RCA PICKS
The Stuff Alisson Recommends
Because not all products are created equal, and not everything you see online is worth your money.
These are my hand-picked favorites:
things I’ve used with my own dogs, recommended to clients, or fallen in love with for the way they occupy busy minds or help you stay on track.
Mental Work:
Play that works the brain, not just the body.
The classy cousin of the kong
I love these for layering different textures. Use canned pumpkin, Greek yogurt, soaked kibble, mashed sweet potato. They’re dishwasher safe, durable, and the interlocking design keeps dogs licking instead of inhaling. Great for puppies and senior dogs, too.
Turn dinner into an adventure
Scatter dry kibble or small treats through the fabric strips and let your dog go to work. It taps into their natural foraging instincts and helps reduce boredom, frustration, and anxious pacing. I use it with puppies, seniors, and every dog in between.
Wobble, roll, treat, repeat
This is a great option for dogs who eat too fast, or need a little more mental challenge at mealtime. The adjustable difficulty means you can fine-tune how easy it is to get kibble out. I use it for dogs who like to bat things around or need a little solo activity while you get stuff done.
Jump, weave, tunnel! Create engagement & fun through movement.
This is one of my favorite options for indoor and outdoor play and mental stimulation. It gives dogs a job, encourages focus, and helps burn off energy in a productive way. You don’t need a big yard—just a little space and a little creativity. Great for building confidence, impulse control, and having fun together
Because your dog’s nose is smarter than your Wi-Fi
This kit lets you introduce true scent detection at home by teaching your dog to identify a specific odor and locate it when hidden. It’s a perfect next step for dogs who love sniff games but are ready for a little more structure and challenge. You get the target scent, containers, and everything you need to start building a real scent alert. Confidence-building, brain-burning, and honestly pretty badass
Classic for a reason
Start easy! A little kibble gives your dog a quick win while they figure out how the Kong works. Once they’ve cracked the code, start making it harder with soaked kibble, canned pumpkin, bananas, or whatever your dog loves. The goal is enrichment, not an unsolvable snack prison!
If your dog is a super chewer, a Black Kong Extreme is a safer & more durable option as it’s a lot harder to destroy!
Roll, Bounce, Treat!
Fill it with kibble or small treats and let your dog figure out how to make the goodies fall out. The Snoop rolls, squishes, and bounces unpredictably, so your dog has to use both their nose and their brain. Basically, dinner with a tiny engineering problem attached.
A great option for small dogs who deserve enrichment that isn’t the size of their entire body.
Stuff kibble or small treats in the eyes and mouth, and let your dog roll, bounce, and puzzle out the goods. It can be used on its own or paired with the Snoop to make things harder.
Stuff to Chew
Because sometimes they just need to gnaw the heck out of something
Makes those yak chews safer and last longer.
I use the Tough Jughead with the Himalayan Chews (the big hard cheesy ones) to keep determined chewers busy and their teeth out of furniture. It turns a long-lasting chew into a puzzle, making dogs work harder and stay focused longer. Most importantly, it slows their chewing down, which is safer for them. (gotta watch those little nuggets at the end that can be swallowed and become a choking hazard)Confidence-building, brain-burning, and honestly pretty badass
Shaped like a snack. Built like a tank.
This absurd little floret is tougher than it looks. It’s designed for dogs who like to chew from all angles, with ridges that help clean teeth and a shape that’s easy to grip. It holds up well over time and gives your dog something satisfying to work on, without the fridge cleanup
Looks like the real thing. Safer, cleaner, longer lasting.
This chew mimics the familiar shape of a pig ear but is made from durable nylon, making it a long-lasting alternative to the greasy, real thing. It doesn’t feel the same when chewed, but it satisfies that urge to grip and gnaw in all the right ways. Great for dogs who like the shape, without the mess or digestive gamble.
For dogs who chew sweetly….and destructively.
Despite the dessert vibes, this chew is built for serious jaw work. It’s dense, durable, and shaped to encourage multiple grip angles, which helps keep dogs engaged. I recommend this size for small to medium dogs who need something tough but manageable. It’s oddly adorable, highly functional, and more fun than it has any right to be.
