Looking for a new puppy shopping list? We've rounded up the must-have essentials for you. Preparing for the arrival of a new puppy is super exciting, but it can also be overwhelming trying to decide what supplies you need.

That's why we've put together this list with the help of expert vet, Dr Rebecca MacMillan. It includes everything from leashes to food bowls, and maybe a few things that you hadn't considered like equipment for keeping your pup safe on car journeys.

We've covered everything you need to get to help you and your new pup get started off on the right paw. Let's see what essentials you need to add to your shopping list.

New puppy shopping list

1. Bed

Having a cozy place to sleep is essential. Dr Rebecca MacMillan adds, "Sleep is essential for your puppy’s development, and they need to be able to rest in a comfortable environment."

A dog bed can also offer your pup a place to go if they're feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

Some pet owners also choose to crate train as a place to feel safe.

2. Food

This one goes without saying, but you will need to spend time deciding which food you want to feed your pup. The best puppy food will ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to support their growing bodies.

You may also want to stock up on puppy treats. Treats are great for training sessions and are an easy way to improve the relationship with your dog.

3. Bowls

Of course, you will need food and water bowls to serve your dog. Dr MacMillan advises that they should be "sturdy and easy to clean to keep them hygienic".

There are plenty of options to choose from and even smart pet bowls that can make feeding your pooch even easier. These bowls offer automatic feedings and can even weigh food to ensure your dog is getting the right amount.

4. Leash

A leash is a must-have. There are many types of dog leashes, and you'll have to decide on the best dog leash for your pup. It's important to get a solid leash as you'll be spending a lot of time on walks, especially if you have a high-energy breed.

If you want advice on how to train a puppy to walk on a leash, check out our step-by-step guide.

Dr MacMillan also adds, "You will also need to invest in a collar, ID tag, and leash for your new pet. While they won’t be going out for walks until they have completed their primary vaccinations, you can get your puppy used to the sensation of walking equipment in the safety of your home."

5. Grooming

Unless you have a dog that hardly sheds, you should expect to have weekly grooming sessions scheduled. These can be done at home, and all you'll need is a dog brush and something to trim their nails.

When it comes to nail clippers vs grinders, there are pros and cons to both. But with new pups, you may prefer to use grinders as it's easier to avoid cutting too close to the quick. Grinders are also easier for new pet parents to maneuver. But whichever you choose, it's worth checking out our round-ups of the best dog nail clippers and the best nail grinders for pets.

But most importantly, you'll want to be sure that your keeping your pup's teeth clean. with a dog toothbrush. We've got an expert vet approved guide on how to brush a dog's teeth to help.

6. Car safety equipment

"A doggy seatbelt, dog guard, or a secured dog crate will help you and your pet to stay safe on car journeys," says Dr MacMillan.

Dog harnesses are an excellent choice as well. They will ensure your dog doesn't get jostled around in the event of a car accident.

7. Toys

We've saved the best for last. Toys are arguably the most fun item to buy for your pup., but there are a few things to consider when purchasing new ones.

"Make sure to stock up on a few different types, with varying textures and functions. This will keep your puppy mentally stimulated and will help you to work out what their favourite type of play might be," says Dr. MacMillan.

You'll also want to make sure they are made from strong and durable materials that can withstand plenty of puppy chewing. If you're looking for inspiration, check out our guide to the best puppy toys, tried and tested.

Read next: Things I'd wish I'd known before getting a dog and puppy habits you should nip in the bud

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Megan Milstead.

A heatwave is right around the corner, and if you don't have one of the best cooling mats for dogs, you need to jump on Amazon right now – I've just spotted a fantastic discount on this K&H Pet Cooling Bed, which is on sale for less than $23. If I had a dog, I'd be taking advantage of this 63% saving today,

So how does this cooling pad work exactly? You won’t need any electricity or wires to get started – simply fill it with water, close the valve, and your dog will have a cool new spot to chill out on.

Unlike other cooling mats, it contains no toxic gels and is BPA-free, so you won’t have to worry about leaks or chewing. The exterior is made from tough, durable nylon and vinyl that’s built to last.

The bed comes in three different sizes: small (24x17"), medium (32x22"), and large (44x32"), so you'll be able to find a comfortable fit for your dog.

Temperatures are set to soar this week, so your pet will thank you for having one of these on standby – plus, it's something you can bring out year after year.

If your dog is prone to getting hot and bothered in the heat, I've rounded up some other brilliant deals below that are sure to keep them cool:

Want to find the best Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals? Frontline's flea treatment just crashed to $27. Or, read our top tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer and how PetsRadar finds the best deals

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

You might have come across this new trend online, where owners are using talking pet buttons to teach their dogs how to 'speak.'

While it might seem absurd – or even impossible – the concept is actually quite simple. It involves using word association and a set of brightly colored voice buttons to help your dog communicate and ask for what they need in a fun, interactive way.

