enrichment and puzzle toys
Nina Ottosson Smart Dog Interactive Puzzle by Outward Hound
This Level 1 puzzle is great at getting your dog to start thinking and problem-solving by lifting the bones from their grooves. You can make it easy by putting treats or kibble in each spot, or more difficult by having them hunt for just a few.
Remember to supervise your pet when playing!
Nina Ottosson Smart Dog Level 1 Interactive Dog Puzzle by Outward Hound
With this Level 1 Beginner Puzzle, your dog will have to think to lift or knock the pegs out of their spots. Start easy with goodies under each peg and make it more difficult by elevating it and/or only loading treats in a few slots to really activate your dog's sniffing capabilities.
Remember to always supervise your pet when playing with this puzzle!
Nina Ottosson Lickin' Layers Interactive Puzzle Toy and Slow Feeder
Need to slow your pup down and desensitize them to something spinning? Then the new Lickin' Layers toy is for you! With individual compartments, you can put treats, kibble, wet food, or any pet-safe stuffable or smearable goodie in and let your pet get to work.
As always, supervise your pet when playing with this toy.
Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Interactive Puzzle
The Tornado is an absolute favorite of many dogs who come to us. They sniff and spin to find treats in all three layers at first. Increase the difficulty by adding in the bone covers to lift out.
Be sure to supervise your pet when playing with this toy.
Nina Ottosson Dog Brick Interactive Puzzle
The Brick is another fun, mentally engaging Level 2 toy. Dogs learn to flip the lids, pull out bone covers, and slide boxes to get all the snacks!
Remember to supervise your pet when playing with this toy.
Nina Ottosson Hide N' Slide Interactive Dog Puzzle by Outward Hound
The Hide N' Slide might be the most difficult puzzle on this list. We start easy by putting treats under each leaf cover for the dog to spin out of the way, then drop treats in the sliding pegs. Watch your dog figure out the combination of spinning the leaf and then sliding the peg for their reward at the most difficult stage.
In the beginning, some dogs can become frustrated when trying out this puzzle, so be sure to supervise.
Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play by Catstages
Oh my goodness, a cat toy? Yep, and it's great for small dogs too! This toy features shallow treat wells, making it easier and less frustrating for little pups to find their hard-won goodies. Watch your dog figure out the combination of spinning the leaf and then sliding the peg for their reward at the most difficult stage.
In the beginning, some dogs can become frustrated when trying out this puzzle, so be sure to supervise.
Outward Hound Snoop
The Snoop is an interactive treat dispensing toy that is a fun way to let your dog work for part of their meals or use it anytime your pup seems bored.
We like that it's soft enough it doesn't clank and clatter during play.
Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Snoop
The Snoop is an interactive treat dispensing toy that is a fun way to let your dog work for part of their meals or use it anytime your pup seems bored.
We like that it's soft but tough and doesn't clank and clatter during play.
Kong Wobbler
The Wobbler from the Kong Company is another treat or kibble dispensing toy your pup will love. The hard plastic case makes it very durable. It also features a weighted bottom to return to an upright position no matter how hard your pup knocks it.
West Paws Toppl
Can we just say the Toppl is awesome? Made for moderate chewers, you can stuff it with all the usuals (i.e. wet food, peanut butter, plain yogurt, pumpkin, etc.) -OR- fill it with kibble and dry treats. Get two of different sizes and you can put them together for an extra challenge!
We also love that's made from recycled materials!
Treats and chews
Raw Rewards Premium Treats Freeze Dried Duck Necks
Raw Rewards Premium Treats Freeze Dried Duck Necks
Raw Rewards Premium Treats Freeze Dried Duck Necks
Chewing is a natural and calming activity for dogs, so it's important to meet that need safely. These freeze dried duck necks and other chews by Raw Rewards are soft enough to chew without potentially cracking your dog's teeth. Check them out!
Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Beef Liver
Raw Rewards Premium Treats Freeze Dried Duck Necks
Raw Rewards Premium Treats Freeze Dried Duck Necks
Have you looked at the ingredients in your dog's treats? Often there are additives to give them a longer shelf life, or they contain various proteins and fillers that might not be the best for your dog. Single and limited-ingredient treats will help you figure out exactly what your dog likes best, and they're healthier too! That's why we like Vital Essentials. If you're looking for more quality treats, check them out!
Training Gear
Doggone Good! Rapid Rewards Treat Pouch
This is the exact treat pouch Erica and Lynnette have used for years! It's nice and deep for lots of goodies, and closes with a magnet. It also has a zipper pouch in the back for your phone, ID, or keys so those are kept safe while you're playing and working with your dog. There's even a spot on the side for your poop bags. Plus, it comes with a snap closure belt so you don't have to worry about it coming loose and falling off somewhere.
It's all around a great treat pouch to get you started with that high rate of reinforcement learning dogs need.
HALTI Double-ended Leash - Small
This 6 foot leash is our go-to for everyday training. The cotton webbing is soft on the hands and the double-clip has a myriad of uses.
Note that this link is for the Small, which is 5/8 inch thick and most suitable for small to medium dogs and puppies.
HALTI Double-ended Leash - Large
The Large version has all the same amazing features as the small version, but is 1 inch wide and best suited for medium to large dogs.
Blue-9 Reflective Balance Harness
The Balance harness is great for dogs with odd body shapes. It can be adjusted around the neck, back, chest, and girth for a better fit that won't impede your dog's natural movement. It also features two D-rings, one in the front and one in the back, for better communication with your dog.
Books
Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Author: Leslie McDevitt
On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Author: Turid Rugaas
Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry
Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog by Leslie McDevitt
Cooperative Care: Seven Steps to Stress-Free Husbandry
Author: Deb Jones