Dog Trainers Swear By These Clever Things That Are Life-Changing

“If you want to tire your dog out, you can use industrial-grade snuffle mats,” says Katherine Bailee of Executive Order Kennels, explaining that it’s a great way to mentally tire out your pup and stimulate their natural hunting instincts. This layered snuffle mat creates a full-blown scent adventure and lets you hide treats within the looped fleece rings. And, it’s machine washable too.

Any responsible pup owner knows how important hydration is, even while on the go, which is why this dog water bottle is genius. The bowl on top fills with a simple squeeze, with any unused water draining back inside when your dog is done sipping (or slurping). BPA free and dishwasher safe, it boasts a 22-ounce capacity. Nicole Ellis of Rover calls it the “easiest way to bring and offer water to my dogs,” adding, “I have the one that fits in my cupholder, it comes on every hiking trip, car ride, and adventure.”

Allie Bender of Pet Harmony says, “Most dogs dislike nail trims, so I love teaching my clients how to use a nail file or scratch board with their dogs. The dog can file their own nails that way!” This scratch board lets you ditch the clippers and makes nail care feel natural. Set on a bamboo frame, the board features two sides with different levels of grit. It’s designed for positive reinforcement training, and encourages pets to file their own nails through scratching.

If your dog needs to expend some energy, Allie Bender of Pet Harmony says, “Flirt poles can be a great tool for providing physical and mental exercise.” This one features a fringed lure at the end of the rope, which comes pre-attached and ready for action. The 36-inch size works best in play areas of at least 15 square feet, so your dog has plenty of space to chase, tug, and pounce safely. As a precaution, Bender adds, “I recommend going in one direction per round as sharp turns can harm knees.”

Alexandra Bassett of Dog Savvy Salt Lake City says, “These [LED light-up collars] help your dog stay visible when the light is low — whether you’re heading out for an evening walk, a quick park stop, or a late-night potty break. They’re especially useful for camping, hiking, or any outdoor adventures where your dog might run into water, mud, or rainy weather.” USB-rechargeable, the collar comes in eight colors and delivers up to 15 hours of glow per charge. It’s made from durable, waterproof polyester and can be set to steady on, flash, or quick flash.

Erin Askeland of Camp Bow Wow, says, “Licking is a great way for a dog to self-soothe and helps promote relaxation for dogs. Having a variety of lickable options ready to go each week (I like to freeze mine), means I can provide this type of low-energy enrichment whenever I need a moment of quiet or when I need to head out the door and want something to occupy my pups when I leave.” This lickable and freezable chilly penguin securely holds your pup’s frozen treats (anything from peanut butter to chicken broth), is dishwasher safe, and is made with vanilla-scented, BPA-free rubber, too.

When it comes to keeping your dog on their best behavior, treats are key — and keeping them on you during walks or trips to the dog park can help. Hope Saidel of 2 Minute Trainer says, “Just hanging a treat pouch on your belt or pocket lets your dog know it's time to have some fun and be rewarded for it. It's also neater than fumbling in a plastic bag in your pocket and eliminates the likelihood of your dog chewing on your clothes to get at the treats.” This adjustable treat pouch is a great, discreet option to wear crossbody or over the shoulder so that you’re always prepared. It’s spacious enough for the essentials — even a tennis ball and your phone — and features an exterior pocket and a compartment for waste bags.

If your dog likes to try to show you who’s boss on walks, this no-pull dog harness is a no-brainer. Allie Bender of Pet Harmony says, “[It has] two points of connection which gives you more control,” plus it has four adjustment points and soft velvet lining behind the legs to distribute pressure evenly — eliminating pulling and reducing chafing. Available in a range of sizes, it also aims to help reduce strain, so that walks (and training sessions) are more pleasant for the both of you.

If you have an older dog, you may have noticed them sliding a bit on hard-surface floors. Nicole Ellis of Rover says that these dog paw protectors are “helpful for senior pets that might slip on flooring.” Equipped with grippy bottoms that create traction on wood, tile, or laminate, these paw protectors are backed with hypoallergenic adhesive that helps them stay put. Besides being helpful indoors, they can also help shield paws from hot pavement, too.

Dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini points out that “rawhide bones can cause issues when too big of a piece is swallowed,” and offers an alternative: the Petstages Dogwood calming dog toy, which she says pups really enjoy. The pack includes two flavored sticks that entice dogs to chew. But unlike rawhide — or real sticks — there’s less risk of splintering or choking. The sticks are gentle on teeth and dishwasher safe if you want to give them a refresh.

Looking for a surefire way to please your pup? Nicole Ellis of Rover says, “The Snoop is a favorite of almost every dog that comes over. Put in a mixture of small and large treats (or their food) and let them work and have a blast.” The toy is made from a tough material that bounces around when your dog plays with it, slowly releasing treats in the process. “From puppies to my 18-year old dog, it’s a winner!” she adds.

Dogs can be enthusiastic about nearly anything — including drinking water. But when that leads to vomiting, that’s not such a good thing. Dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini recommends a slow water feeder for such scenarios, explaining, “Once I changed to a slow drink, my dog never vomited again after drinking.” This water feeder features a floating disc on top that dispenses water slowly to pace your dog’s lapping and prevent spills, too. It’s made from food-grade stainless steel and boasts a generous 3-liter capacity.

Mark Spivak of Comprehensive Pet Therapy, Inc. says, “When treating anxious dogs, I highly recommend Calm & Confident [treats].” Formulated with l-theanine and vitamin B-1, they aim to help reduce feelings of stress without creating a groggy feel. They last for up to four hours, making them perfect vet visits, thunderstorms, or other scenarios that might cause a spike of anxiety. Spivak adds, “Calm & Confident's ingredients are supported by peer-reviewed research for their benefit in alleviating anxiety. More importantly, the product is touted by clients, who regularly provide field data describing improvements in their dogs' behavior.”

The team at Brotherbear Acres says, “Slow feeder bowls are essential for any dog who tends to gulp their food, which can lead to digestive issues and dangerous bloat, especially in large and giant breeds.” If you have a fast eater on your hands, this slow feeder bowl can help. It can hold up to 5 cups of food and features a deep, maze-style pattern that helps to slow down consumption by up to 10 times. Dog owners are obsessed, having awarded it a stellar 4.7-star overall rating after 70,000 reviews.

For pups that swim in lakes or pools, dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini recommends this fetch toy. Available in two sizes, it can be kicked, thrown, or punted for super engaging play. And since it floats, your pup can paddle into a body of water to get it. Durable and bouncy, it’s built with “bite zones” so your dog can comfortably carry it in their mouth.

Allie Bender of Pet Harmony says, “Muzzle training is a valuable skill for every dog, regardless of whether they have behavior concerns or not.” That said, the kind of muzzle you pick matters: “A well-fit basket muzzle should allow them to eat, drink, pant, and fully open their mouth,” Bender points out. This one fits the bill and also includes padding for a comfortable fit. Unlike traditional basket muzzles, this one has a transparent design that allows humans and other dogs to clearly see your dog’s facial expressions, which can help reduce misunderstandings and stress. With time, muzzle training can help prevent the likelihood of bites while also discouraging your pup from eating things they find on the ground.

Bully sticks can be a real treat for dogs, but Alexandra Bassett of Dog Savvy Salt Lake City says, “It’s recommended to use a safety device on bully sticks and other digestible chews to help reduce the risk of choking as the chew gets shorter.” This bully stick holder makes treat time safer and simpler thanks to an adjustable center opening that securely grips sticks and bones of various sizes, from thin to jumbo. Just twist the dual-ball ends to tighten and lock treats in place.

Nicole Ellis of Rover states she is a fan of Uproot's cleaning products, like this 20-pack of grooming gloves. Designed to cleanse and deodorize, they’re formulated with hypoallergenic ingredients, so you can use them throughout your pup’s body for a head-to-paw clean. They make cleaning mess free and less stressful in between official baths.

