One of the joys of pet ownership is doing things to drive your pets crazy. This is very similar to one of the joys of being a parent (driving your kids crazy), but with tighter state and federal regulations. So, here is a list of the top ways to drive your pet crazy:
- Sit very very still, and just stare at them.*
- Set a brand new bag of food out, but don't open it. Use the last of the old bag in the container, first. My dog once laid on the kitchen floor staring at the bag of food ALL NIGHT.
- Hang bird feeders just outside your windows.
- Imitate every thing they do!*
- Pretend like you don't understand what they are telling you.*
- Grow an extremely large pecan tree, which attracts every squirrel in a 5 mile radius. Tie the dog up JUST OUT OF REACH of the tree.
- Continuously put on and take off your shoes. My dog thinks that every time there is a change of footwear, it means we are going somewhere!
- If you are watching TV. Act like you are getting off the couch. My cat takes this as a sign you are going to feed her at night. Immediately jump back on the couch.
- Disguise your cat as another cat. Sit her in front of a mirror.
- Laser pointers. Do I need to say more? *
* Note: items marked with an "*" are also excellent ways to drive your kids crazy. In fact, until I realized this point, the post was really pretty lame. By adding the bonus "also works on the kids" portion, things were really livened up, I think!
I do #4 to my kids, and it drives them CRAZY. My older brother used to do that to me. In fact, sometimes he still does even though he's 42 and I'm 40 now. Oh, and the laser pointer. My cat goes nutty with that red dot!
Posted by: ilinap | October 09, 2008 at 07:43 AM
The cat does #1 and #5 to me. I knew he was trying to slowly drive me insane.
Posted by: Nathan | October 09, 2008 at 08:38 AM
What a hoot!
Posted by: zookeeper | October 09, 2008 at 11:08 AM
My dog is nuts..
I don't have to do anything and he goes crazy.
Purse = going somewhere.. and God Forbid I need something out of it..
come by my blog I got some bling for you
Posted by: MP | October 09, 2008 at 12:06 PM
This is so funny. We take great joy in aggravating the dog. So you've given us a few new ideas. Thanks!
Posted by: Motherofbun | October 09, 2008 at 04:34 PM
I'm totally appreciating the bonus material. It's rare to find an already great post let alone one with extra applications. You are THE dad.
Posted by: Todd Jordan | October 09, 2008 at 05:52 PM
LOL - very funny list even when you don't have a dog. I have two kids so it's great some of these work on them too! The baby is too young but maybe I'll try a few on the 3 year old!
Thanks
Posted by: Stephanie | October 09, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Loved this one! My pet is already crazy post-surgery and with cone on head. Your pics of the trail make it look better than it really is!
Posted by: Mel | October 11, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Great, great list!!! LOVE IT!!! I would only add to rustle a plastic shopping bag from the grocery store. To my dog, rustling a plastic bag means he's going to go for a real walk (one where we'd have to pick up after his #2), instead of just being put in the yard.
Posted by: lil foot's mommy | October 14, 2008 at 07:39 PM