Interactive dog toys are a great way to get your dog's energy out via mental stimulation!

The makers of these toys can get very creative! I would like to share some of my favorites in this post :)

First, I'll start with the one that my dog currently has and then I'll show you what's on my "wish list", my top picks.

The "Dog Casino" by Outward Hound Nina Ottosson is an advanced-level dog puzzle toy for very inventive dogs. My dog still hasn't quite mastered it, but it's fun to watch him try to figure it out for 20 minutes :)

Next up, we have a puzzle with sliding pieces that treats hide under. This one looks like it would be easier than the first puzzle I recommended. What I love about it is the pieces are not removable, so there is less chance of dogs chewing and swallowing the pieces....

Many of my clients have asked me what else can be done to help their anxious dogs calm down. For some dogs that genuinely have separation anxiety, I recommend calming treats. These treats have herbals and vitamins that help dogs get out of a sympathetic state (fight or flight mode, adrenaline). When in a parasympathetic state (calm, relaxed, logical), dogs can learn faster. I go in depth with this in my upcoming webinars, which you can sign up for from the homepage of this site. For the purposes of this post, I am only going to talk about which treats I have experience with and find effective.

Premium Care Calming Chews for Dogs are very effective at helping dogs achieve a calm state. (Of course, there are many techniques I use to calm a dog, but we're just focusing on treats...

Puppy pads are an excellent training tool! Did you know that dogs can be trained to use them as an alternative to peeing outside? I believe dogs should spend as much time outside as possible, but sometimes there are instances where you can't get your dog outside; in which case, having them pad-trained would be ideal.

If you already have your dog pad trained, you may wonder if there's a cost-effective option, as the cost of disposable pads can add up.

I searched Amazon for the best-priced potty pads, and I found this one attractive because of the variety of sizes to choose from. I cost per count is also very reasonable, compared to other brands.

Another option, which is much more environmentally-friendly for daily use, is a synthetic grass patch for indoor use....

Subjects: best dog harnesses to stop pulling - how to make walking your dog easier - stop dog pulling on leash - no pull dog harness - no pull harnesses

Selecting a harness for your dog is a very important part of your leash training! It can aid in making walks easier until your dog is fully trained not to pull at all.

I find that many people buy harnesses that clip on the back and wonder why their dog's pulling got worse after starting to use the harness. The answer: the opposition reflex.

When something pushes against your chest, you're inclined to lean forward, right? It is the same for your dog. They find comfort in leaning into it, which can make them pull harder!

Head Halters are another option, but they take a long acclimation period to get your dog accustomed to wearing...

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If you're on this page, you already know how destructive chewing can be - it's frustrating!

The combination of management and proper training (which gets to the root of the problem) are your keys to success in eliminating this behavior.

I'm going to tackle those exact subjects as briefly as possible for you in this post, because I know how valuable your time is to you. You want answers - now!

So without further ado:

The first thing I tell my clients at the first training session is: you have to correct the relationship between you and your dog (and between your dogs, if you have multiple). You have to set rules in place that are based in fairness and set the calm tone you want for your household.

This isn't about authoritarianism, but rather celebrating...

The season of giving has come again! (Honestly, we should be giving year-round :)

You may be wondering what to give some of the people on your list... especially the animal fanatics!

Well I may have some solutions for you on this page...

(The links below are affiliate links, which means I get a commission if you buy from these links. I work very hard to bring you free pet training tips and advice, so please consider using my links if you're going to buy from these companies. Thank you!)

Woof Blankets turns your cat or dog's photo into a piece of art and prints it on a blanket! This will make a great keepsake gift that will be cherished by your loved one for years to come!

Give the gift of a Woof Blankets customized, hand-drawn blanket or custom canvas art piece featuring...

An indoor exercise wheel for dogs and cats?! I WANT one!

I'm an affiliate with Pet Pro Supply Co. (meaning I get a commission if you buy from the link below) and I was browsing their website - they have a lot of neat products - but this one stood out and I HAD to mention it in a blog post!

Mainly because I've had some clients in the past who've adopted high-energy breed dogs when they (the people) did not have the energy to keep up with the exercise needs of their dog. Or they were looking for excercise solutions for the winter, when the ice makes it very difficult to adventure very far. I believe this item could be part of the solution!

GoPet CG4012 Indoor/Outdoor Treadwheel for Small Dogs/Cats up to 25 lbs - $605.00
from: Pet Pro Supply Co.

Cats could also benefit from this treadwheel...

In working with my clients over the years, I've ran into various situations where dog owners were looking for ways to allow their dogs to potty indoors without making a mess. Each situation was unique; whether it was an elderly client who could no longer make it outside easily, someone who worked long hours and needed to provide a place for their dogs to relieve themselves while they were away, a toy breed who couldn't be outside very long in the winter, or dogs who had never walked on grass before their new owners adopted them - indoor potty training is essential in situations like these!

Puppy pads are very handy indeed, but what about other alternatives? You may have heard about turf mats with a catch pan underneath. You can even find real-grass potty patches which are great for...

When a pet passes away, they leave behind many fond memories. They may have inspired you, cheered you, or was just the steady friend you always had around. There are some things that belonged to them that you want to keep around. For me, it was Rosie's favorite toy that she had since she was a puppy, her collar tag, and best picture. These have remained preserved over the years since her passing and sit on a bookshelf in my bedroom.

Rosie was everything: a playmate, best friend, ever-present companion, trick-dog master, agility wiz, scent tracker... my little black bear!

I recently stumbled accross a business that prints dog photos on blankets - full-size. It was funny, because a couple of weeks ago, I thought to myself, "it would sure be nice to get that printed on a...