40 genius ways to get your dog to behave better with almost no effort

Bring out the best in your pup with these simple solutions.

Shopping
We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

I recently adopted a rescue pup — an 11-week old Golden Retriever — and oh my goodness, is he equal parts cute and a ton of work. (All worth it, though.) With this new addition, I’ve found myself researching dog ownership in the middle of the night, trying to find something, anything, that will make our lives a little easier, while keeping him happy, too. From brain-busting puzzles to chew-resistant toys to solutions for making bath time a little less stressful, here are 40 ways to help your dog behave better and calm a bit of the chaos.

Give them a challenge with this snuffle mat that hides food

Keep your pup occupied, happy, and on a mission with this snuffle mat. Available in sizes for large and small dogs, it challenges their scenting abilities, providing mental stimulation and helping to slow down eating. Just hide kibble among the flaps and inside the various cups and coverings. It has a nonslip backing and folds up into a small size for storage.

Use a no-pull harness for better-behaved walks

This no-pull dog harness features both chest and shoulder attachments for better control on walks — plus the bungee is designed to absorb shock from strong pullers, which will increase comfort for you. It features a reflective and stylish design for increased visibility and safety during nighttime walks, offering both functionality and flair.

  • Available colors: 3
  • Available sizes: 4

Spray this chew deterrent on shoes & furniture

Keep your shoes and furniture safe from those sharp teeth with this bitter apple-flavored No Chew Spray — a go-to solution that offers a powerful but gentle solution to discourage destructive chewing behaviors. It leaves no stains or smells and is safe for all dogs, including teething puppies. Just spray it right onto frequently targeted objects to effectively deter chewing — and preserve your belongings.

Stimulate their brain with this treat puzzle

Got a puppy genius on your hands? Keep them engaged and mentally stimulated with this interactive puzzle toy. Featuring flip, lift, and slide compartments, it challenges your dog to find hidden treats, promoting positive play habits while helping to reduce stress and destructive behavior. Its made from BPA- and phthalate-free materials, so it’s safe for your pet and easy to clean.

  • Available puzzles: 9

Reduce frequent bath stress by using a waterless shampoo to freshen them up

With the Mighty Mutt waterless shampoo foam, you can avoid the stress and mess of frequent bathing. This no-rinse solution is perfect for quick and easy cleaning between baths — just massage it into your pup’s fur to deodorize and reduce itching. The hypoallergenic formula is gentle and tearless, so freshening up your dog has never been easier.

Give them plenty of exercise with this flying disc that’s a best-seller

Exercise helps your dog work out excess energy (so they’re calmer at home), so engage them in the ultimate game of fetch with this best-selling flying disc. It’s designed for high-flying action and long-distance throws, plus it’s soft and lightweight, so it’s gentle on your pup's gums and teeth. For pets who love to swim, it even floats in water. It’s suitable for medium and large dog breeds — just remember that it’s durable, but not chewable.

Treat them to a calming chew when they need tranquility

Help your pup to relax with these calming chews that support a healthy stress response. The unique formula includes ingredients like chamomile, passion flower, and valerian root to promote a sense of calmness and balanced behavior. Try them for separation stress, fireworks, vet visits, and general fear and nervousness.

Use this sling to keep them close & calm

For the cuddliest of pups who like to stay close in nerve-wracking situations, try this sling . It works for both small dogs and cats, and features a spacious interior and secure clasp for security while on the move. With a weight capacity of 12 pounds, it’s made from soft and breathable materials, with a wide shoulder strap for comfort.

Give aggressive chewers something indestructible to gnaw at

Called “monster” for a reason, this heavy-duty rubber toy is specially designed for aggressive chewers and high-energy dogs. It’s made from an industrial-strength, proprietary rubber compound to resist teeth and claws, meaning it’s an investment that’ll last for many months or even years. It has a 1-inch thickness for chewing satisfaction and a criss-cross sphere design for lots of engagement.

  • Available colors: 2

Make oral hygiene easier with this no-brush dental gel

Keep stinky dog breath at bay with this minty fresh teeth cleaning gel that loosens particles and removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria. It’s an easy way to keep up on your dog’s oral hygiene without having to convince your pup a toothbrush is a good idea. Just apply two drops a day to each side of their mouth, and they’ll lick it across their gums and teeth themselves.

  • Available scents: 2

Give them no-stuffing toys that they can’t destroy

If your pet loves plush playthings, but tends to get the stuffing everywhere, then this five-pack of stuffing-free dog toys is perfect for you. The set includes soft jungle animals — a frog, leopard, monkey, parrot, and sloth — so your dog can feel like a hunter without any damage. Plus, each toy features two squeakers and crinkle paper for sensory stimulation, too.

Soothe them during bath time with this massage tool

With the Aquapaw bath brush, you can soothe your pup during bath time while multitasking, too, since it combines the features of a scrubber, sprayer, and massager into one handy tool. It’s comfortable for your dog since its made of gentle silicone, and the handle makes it easy for you to maneuver. Just hook it up to your shower or garden hose for use.

