We barely stop to take a breath and when we do, we’re so exhausted that we forget things. Like that clicker you were supposed to take on your dog’s walk. Or that research you were supposed to do on your dog’s odd behavior at the dog park.
Fortunately, we can accomplish tasks on-the-go with the help of a few apps. And since we don’t seem to forget our phones and other gadgets in all the rush, we’re all good to go.
Training HelpClickers can be very useful tools for dog training. The hard part is remembering to take the clicker with us for when we need it. iClicker by Savvy Appz available for free on iTunes for iPhone and iPad offers a simple solution to the clicker dilemma by providing one on your gadget. The app also comes with nine clicker training tutorials and 32 clicker training videos. A fun bonus is the Noise Box, which offers 48 common sounds like duck calls, barking dogs and doorbells that you can use to entertain and train your dog (for example, by getting him used to the sound of the doorbell if he normally barks at it).
Behavior GuideDogs exhibit all kinds of behavior—sometimes we understand it and sometimes we don’t. Dog park behavior comes with its own set of potential problems because here we’re dealing with a large number of dogs that we don’t know and understand even less than our own. Dog Park Assistant by Sue Sternberg is an incredibly useful app for dog park-goers with its detailed photos and video clips of many behaviors exhibited in the dog park. It also categorizes them by how risky the behaviors are—in other words, how close to aggression is it? Available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users, this app is well worth the $0.99 in iTunes.
Park FinderIf your dog is the type that bores easily, you’ll want to shake up your park route to make sure he doesn’t get lazy about his exercise time. Dog Park Finder Plus by Skejo Studios can help by detailing 6,600-plus dog parks, beaches and hikes, including information on whether there is fencing, leash requirements, user ratings and other helpful notes. The app is designed for iPhone and iPad and is available for $1.99 on iTunes.
Picture PerfectThere they are, your dog and cat in an adorable cuddle pose. All you have to do is reach for your phone’s camera and, if they look at you just right, a perfect picture. Except, they never look and the moment passes. Off they go. Another perfect picture lost to your uncooperative pets. The BarkCam app by BarkBox, Inc is here to help. This fun app lets you pick a sound that will catch your pet’s attention right before the picture snaps. It’s compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and is available for free on iTunes.
Cats Need Apps TooDo you have a cat that’s fascinated by things moving on TV? Then he may enjoy some apps designed to stimulate his predatory nature. Game for Cats allows your kitty to chase a mouse, laser or butterfly on your device for some serious entertainment. Then there’s Paint for Cats, which gives your cat some artistic freedom with 12 palettes to choose from and a mouse that he can chase so he can paint. The app allows you to save your kitty’s artwork for bragging rights.
First AidIf you worry about being unprepared for emergencies, Pet First Aid by American Red Cross might be the perfect app for you. Available free through the Apple App Store and Google Play, this handy app including information on both cats and dogs, offers instructions for common emergencies as well as guidance for disaster situations, and an assortment of other practical tools.
We live in a fast-paced, digital age. With all the apps out there, it’s easy to use your phone or other device to help make yourself a more efficient pet owner.