Alexandra Bassett of Dog Savvy Salt Lake City says, “The Toppl is similar to a Kong, but much easier to stuff, clean, and use in real life ... These are absolute lifesavers on rainy days, during busy work-from-home hours, or any time you need to keep your dog mentally engaged.” The Toppl can be filled with kibble, soft treats, or even frozen liquids, and your pup will have to work to access the delicious reward inside. It comes in sizes for a variety of breeds and is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

Alexandra Bassett of Dog Savvy Salt Lake City is a big fan of this bungee toy, explaining, “The combo of stretchy movement and soft, furry textures makes it incredibly engaging, especially for dogs who love chase-and-grab play but aren’t into hard rubber toys. It wiggles, drags, and comes alive when you move it, which is perfect for building drive, confidence, and enthusiasm in everything from puppies to soft-mouthed adults.” Fluffy, feathery, and fun, it has a bungee section that stretches to 11 inches to help absorb impact and reduce strain on both you and your pup. Not to mention, the interactive nature of this pick means valuable bonding time with your pet.

Nicole Ellis of Rover personally uses this undercoat rake and it’s easy to see why. Designed with tongs, it helps keep your pet’s fur in good condition while also reducing shedding. Use the side with fewer teeth to help demat and detangle and use the side with more teeth to remove excess loose fur. It’s gentle on your pet and will help keep your furniture free of pet hair.

This licking mat is a great tool when it comes to distracting your pup, whether you’re bathing them or getting ready to leave the house. “Licking is a naturally calming behavior for dogs, and tools like this help turn potentially stressful moments into positive experiences,” notes Alexandra Bassett of Dog Savvy Salt Lake City.” The mat even has a suction cup on back, so you can secure it to the bathtub wall or fridge. “Just spread your dog’s favorite soft food — peanut butter, cream cheese, yogurt, wet food, liverwurst, or anything spreadable your dog loves — across the surface and let them go to town,” advises Bassett.

Keep tabs on your four-legged friends at all times with this GPS tracker. It gives live location updates every two to three seconds, has unlimited range, and even monitors vital signals, too. Just slip the tracker onto your pup’s collar and you’ll get real-time information on your phone. Alexandra Bassett of Dog Savvy Salt Lake City notes, “It’s especially nice for dogs who like to roam or have a history of slipping out the door. The escape alerts kick in right away if your dog leaves a safe area, so you’re not finding out too late.”

Kimberlee Tolentino of Black Magic Dog Training says, “One incredibly underrated item I think most dog owners should have is a training jacket. Pros and sport dog trainers love them for a reason. You get multiple lined treat pockets, clips for leashes and collars, pouches for toys, and storage for poop bags and other necessities.” This training vest pretty much has it all: multiple pockets, a comfortable mesh lining, and rope loops plus D-rings for attaching leashes. It’s lightweight and waterproof, with a zip-up closure for easy on and off.

Also in line with Kimberlee Tolentino's advice, this fanny pack is a great alternative to a full training vest. Adjust it for a perfect fit around your waist and stock it up with all your favorite treats, toys, and more — there’s even a dispenser for waste bags. Boasting a 4.6-star overall rating, it’s durable, lightweight, and perfect for trips to the dog park.

Nicole Ellis of Rover says that “Nina Ottosen toys by Outward Hound [are] so much fun,” like this Hide N’ Slide treat puzzle that keeps their brains and bodies engaged. Its design allows for brain-boosting enrichment, curbing those frustrating boredom-related habits — so its great to put out when you need some peace and quiet at home. It can hold treats or kibble — just hide them under the sliding covers and let your pup root out the reward.

