DBI’s Favorite Dog Products
By Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, Ph.D., BCBA, & Ran Courant-Morgan, M.S., BCBA
This month has been all about welcoming a puppy or dog to your home. We hope you’ve found our favorite puppy books and our discussion of Puppies Unleashed! helpful as you navigate life with your new furry companion. This week we are going to be talking a little bit about stuff! Below are some of the products that we use all the time in our journeys with our own dogs, as well as recommended to clients and friends with an excellent response. You don’t need any of this - but you may find it helpful to consider whether and how it might fit into your life! We’ve included some notes about why we like these products and what they are used for. All images link to a place you can buy either directly from the producer or Chewy.com. We highly recommend looking into options at your local pet store when possible.
None of these are sponsored products, and we do not receive anything for sharing them here; we have included them solely because we love them, and we think you and your dog might, too.
Please be sure to check in with your veterinarian for recommendations about treats and food items as they may or may not be appropriate for your specific dog. Not every resource here will be a perfect fit for every family but may provide a jumping off point for considerations about what resources will improve your life with your dog.
Exercise Pen
An exercise pen (“ex-pen”) can be a great option for containing a new puppy in a larger space, keeping them safe and nearby.
LickiMat
Lickimats are a fun way for a dog to enjoy peanut butter, cream cheese, pumpkin, or other spreadable treats.
West Paw Toppl
These can hold canned or dry food, and can also be frozen for a good licking option. Use similar to a Kong, but easier to clean!
HumanGear GoToob+
An excellent option for packing peanut butter, wet dog food, cream cheese, or other soft foods for treats during walks.
Snuffle Mat & Snuffle Ball
A snuffle ball or mat can be sprinkled with kibble for a mealtime full of opportunities to sniff and forage.
Biothane Long Line
Biothane is a wonderful material that is lightweight, waterproof, and comes in a variety of colors and widths. It’s perfect for long lines to allow your dog more freedom on walks and hikes.
Holee Roller
These can be stuffed with treats wrapped in paper or strips of fabric - your dog can then enjoy pulling them out and shredding.
Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball
These come in different sizes and can be fun for dogs to push around to roll their kibble or treats out.
Outward Hound Slow Feeder
The slow feeder can be used with kibble, wet food, or a variety of food and treats; another way to offer meals beyond a bowl.
Bully Sticks
Bully sticks are a chewing option that is a safer alternative to rawhide.
Hide-A-Squirrel
Stuff the “trunk” full of squirrels or add some treats for fun foraging adventures.
Additional Products & Ideas
Clickers & Treat Pouches
We provide these for clients in some of our service packages, and there are many additional options available
Boxes & wrapping paper & TP rolls, etc.
These can be incorporated with some of the toys above; stuff treats in them and give your dog the opportunity to shred and forage
Please be sure as with all toys and treats that you give your dog that you monitor them to ensure you don’t provide objects with dangerous sharp edges and that they do not ingest small pieces.
Water/ Seltzer bottles
Fill with kibble and take off the top, or add holes in the side, and let your dog solve the puzzle.
Please be sure as with all toys and treats that you give your dog that you monitor them to ensure you don’t provide objects with dangerous sharp edges and that they do not ingest small pieces.