RCA Picks:
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 simplify training, make life easier, or keep dogs mentally sharp and satisfied. Categorized by vibe, not by marketing department
Mental Work:
Play that works the brain, not just the body
West Paw Toppl
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.
Snuffle Mat
Turn dinner into a scent work session.
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.
Starmark Bob-a-Lot
Wobble, roll, repeat—with food as the prize.
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.
Portable Agility Set
Jump, weave, tunnel! Create engagement & fun through movement.
This is one of my favorite options for 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.
Sniff and Seek
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
Stuff To Chew:
Because sometimes they just need to gnaw the heck out of something
Jughead Chew Toy
Make 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)
Himalayan Dog Chew
Make 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)
Nylabone Broccoli
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.
Nylabone Marshmallow
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.
Nylabone Dino
For small dogs with big bite energy
This little dino is made for small but determined chewers. The textured surface and odd shape keeps it interesting to hold and gnaw. It’s lightweight, durable, and weirdly satisfying to watch a tiny dog destroy something Jurassic.
Nylabone Gourmet Chew Trio – Large Dog
Three flavors. One ridiculous little feast
This bundle is great for dogs who love variety and strange textures. Each chew has a different shape and flavor: broccoli, lobster, and cheese. They’re designed to keep chewers busy and curious. I like this set for dogs who get bored easily and need a rotation to keep them from causing trouble.
Nylabone Gourmet Chew Trio – Small Dog
Tiny snacks. Big commitment.
This set is sized for small dogs who like a little flavor variety in their chew rotation. Each piece has a unique texture and shape to keep things interesting, including a pretzel, a lobster, and cheese. Great for smaller mouths that still want to gnaw like they mean it.
Pet Qwerks Pigs Ear
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.
Goughnuts Ring
For dogs who destroy happiness
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.
Polkadog Cod Skins
Crunchy, fishy, and tougher than they look.
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.
Training Stuff:
Stuff that supports the structure, not the struggle
On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals
The single most important book I will ever recommend
Out of every dog training book 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.
Pet Deterrent Mat
Easier than wrestling with sheets of tin 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.
Chew Proof Leashes
For dogs who think every leash is edible
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.
Petsafe Nylon Lightweight Leash
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.
Stewart Beef Liver Dog Treats
Simple, high-value, and 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.
Magnetic Treat Pouch
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, and the design doesn’t scream “dog trainer” when you’re out in public. Ideal for enrichment games, quick reward sessions, or carrying just enough without overstuffing.
Farm Hounds Turkey Jerky
Pure protein, no fluff
This 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.





