Walks can be a fantastic opportunity for dogs to explore and get out some much-needed energy — so you want to make sure you’re equipped with the right tools. Katherine Bailee of Executive Order Kennels says, “Highly active dogs need freedom when they are going for decompression walks. A line that is minimum 15 feet long is a basic requirement in that scenario as it gives safety and freedom for dogs.” This leash, available in 25 different colors, is made with a flexible core and waterproof coating to stay dry and smell free while being easy to handle — even in wet weather. It comes in lengths going all the way up to 33 feet.

Contrary to popular pup ownership habits, Nicole Ellis of Rover says, “Tennis balls were made for tennis, not dog teeth.” Using something actually made for dogs and their mouths, like this FloTex ball is actually a way better idea. The ball bounces unpredictably to keep your dog entertained during play, while the channels throughout help promote airflow when your pup has it in its mouth. And while it’s durable enough to stand up to rough chewing, it’s designed to be gentle on your dog’s teeth and gums.

Katherine Bailee of Executive Order Kennels says, “Another simple trick that works as a magic is the use of a high-density orthopedic memory foam bed.” This one, which looks like a miniature (and adorable) couch, is filled with an egg-crate foam and has an L-shaped design with armrests and raised sides. It’s highly rated and comes in sizes for dog breeds of all types. She adds, “The concept is simple, you should provide medical-grade help to your dog in early stages and it will make sure your dog is comfortable in old age. Just like a human.”

Whether it’s a rabbit skittering across the road or another dog, it’s easy for pups to get distracted and pull — that’s where a no-pull collar comes in. Dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini says, “These collars go around the dog's snout, leaving them enough room to take treats, drink, bark, and pant if needed, but this collar controls the head rather than the neck of the dog, giving the owner more control to lead the dog away from a potential situation where the dog may pull.” Available in eight sizes and nine vibrant colors, the no-pull collar helps create more calm and enjoyable walks for both you and your pup.

The team at Brotherbear Acres says, “When you're dealing with powerful chewers, flimsy toys are dangerous choking hazards. We only use indestructible rubber toys designed for power chewers.” This fishbone chew toy is built tough, making it a good choice for aggressive chewers. Flavored with a delicious salmon essence, it’s way more durable than many options and is made to last. As an added bonus, even though it tastes good, it won’t stink up your house.

Nicole Ellis of Rover is a fan of the “fun, unique mental enrichment toys” by Brightkins. This one is inspired by the original hit game for humans and has 14 sneaky, camouflaged pockets where you can hide treats. It encourages your pup to use their sense of smell, sight, touch, and taste for a full sensory experience. Put it to work on a rainy day as an energy-spending substitute for a walk.

Want to throw the ball farther during a game of fetch? Dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini recommends this best-selling launcher set. The launcher’s long handle tosses the ball super far and the scoop at the end means you can pick up each ball without bending down — and without getting your hand all slobbery. Grottini also explains that the balls are harder to chew and destroy than similar options, so you’ll get much more use out of them.

Dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini says, “Bungee toys are great for dogs to stimulate their mind and work their body.” This hanging bungee toy helps to do just that, securing to a tree branch and giving your dog something to chew and chase as it bounces up and down. Suitable for pretty much any size of dog, it’s height adjustable. It’s easy to hook this bungee to a tree, but as Grottini points out, “If you have a sturdy beam inside the home, you could likely hook it to that as well.”

Another pick from the Brightkins (as recommended by Ellis), you can keep your pup’s boredom at bay with this interactive treat puzzle that doubles as a slow feeder. Hide goodies inside 11 hidden compartments and let your dog sniff, nudge, and problem solve their way to a reward. It’s just as useful at dinner, helping fast eaters pace themselves and avoid tummy troubles. It’s also made from BPA-free materials and easy to clean.

Nicole Ellis of Rover is a fan of this raised ledge intended specifically for dog training, explaining, “It’s a platform we use for helping our dogs jump on the bed, or having a “place” to be while in the kitchen so they aren’t under our feet while cooking … It’s made our lives so much easier.” Giving your pup a place to be is also helpful if you’re working on behaviors like begging, jumping up, or excessive barking. Weighing just 5 pounds, it’s easy to move out of the way when needed and is washable and waterproof, too.