My dog, Tilly, has never shied away from pet tech. After testing several of the best pet cameras in our home, I thought this could be a great way for her to let me know how she's doing and what she needs independently.

If your dog is a little on the timid side, getting them to actually press and engage with the buttons will be your biggest challenge. These things aren't a cheap investment either, so keep that in mind before you take the plunge.

When looking for pet voice command buttons online, there's plenty of choice – almost too much, to the point that it can be overwhelming. I bought this set from Amazon, which includes five blank buttons in different colors, a black rubber bone-shaped mat, and a transparent sticker sheet to help you visualize which button corresponds to which command or task.

Where to buy talking pet buttons

My experience using talking pet buttons

As a pet owner with a very spoiled dog, I was initially sceptical of these buttons and their purpose, given that my double doodle has everything she could ever possibly want or need at all times.

Treats, fully stocked. Walkies, twice a day. Attention, I work from home (need I say more?). But I was shocked to find that once Tilly had grasped how the buttons worked, she had no hesitation in making demands and letting me know what she wanted.

For example, I set up my five buttons with a simple one-word command for each, one of which was 'treat'. Tilly, like every other dog I imagine, reacts positively to this word, and quickly started to abuse her power with this button.

For the blue button, I recorded 'bedtime'. Tilly has always understood this to mean that we're going upstairs now, and it's time to unwind and relax. Having slept at the bottom of our bed since she was a puppy (like I said, spoilt), this is a place of comfort for her, and sometimes she'll sleep on the bed while I'm working at my desk.

Lately, there have been several evenings when my fiancé and I have been binge-watching a show, and Tilly would trot over to her buttons and hit 'bedtime', then turn to look at us for a reaction or approval. We're not always ready to go to bed when Tilly wants us to, and she hilariously took herself to bed in a strop one time after pressing the button (I wish I had it on video).

Another time, I had left some gravy bone biscuits on the kitchen floor for Tilly, and after finishing them, she continued to press 'treat'. I told her that she'd had enough and no more, but she persisted, and then started scratching the floor.

I thought this was strange behavior at first, but I went into the kitchen to find a gravy bone stuck behind the door that she couldn't reach. She had been trying to tell me all along.

This proved to me that these buttons are invaluable at breaking the communication barrier between dogs and humans in situations like this – but what do the experts say?

Are dogs really 'talking'?

According to a research paper published via MDPI, this approach to communicating with dogs using voice buttons might actually run the risk of overriding their natural behaviors, such as barking and whining, to communicate.

The researchers pointed out that online, this method of talking to dogs is often made to look as if the dogs are spontaneously expressing their thoughts in a cute way, whereas it has taken months of training to achieve this conditioned behavior, and can often make little sense without context or the owner needing to interpret the dog's intent.

If you ask me, I genuinely feel that communication between me and Tilly has improved since using these voice command buttons. It has taught me to be more attentive to how she may be feeling, rather than assuming that she's fine because she's sat quietly in her basket.

Allowing Tilly to interact with me in this way and asking for walkies at unusual times has not only been fun, but really eye-opening from an owner's perspective.

I've found that while working from home, Tilly will occasionally paw at my leg, and this means she wants to be picked up and cuddled while resting her head on my desk. She never used to do this previously, and I think using buttons has taught her that it's OK to get my attention, and it feels like a really natural way to bond.

Going forward, I think I might introduce an 'attention' button for Tilly, so she can express when she needs a bit of extra TLC. Whether or not this is something she'll benefit from is all part of the testing process, and I don't feel that any harm can come from trying.

Top tips for using talking pet buttons

1. Teach the commands: It's important that your dog has a good understanding of voice commands and what the words mean for these buttons to work – though I'm sure every dog must understand 'treat' or 'walk.'

2. Stay consistent: You also need to make sure you stick to your word (pardon the pun) in the early stages by consistently carrying out these actions, so your dog learns that pressing a button results in a certain reaction.

3. Start simple: With Tilly, we started off with words like 'outside' for when she wanted to go in the garden, and made sure to get up and open the back door every time she pressed the green button to build trust and help her learn. 'Walkie woos' is the big red danger button that we secretly hoped she wouldn't press too often.

4. Keep buttons in the same order: Another tip is to keep things simple and try not to change the order of the buttons by swapping their positions in the lineup. I found that Tilly got confused a few times when we swapped the buttons around in order after they came loose from the mat. What she thought was 'walkies' was actually 'dinner', and we knew she didn't mean this as she'd already been fed.

Looking for more pet tech reviews? Read our review of the Enabot ROLA PetPal (it's the craziest pet cam we've ever tested!) and Petcube Cam 360. Or, for more ways to meet your dog’s needs, read how to know if your dog is happy and are pet cameras worth it?

Edited by Megan Milstead.

I've been tracking the Amazon Big Spring Sale and just stumbled across possibly the best product I've ever seen. This GIANT human dog bed is every pup lover's dream – and it's on sale for less than $60 (not a typo!).

