40 Weird Hacks That Make Your Dog Behave So Much Better

Repetitive marking can be frustrating at best — especially if it’s happening inside your home. This deterrent spray is formulated with essential oils that discourage dogs from revisiting the same spot twice, so you can train them to actually go outside (and outside only). One reviewer wrote, “Bought this when my pup first matured and discovered the wonders of marking. Had to buy a black light to discover his favorite locations. Once identified and sprayed, he left those areas alone.”

A loud blow dryer, nail clippers, or even the vacuum can send some dogs scrambling or howling. This stretchy fabric hood fits snugly over their ears to help soften harsh sounds and create a comforting, swaddled feeling. Use it during grooming, thunderstorms, fireworks, car rides, or vet visits to encourage calmer behavior. It also keeps long ears and facial fur out of food and water, so everyday messes are easier to manage.

Persistent licking can make hot spots, bandages, and minor injuries harder to leave alone. This pet-safe deterrent helps curb that behavior without irritating skin — so sensitive areas have a better chance to heal undisturbed. You can also apply it to household surfaces, including wood furniture, to discourage unwanted chewing.

Spread peanut butter or another dog-safe snack across this suction-cup mat, then stick it to the tub or shower wall before you begin grooming. Aside from a delicious treat, the licking opportunity gives your pup something positive to focus on, making all your grooming tasks so much easier. The portable design attaches to most smooth surfaces, so you can use it elsewhere, too.

If you’ve got an escape artist on your hands, prevent them from digging under the fence in the first place with this 14-pack of no-dig panels. Available in six different size and color combos, the panels create up to 20 feet of coverage and you can custom arrange them into lines, corners, or even curves. Zip ties help hold the panels together, and the rust-resistant coating makes them reliable for long-term outdoor use.

This car zip line gives your dog room to move and get comfy while helping prevent them from climbing into the front seat and distracting the driver, too. It installs between two secure points in most vehicles and uses durable steel hardware for added stability. The attached tether can also double as a short leash when getting your dog in and out of the car, making transitions less stressful.

Hang these adjustable bells near the door to give your dog a clearer way to signal bathroom breaks instead of barking, scratching, or other less desirable behavior. With consistent practice and rewards, they can learn to tap the bells before heading outside, making training so much easier. The metal bells are even loud enough to hear from another room, but aren’t jarring or grating.

This rechargeable ball rolls in unpredictable directions and trails a rope behind it, giving curious dogs something exciting to chase, pounce on, and investigate. Choose between fast and slow modes depending on your dog’s energy level, then let the motion sensor restart play whenever the toy is tapped. It runs in short three-minute sessions, making it useful for redirecting restless behavior without sending your dog racing through the whole house.

If you’ve got their physical energy covered, but need to give them more mental stimulation, give this treat puzzle a try. Just hide their favorite treats (or even small pieces of dry food) inside and let your dog slide the pieces with their paw, flippng them to search. You can use it for regular meals to help slow speedy eaters, and even adjust the difficulty as your dog starts to catch on.

Keep your pup away from mischief when you put this this weighted feeder toy to use. Its treat-holding design encourages licking and problem-solving for 30 minutes or longer, which may help redirect restless or destructive behavior. Just fill it with a frozen treat any time your dog needs productive distraction.

You may not be able to amend your dog’s enthusiastic play instincts, but it is possible to curb the resulting destruction. Dogs can still tug, fetch, squeak, and cuddle without leaving fluff scattered across the floor thanks to this three-pack of stuffing-free toys. This pack includes a fox, raccoon, and squirrel, each made with a flat body and two built-in squeakers. The lightweight toys are easy for dogs to carry around, while the soft fabric makes them cozy enough for quieter downtime after play.

This indoor pet security camera makes it easier to catch restless, anxious, or mischievous behavior before it turns into a bigger mess. This one sends motion and sound alerts to your phone, streams clear video, and includes night vision for after-dark monitoring. Two-way audio lets you soothe your pet or redirect unwanted behavior from afar, while the wide viewing angle and zoom help you see what’s happening around the room.

A stimulated pup is often a well-behaved pup, and this two-pack of dog puzzle toys helps keep them busy when it matters most. Just load these textured rubber balls with kibble, wet food, or a little peanut butter to give an energetic dog a more rewarding outlet than shoes, socks, or furniture. The grooves encourage licking and problem-solving, while the flexible texture helps clean teeth, too.

