listening to the musIc ft could become a negative association.

To overcome this problem my invention is to have a puppy play mat (Canine activity mat) which has noise pads enclosed In ft. Above these noise pads will be square pouches k which the owner can place tasty treats inside as a reward to the pup/dog for listening to the sound. It also provides the added benefit of a mission for the pup/dog to retrieve the reward.

My other idea was to also attach mirrors and toys that crinkle onto the mat, for added fun and awareness for the dog. I have lost count of the amount of times my own dog has sat staring at herself in the mirror and then begin to growl as she has no idea who the other dog is. Crinkley toys also give the effect of a packet opening or someone eating a packet of crisps, another noise which dogs can be scared of.

The mat will be easy to fold and tuck away once the owner has decided to let the puppy finish learning.

Here are some more details relating to the attached drawings on page 4,5,6 & 7.

Figure 1 showsthe basic mat, whuchwlil be, atpresent. covered iflabrown fleece with bones on. Although this will of course be subject to change.

Figure 2-4 shows the various designs of the pouches that the dog will have to nose to get the treats out. The designs wilt be random across the mat Figure 5 shows where the mirror & crinkle toys will be placed.

Figure 6 shows the mat as a whole and complete.

Claims (5)

1. Claims 1. A Canine Activity Mat compromising of a 3ft x 3ft cushioned

   mat with various sound noises embedded. The 10 Sound noises include: * Thunder * Fireworks * Weshing Machine * Applause * Bicycle bell * Vacuum Cleaner * Baby Crying * Motorbike * A bus pulftng away * Roadworks
2. 2. A Canine Activity Mat that has a pocket/opening sewed above each embedded noise.
3. 3. A Canine Activity Mat easy to fold and place out of the way.
4. 4. A Canine Activity Mat with 3 designs of pouches in which persons can place various dog freats.
5. 5. A Canine Activity Mat where attached above the mat will be placed a mirror and a crinkle toy.