Teach them how to ring these bells when they need to go out

Ever wish your dog could tell you when he had to go to the bathroom? Now he can with these dog doorbells that allow your pup to signal when they need to go outside, without scratching or whining. With three simple steps, training is a breeze (many dogs succeed on the very first day), helping to simplify your pup’s bathroom routine.

  • Available colors: 6

Keep them close by in traffic with a 2-handle leash

Navigating street crossings and encounters with other dogs can be tricky, so keep your pup as close as you can with this double-handle leash. One handle is placed 12 inches from the collar, so you can gently but firmly guide your dog when needed, and the other handle is placed 18 inches away — both are padded with neoprene for comfort.

Keep them calm while trimming nails with a silent grinder

If your dog freaks out when you trim their nails, you’re not alone. But with this silent nail grinder, you can keep them calm while getting the job done. The low-vibration grinder has six speeds for easy and efficient nail trimming, as well LED lights that illuminate their paws for a safer and more precise job. It’s well loved on Amazon, where it’s earned a 4.6-star overall rating.

  • Available colors: 6

Give them plenty of toy options to keep things fresh & interesting

Keep your pup entertained and busy — which may help keep them better behaved — with this pack of 23 versatile dog toys. The set includes squeaky toys, rubber chew toys, fuzzy cuddlers, and more. You can even hide a few, then take them out little by little to keep things fresh and engaging for your pup.

Contain their food & water messes with a splash mat

Well behaved or not, pups can be messy when eating, but you can make mealtimes a little tidier with this splash mat that protects your floors. It has raised edges to keep kibble and water contained and has a nonslip bottom surface to prevent slipping and sliding, too. The best part? It’s dishwasher safe for easy cleaning as needed.

  • Available colors: 5
  • Available sizes: 5

Keep their paws off the couch with this waterproof blanket

Let your dog cuddle up on the couch without leaving fur, drool, and odors behind, thanks to this waterproof blanket. With plush sherpa material on one side and soft flannel fleece on the other, it provides warmth and coziness, while its waterproof design shields your furniture from any potential accidents. It comes in a range of sizes and colors to suit your space perfectly.

  • Available colors: 8
  • Available sizes: 7

Get an all-in one kit to kickstart your training

This comprehensive dog training kit has everything you need to kickstart your dog training, all in one convenient, portable pack. It includes a dog clicker, bells, ultrasonic training whistle, and poop bag dispenser to help you train anywhere, any time. It’s an easy way to get started, and even comes with a training guide. One reviewer wrote, “This is an absolute steal of a deal! [...] I have everything I need in one place at all times and that makes a world of difference when managing a brand new GSD puppy!!!”

Keep them in the back seat with this car seat cover that blocks the gap

Keep your pup in the back seat — and your upholstery or leather protected — with this durable car seat cover. It adds comfortable padding and waterproof protection, while the sturdy Oxford cloth provides a shield between muddy paws (and claws) and the seat. You can even hook one side of the cover to the front headrests to create a barrier that’ll keep your pup securely in back.

  • Available colors: 4

Prevent them from muddying up the entryway with this highly rated mat

Keep your floors mud free with this entryway mat that absorbs the yuck. Its chenille fibers absorb moisture and mud from paws, as well from human boots and shoes. It’s complete with an anti-slip grip on the reverse side for extra traction and safety.

  • Available colors: 10
  • Available sizes: 5

Ease their stress with a plug-in pheromone diffuser

A stressed-out pup is also a stressed-out pup parent, which is why this pheromone diffuser kit for dogs may help calm you as well. The plug-in diffuser mimics a mother’s natural nursing pheromones to help your dog feel safer, calmer, and less nervous. Use it during times of high anxiety, like storms, changes of location, or when you’re traveling and they’re being cared for by another human.

Keep them calm during bath time with this licking mat

Keep your pup focused and entertained during bath time, nail trimming, and other not-so-pleasant-for-them activities with this licking mat. The act of licking not only distracts them, but also helps soothe feelings of stress. Just spread dog-approved treats like peanut butter or yogurt on the mat and watch as they go to town, letting you do what you need to do.

Have training treats ready at all times to encourage good behavior

Keep up with your dog training by always having treats on hand (actually, on your body) with this hip pouch. Perfect for training, walking, or scent work, it has five pockets to store all your essentials, and has an easy-access pouch, so you can offer an immediate reward when your pup behaves well. This smartly designed bag even has an integrated waste bag dispenser and is big enough to store a tennis ball, so you can play fetch at the dog park.

  • Available colors: 2

Dry them off before they have a chance to shake water everywhere

Shaking off water is instinct, but you can minimize the effects on your home by drying off your pup quick with these ultra-absorbent towel gloves. Perfect for use after bath time or a walk in the rain, they’re made with a thick chenille material that can absorb up to seven times its weight in water. Just slip them on your hands — your dog will appreciate the extra pets.