A front leash clip helps redirect a dog that tends to pull, making walks feel much more controlled without putting pressure directly on the throat. This highly rated harness also has a back clip for relaxed strolls, hikes, or jogs, plus a top handle for extra safety when needed. Adjustable straps create a secure fit, while breathable mesh and reflective details help keep larger dogs comfy and visible.

If you’ve got a chewer on your hands, save your shoes and give them this scented squeaky chew ball instead. Available in eight pup-approved flavors including peanut butter and bacon, the sturdy rubber design works indoors or outside, and comes in sizes for most dogs. When playtime is up, just give it a rinse or place it on the top rack of the dishwasher.

Lay this fuzzy cover over your pet’s favorite lounging area to encourage them to settle into one designated spot. The soft fabric creates a cozy landing, while the nonslip backing helps it stay put when your dog is up to their usual shenanigans. It’s machine washable and can protect your upholstery from slobber and dirty paws.

Give your dog one of these soft chews before storms, car rides, grooming appointments, or other situations that tend to trigger nervous behavior. The treat-like supplements combine melatonin, ginger, L-tryptophan, and thiamin to help support relaxation and normal nervous system function in dogs over 12 weeks old. The resealable container keeps them fresh, so they’re easy to keep on hand for predictable stressors or occasional anxious moments.

Clipping this adjustable tether to your dog’s harness helps limit exploring, climbing, and other distracting behavior while on the road. The 360-degree swivel gives your pet enough flexibility to sit comfortably while the durable nylon strap and metal hardware add security. It fits most standard vehicle buckles and is easy to both install and remove.

Keep treats within easy reach during walks or training sessions so you can reward listening, calm greetings, and other positive behavior right away. This roomy pouch holds up to 3 cups and has a wide magnetic opening that’s easy to access with one hand. Wear it with the adjustable belt or clip, then use the zippered front pocket to stash small essentials, too.

Rainy days do not have to turn into restless pacing or chewed-up furniture. This lightweight roller gives dogs a safe outlet for chasing and fetching indoors, while its soft chenille exterior is gentle on their mouth. The cushioned, multilayer design also helps reduce the impact on floors and furniture — just know it is made for supervised fetch rather than chewing or calming.

This specially designed stainless steel bowl turns mealtime into more of a puzzle, encouraging fast eaters to work around raised ridges instead of gulping everything at once. Slower eating may help reduce digestion issues while keeping your dog mentally engaged, too. It has a heavy base and nonslip bottom that make it harder to shove across the floor, which means fewer spills. It’s also dishwasher safe.

Hand this tough chew toy to dogs that would otherwise gnaw on pretty much anything else within reach. Highly rated, it’s designed to be as close to indestructible as you can get, so your enthusiastic chewer won’t ruin it within a few weeks (or days). One pet owner raved, “Bought this for my aggressive chewer [...] He absolutely LOVES this toy, he plays with it all the time and it has a few small teeth marks in it but he hasn’t been able to chew it… any other toy is lucky to make it five minutes he has had this for over six months and it’s still like new!!”

You can’t keep them from playing in dirt, but you can prevent them from tracking in muddy paw prints by keeping this foaming paw cleaner near your entryway. Just gently squeeze the bottle for the cleanser to move through the built-in brush, then gently scrub between paw pads and toes. The formula helps freshen up paws after walks and other outings, keeping your indoor area clean and tidy.

Help soothe separation anxiety in your new pup with this plush heartbeat toy. The inside mechanism pulses and gently vibrates, mimicking the heartbeat rhythm of their mom or other family members they might be missing. When they’re more regulated, it can help cut down on whining, restlessness, and anxious behaviors. Perhaps the best part? As long as you remove the heartbeat mechanism, it’s machine washable for easy care.

If you’ve ever wished your dog could talk, well, now they can (sort of). With these color-coded buttons, you can record simple words like “outside,” “play,” “food,” or “water,” and teach your dog to press the appropriate one when they want to communicate. Each button holds up to 30 seconds of sound, so you can customize the messages around their routine. Voilà — a talking dog.

Instead of getting mad when your pup shakes mud everywhere, quickly clean them up after a hike or a trip to the dog beach when you use this portable outdoor dog shower. Just twist this silicone nozzle onto a regular disposable water bottle to create an on-demand shower after outdoor activities. The gentle spray makes it easy to rinse away dirt and sand before they come inside your home or car, plus it fits most common bottle sizes and is even dishwasher safe.

