Favorite Things

We’ve curated a list of food puzzles, toys, training tools, and books that we frequently recommend. Everything here we have either used personally or have a trusted source who uses and also recommends them. Please be sure to check sizing before purchasing. We are no longer Amazon Associates. If you need to order online, we highly recommend ordering from Clean Run which is linked to many of the items below. We also encourage you to patronize your local mom and pop pet supply store. We love to hear feedback about what we recommend, so please share your experiences with us!

Food Puzzles - Mental Exercise

dogs

Snuffle Mat - Snuffle mats of any size are perfect to use as a slow-feeder option or with treats to work those sniffers. These are machine washable.

ZogoFlex Toppl - Fill with a combo of wet and dry food and freeze. This has a wider opening than a Kong toy and comes in two sizes.

ZogoFlex Tux - Bouncy, floaty, and can fill with some treats too.

Outward Hound Slow Feeder Bowl - Durable, non-slip bottom, dishwasher safe.

Omega Tricky Treat Ball - Softer plastic, just fill with your dog’s kibble meal and let them push it around.

Nylabone Dura Chew toys - The ones for extreme chewers hold up well (but do wear down) and are dishwasher-safe. Smear with some peanut butter and freeze for a longer-lasting treat.

KONG Extreme Dog Toy - The classic - the extreme is for strong jaws.

Trixie Pets Mad Scientist - Get extra creative and teach your dog which tube to tip on cue! Left, right, middle. Teach them to tip with their nose or their paw. Lots of fun.

Aquapaw Slow Treater - Fill and freeze, then stick it to the wall. Great for bath time, grooming, or to keep your pup in a set area - like away from the front door while guests arrive.

Chase n’ Chomp Squeaking Treat Snake - Fill and freeze to keep your dog busy while you enjoy your dinner.

Lickimats - Can be used with wet food and frozen.

Lickimat Wobble Bowl - Can be used with both wet and dry food. Can be frozen.

cats

Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder

SlimCat Meal-Dispenser - Fill with your kitty’s kibble and let them hunt for it!

Lickimat SloMo - Use with canned food.

Trixie Mad Scientist - Interactive kibble dispenser


Toys - Mental and Physical Exercise

Dogs

Chase N Pull Flirt Pole - best for smaller dogs

Squishy Face Flirt Pole - best for medium to large dogs

Rabbit Fur Tug Toys - high value toy great for outdoor distractions

KONG Wubba

ZippyPaws Hide & Squeek toys

cats

Fit for Life Wand Toy

Cat Dancer

Thermo-Kitty Cat Bed

Petstages Tower



Books

The Puppy Primer by Patricia McConnell and Brenda Scidmore

Life Skills for Puppies by Helen Zulch and Daniel Mills

Love Has No Age Limit - Welcoming an Adopted Dog into Your Home by Patricia McConnell

The Other End of The Leash by Patricia McConnell

The Power of Positive Dog Training by Pat Miller

Don’t Shoot The Dog by Karen Pryor

Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson-Bennett