  • Available colors: 3

Initiate valuable bonding time with this flirt pole

Playtime with your pup can help develop a close and trusting relationship, so build in extra bonding time by using with this flirt pole. Its long length keeps you and your pup far enough away from one another, while they chase, jump, and leap to catch the colorful nylon cords. You can even detach the cords for a more simple, classic rope toy, too.

  • Available options: 2

Calm your pet with a heartbeat toy that reminds them of their mama

Give your new pup the comfort that only their mother’s heartbeat can give them with the soothing Snuggle Puppy. The battery-operated plushie has a beating heart sensation, and comes with a heating pad for even more realistic comfort. It’s made of soft, hypoallergenic materials and is machine washable — just make sure to take the vibrating heartbeat device out first.

  • Available styles: 6

Reward them with high-value treats for good behavior

Reward your good boys and girls with these tasty and nutritious treats made with smoky, flavorful beef or chicken. The sticks are soft and pliable, giving your pups a chewy experience that’s packed with flavor. Use these instead of higher-calorie treats to reinforce positive behaviors or to just show your dog some extra love.

  • Available flavors: 2

Reinforce positive behaviors with a training clicker

Reinforce positive dog behaviors and deter negative ones with this two-pack of training clickers. You can use the clickers in tandem with treats for obedience training and to correct bad habits, for a method that’s safe, simple, and effective. Keep one on your key ring and one on your leash for consistent access.

Keep them in designated areas with a pet gate

Keep your pup right where you want them — and away from where you don’t — with this walk-through pet gate. Standing 30 inches high, it’s suitable for large and small breeds alike, and adjusts from 29 to 36.5 inches wide to fit a variety of openings. The pressure-mounted design makes it easy to install with no tools or wall damage, and the smaller gate at the bottom lets your cat freely pass through.

  • Available colors: 2

Slow down a fast eater with this complicated bowl

This maze dog bowl can help slow down how quickly your pet eats by up to 10 times, thanks to its unique, ridged design. Slower eating will help aid in proper digestion, as well as help prevent dangerous bloat. It’s dishwasher safe, nonslip, and comes in a variety of fun options that’ll keep your dog challenged.

  • Available colors: 10
  • Available sizes: 4

Keep their paws clean, which in turn, will keep your home clean

You can’t really train a dog not to step in mud, but this portable dog paw cleaner features gentle silicone bristles that help remove dirt and debris from your dog's feet before they come inside or get in your car. Just add water to the cleaner, insert the paw, twist, and dab dry. It comes in multiple sizes for everything from toy poodles to Great Danes.

  • Available sizes: 5
  • Available colors: 9

Actually encourage chewing allowable things, like this fake stick

This chew toy offers dogs a safer alternative to real wooden sticks, satisfying their instinct without the risk of splintering. This tough, mess-free toy redirects destructive behavior and even has a woody, barbecue flavor. Ideal for solo play and retrieval training, the chew toy comes in four sizes for different dog breeds, from teething puppies to large dogs.

  • Available styles: 7
  • Available sizes: 4

Encourage proper potty habits with real grass pads

Made from natural grass, this puppy pee pad absorbs smells and eliminates odors just like actual turf, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Simply set it out and encourage your pet to use it when needed, and before long, they’ll realize that grass is the proper place to go. Easy to replace and dispose of, the eco-friendly system is a sustainable alternative to standard pee pads.

  • Available sizes: 4

Learn to read their body language with the help of a professional guide

Get a real understanding of your dog based on their body language with this illustrated guide to canine visual cues and behaviors. The illustrations compare facial expressions, body language, and gestures to help you interpret your dog's communication. Before long, you’ll be able to pick up signals your dog is sending with their ears, mouth, tail, and posture.

Keep them out of the trash with this can lock

Achieve peace of mind and maintain cleanliness with this trash can bungee lock which prevents pets (and wildlife) from rummaging through your garbage. It features a durable bungee cord and clip mechanism to provide a secure fit, deterring animals from getting into your bin and making a mess. The adjustable cord fits most trash cans and is easy to pull on and off as needed.

  • Available sizes: 6

Provide a crate they can call home when they need solitude

Give your dog a safe place to go with his crate that features a durable wire construction with a manual door-locking mechanism. Assembly requires no tools, allowing for quick setup and easy folding for transport or compact storage. It includes one or two doors and a divider for adjusting the space to your pet’s liking. It has a removable plastic base tray that stays in place while in use and simplifies cleaning, too.

  • Available sizes: 7

Create a safe space with this calming dog bed

The faux shag fur on this extra-calming pet bed provides warmth and coziness while the raised sides enhance feelings of security and support your pet's head and neck. Ideal for curling up, it’s easy on your furry friend’s joints and muscles. It comes in a number of sizes and colors, fitting seamlessly into any space. It’s made with an extra secure nonslip bottom and is machine washable for easy care.

  • Available colors: 14
  • Available sizes: 5