Fur-covered surfaces can feel like a fact of life for dog owners, but this pet hair remover can do a lot to clean your place up — in fact, Nicole Ellis of Rover, says “I love [this] for cleaning dog hair off rugs.” It grabs fur from most fabrics like rugs, couches, chairs, and even bedding. It won’t damage the fabrics, but will remove the pet hair without the need of costly disposable sticky pads.

The team at Brotherbear Acres says, “For large and giant-breed dogs, elevated feeders reduce strain on the neck, shoulders, and joints during meals ... raising their bowls to chest height makes eating more comfortable and helps with digestion for any big dog.” This elevated feeder set fits the bill, helping to keep pressure of your dog’s body as they chow down. The stand is height adjustable, so it also works for smaller dogs, and the nonslip pads keep everything in place, even with enthusiastic eaters. Two stainless steel bowls are included.

Keep your pup occupied for up to 20 minutes at a time with the Pupsicle — an easy-to-fill treat holder made of natural rubber that stimulates and challenges your four-legged friend while catching excess drool, too. It's durable, cleans up easily, and according to Nicole Ellis of Rover it lets your pet “lick, focus and decompress” to help soothe nerves and keep them engaged.

There’s no doubt about it, pets can be mischievous. Dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini says, “If you want to keep your pup busy and out of trouble, a Kong Genius would be a great start. This is more than your regular Kong where the dog licks out the contents, but rather with the Kong Genius, the dog has to figure out how to get the contents out by tossing it around.” Even more fun, multiple Kongs can be connected to create a complicated toy — especially helpful if you have an Einstein on your hands. “These are great to put your pup's kibble in with a few pieces of soft, broken-up treats to keep the smell interesting,” she adds.

Combining grooming and play, the Pup Puzzle puts your pup to work solving an engaging puzzle while also filing down their own nails at the same time. Just pop treats inside the compartments and let them claw them out. Any size dog can safely enjoy the puzzle and Nicole Ellis of Rover says, “This one is fun because it helps them file down their nails while they work,” and pretty much any pet owner can appreciate a multitasking tool.

This treat-dispensing ball is pretty much a foolproof way to keep your dog engaged. Treats or kibble will be dispensed as your pup rolls it around — you can even adjust the ball to make it more challenging. Dog behavior specialist Sally Grottini says, “On days when the weather is not great, using this inside is a great way to keep the dog occupied.” But don’t just relegate it to indoor use — things get even more interesting outside: “Using this ball outside is like using the new snuffle mat, as the dog will have to search through the grass to find the piece of food that has fallen out,” she adds.

Erin Askeland of Camp Bow Wow says, “Dogs can benefit from learning a place cue where they learn to go to a designated spot and stay there until released. This cue helps them learn to enjoy calm, quiet time and is great to carry into new environments to give them a familiar job to do.” Make that space this cozy, nonslip dog mat. Available in three sizes and four colors, it boasts an ultra-soft fleece surface that feels gentle against paws. High-density foam padding keeps its shape for years, and any pup owner will appreciate that it’s fully machine washable in cold water.

Alexandra Bassett of Dog Savvy Salt Lake City says that this dog ring launcher “is great because it lets dogs burn off a lot of energy without wearing you out.” That’s because, with the pull of a handle, it sends rings flying — much farther than if you just threw them yourself. To boot, the rings float on water and are soft enough that the launcher can be used inside. “It’s simple, fun, and a great way to exercise dogs fast — especially when they need more than just a walk.”

Katherine Bailee of Executive Order Kennels advises, “If your dog is stressed out and you feel like its cortisol level is high, you can use a textured silicone lick mat. It is very efficient during grooming or crate training. It helps because of the continuous licking. This licking acts as a biological switch for anxiety to shift...” This one is made from BPA-free silicone, so you can safely spread any of your pup’s favorite treats within the textured grooves. Strong suction cups hold it securely in place during baths or grooming — whenever you need them distracted.