For small dogs with big bite energy.
This kit lets you introduce true scent detection at home by teaching your dog to identify a specific odor and locate it when hidden. It’s a perfect next step for dogs who love sniff games but are ready for a little more structure and challenge. You get the target scent, containers, and everything you need to start building a real scent alert. Confidence-building, brain-burning, and honestly pretty badass
Does your dog destroy everything?
This chew is made for the true power chewers. The ones who laugh at Nylabones and turn Benebones into mulch. It’s dense, heavy, and engineered for safety with a red indicator inside to show when it’s time to replace. If your dog destroys everything, this is the one that might finally hold its own.
Looks like the real thing. Safer, cleaner, longer lasting.
Made from wild-caught North Atlantic cod, these rolls are a great option when you want a high-value chew that’s also edible. They have just the right resistance to keep dogs busy for a few minutes and are packed with omega-3s. They smell exactly like fish, because they are, but they won’t leave residue or make a mess.
For dogs with prehistoric chewing habits.
Some dogs chew. Other dogs approach chewing like they’ve been personally assigned to destroy an object. The BarkBone is for those dogs. It’s dense, durable nylon with plenty of different angles and edges to gnaw on, so dogs can really settle in and get to work. I especially like chews like this for dogs who need somewhere appropriate to put all that jaw power. Long-lasting, satisfying, and considerably cheaper than a new coffee table.
Training Stuff:
Stuff that supports the structure, not the struggle
The single most important book I will ever recommend to all dog lovers.
Out of every dog training books I’ve ever read, this is the one I use every single day. It teaches you how to actually understand canine body language, how dogs express stress, uncertainty, politeness, and connection. It’s short, accessible, and has completely changed how I communicate with dogs. If you only buy one thing from this entire list, make it this book.
You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
An in depth, no nonsense e-book written by me to help you raise a puppy you actually enjoy living with, without the overwhelm, the guesswork, or losing your mind in the process. Housebreaking, teaching manners, sleep schedules, play biting and more. A must for all new puppy owners.
Easier than wrestling with sheets of foil.
This mat works by using an unfamiliar texture. The crinkly, foil-like surface is something most dogs instinctively avoid, making it an easy way to protect furniture during training. I use it on couches and beds when I need to reinforce “off” without constant supervision. It’s lightweight, easy to move, and doesn’t look like a DIY project gone wrong.
Perfect for sneaky pups who like to chew leashes when no one is looking.
This leash is made from coated steel cable that can’t be chewed through, no matter how clever or quiet your dog thinks they are. I recommend leaving a leash on dogs during training, even indoors, but that only works if it’s still intact. This one holds up, even with the stealthiest chewers, and won’t fray or snap under pressure.
For structure without the struggle
This leash is my go-to for dogs in training to wear around the house. It’s light enough not to bother them, long enough to give some freedom, but still lets you step in without a chase. I recommend using it when you’re working on boundaries, manners, or just want to avoid the “catch me if you can” routine.
Simple, High Value, Always a Hit
These single-ingredient treats are perfect for enrichment activities. I use them when I teach new skills, in puzzles, snuffle mats, or as jackpot rewards when I want something extra exciting. They break apart cleanly, don’t make a mess, and most dogs lose their minds over them…in the best way.
No zippers, no fumbling, just grab and go
This is the pouch I reach for when I want something clean, low-profile, and easy to open one-handed. The magnetic closure keeps treats secure but accessible. Ideal for enrichment games, quick reward sessions, or carrying just enough without overstuffing.
Pure protein, no fluff
his single-ingredient jerky is made from 100% pasture-raised turkey. Nothing added, nothing hidden. Dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrition, it’s a lean, high-value chew that dogs love and owners can feel good about.
Whether you’re training, treating, or just want a clean snack option that supports sustainable farming, this jerky delivers.
Great for: All dogs, especially those with sensitive stomachs or ingredient sensitivities.
Bonus: Breaks easily into smaller pieces for training sessions or enrichment games.
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I may earn a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I use, love, or genuinely believe in.