Place this artificial grass mat on your balcony, patio, or on the floor to give your pup a designated place to go — especially helpful for those times where walks just aren’t possible. A great way to cut down on indoor accidents, the realistic texture feels soft under their paws, and the drainage holes help liquid pass through instead of pooling on top. It can be trimmed to fit your space and easily rinses clean with soap and water, too. You’ll be glad you had it during the snow, rain, or when you’re under the weather.

Spread wet food, peanut butter, or any other dog-safe snack across this textured mat to encourage slower, more focused eating. Three different patterns create variety, helping your dog to focus on the task at hand instead of focusing on you leaving the house or other stressful scenarios, like nail triming and grooming. The suction backing keeps the mat in place for even enthusiastic eaters.

An exercised dog is a well-behaved dog, so wear out your pup while making fetch fun and simple with this 12-inch fetch stick. Boasting a 4.6-star overall rating, its bright color helps it stand out in grass, while the sturdy design holds up to energetic games. Pair it with the matching launcher for easier throws and hands-free pickup when the toy gets covered in drool.

Freshen up your pup without a full messy and time-consuming bath when you use this waterless shampoo. Just spritz it on their coat, towel it off, and brush through — no tub, rinsing, or stress required. The baking soda-based formula helps deodorize, leaving your dog smelling fresh without a hassle.

Hide your pup’s preferred kibble or treats throughout this soft snuffle mat to turn mealtime into a search-and-find activity. Working through the folds and pockets encourages dogs to sniff, scavenger, and eat more slowly instead of gulping food in seconds. It’s also a great way to keep them mentally engaged and not causing trouble. Available in a handful of fun designs, the mat folds up small for storage when not in use.

Spray this gentle relief formula onto your dog’s irritated areas to help calm dry, itchy and uncomfortable skin and discourage repeated licking, scratching, or nibbling. Designed for dogs (and cats) over 12 weeks old, it’s paraben and dye free, plus moisturizing too, so it’s an all-around winner when it comes to skin care.

Keep your floors clean around the water bowl area with this genius and absorbent food mat designed for enthusiastic eaters. The quick-drying surface helps prevent paws from getting wet, while the waterproof backing prevents moisture from seeping underneath. A nonslip base keeps bowls steady and the mat is super easy to wipe clean, too.

Give them a cozy and soft space to land after the zoomies subside or when they’re anxious with this fluffy donut bed that comes in 15 chic colors to complement your home decor. The raised edges add support for their head and neck, providing a cushioned, enveloped feel. Plus, the nonslip bottom helps keep it in place, and the washable design makes it easier to care for.

When all else fails, read the instructions. From the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, this book helps you read your dog’s signals and offers practical advice on how to socialize your pet and amend common behavior issues. Whether you have an anxious pup or an aggressive one, this book may help you zero in on ways to make life more peaceful for both of you.

This super quiet cordless nail grinder helps smooth your dog’s nails without the sudden snip of traditional clippers. Two speeds let you start slowly for nervous pets and gradually add more power for thicker claws. The quiet, low-vibration motor helps keep grooming sessions calmer, while three grinding openings accommodate all different nail sizes.

Place this soft chenille mat by the door to soak up water, mud, and other gross messes before your dog tracks them inside and throughout the house. The thick fibers feel cozy under paws (and feet), while the textured backing helps keep the mat from sliding around. It is also machine washable, so cleanup is easy after rainy walks or snowy days. Choose from a variety of sizes and colors to perfectly suit your space.

Use this flirt pole to channel all those chasing, jumping, and tugging instincts into an easy game that makes playtime super fun for them and a lot easier for you. Swing it in different directions to encourage quick sprints and turns while you stay mostly in one spot. The sturdy pole, comfy handle, and quality rope make it a great option for dogs of all sizes, and it even comes apart for easier storage.

Certain environments can make walking a bit stressful, like busy streets, crowded sidewalks, or vet’s offices. This 12-inch lead was designed for those scenarios, helping you keep your pup right by your side until they learn how to do that on their own. The padded handle eases stress on your hand while the rotating design prevents twisting.

Ditch the bulky, uncomfortable cone and opt for this adorable inflatable dog cone collar instead. Available in seven sizes for an almost-custom fit, it creates a cushioned barrier that helps stop dogs from reaching wounds, hot spots, or surgical sites. Unlike a traditional cone, it keeps their vision clear and the adjustable design attaches to a regular collar for a more secure fit.