As a pet writer and deals expert, I know it's pretty hard to find one of these for less than $100, so this is definitely a discount you'll want to take advantage of.

With the Spring Sale ending on Monday (and no guarantee the deals will stick around for the duration), if I were a pup parent, I'd be snapping it up right away! In fact, even if you don't have a dog, this would be ideal for lounging in alone.

Measuring 75" long and 43" wide, there's plenty of space for you and your dog to snuggle up and watch the best movies for animal lovers together. Your Sunday afternoons are about to reach a whole new level of comfort!

The bed is lined with premium faux fur that's super soft, and it even features a built-in blanket with extra-long fluff. I know how smelly dog beds can get, so thankfully, the cover is completely machine-washable to keep it fresh and clean.

This bed has four layers: a non-skid bottom, waterproof foam, a removable bolster, and a fluffy lining. Thanks to the handle, it's easy to move around and transport between rooms, while the portable pocket is perfect for storing books, remote controls, (or the best dog treats!)

With a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, reviewers rave about its high-quality feel, spacious design, and incredible comfort. If you're an extra pet parent who loves lounging with their dog, this is a deal you can't miss.

For more expert-picked savings, read: Shark’s Air Purifier is $130 off in the Amazon Big Spring Sale and our top-rated cat tower is 40% off right now

Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.

It’s a sad truth that there are a whole lot of dogs in shelters and rescues across the US and beyond, all waiting for their forever homes.

While nobody can wave a magic wand to make them all find a home, one dog chew toy company is celebrating its 70th birthday by giving them a helping hand along the way with some of the best durable dog toys.

Beginning yesterday, February 14th, Nylabone’s CHEWS for Good campaign sees it team up with Best Friends Animal Society, a non-profit with offices all across the country, to donate up to 25,000 chew toys to shelters and rescues.

Until December 31st 2025, for every Nylabone product purchased, the company will donate an equal number of Nylabone toys to dogs in Best Friends Animal Society-affiliated shelters and rescues, up to a total of 25,000. Best Friends runs the largest no-kill animal sanctuary in the country, and works with a network of over 5,000 animal welfare organizations and shelters.

There are plenty of benefits to safe chew toys, and the hope is that these toys will promote healthy chewing habits, reduce anxiety, and in turn increase a dog’s chances of being adopted.

Glen S. Axelrod, the president and CEO of Nylabone Products, explained, “As we celebrate 70 years of making a difference for dogs and their families, we’re proud to continue our mission of improving the lives of homeless dogs.

“According to Best Friends Animal Society, 2.5 million dogs entered US shelters in 2023, and 457,000 dogs were surrendered. A 2021 analysis revealed that roughly 11% of dogs surrendered were due to either personality or minor behavior issues, such as destructive chewing. By providing chew toys that reduce anxiety and encourage calm, adoptable behavior, we are helping more dogs find and stay in loving homes.”

Kim Cassar, senior vice president of marketing at Nylabone, added, “We’re proud to partner with Best Friends Animal Society to help improve the lives of shelter dogs. By reducing stress and promoting calm behavior, our chew toys help these dogs put their best paw forward, increasing their chances for adoption.

To get involved, all you need to do is buy a Nylabone product and upload your receipt to Nylabone Cares or send your entry by mail. Not only will you be helping rescue dogs, but you’ll be in with the chance of winning a range of exciting prizes, from gift cards to the grand prize.

Meanwhile, Nylabone is also releasing a collection of limited-edition birthday chew toys from April. The toys will feature Nylabone’s signature orange color as well as some of the company’s most popular shapes, flavors, and textures.

Thinking of going one step further and adopting a rescue dog yourself? Here are 32 reasons to adopt a dog, while here are eight things you need to know before getting a rescue dog.

Valentine’s Day is coming on Friday, and you might have plans with your partner or some friends. But we love our dogs too, right?

While we associate Valentine’s Day with romantic love, it’s a great day to show all of our loved ones how much they mean to us, and our furry friends are no exception. But how can we show our pets just how much we love them – of course, we can always offer some of the best dog treats, but what else?

Well, natural dog food company Green Pantry has teamed up with Philip Legood, a dog psychologist and trainer, to offer five top tips. Legood explains that cuddling and hugging our dogs may not always be appreciated, and can sometimes feel overwhelming and threatening, so here are some great alternatives.

1. Let your dog explore somewhere new

“Changing up their routine and taking them somewhere different for a walk is a great sensory experience for them,” says Legood. “Try not to use the same route every day.”

Dogs have a great sense of smell, and adding new locations – particularly outdoors – can introduce them to all sorts of different smells to help stimulate them mentally and make walks more interesting.

2. Provide affection on their terms

While most dogs love affection from their humans, it’s best to allow them to choose how and when they receive it. It’s a great way to build trust, too.

“Your pup might like to be in physical contact with you while they sleep, expose their tummy for a gentle belly rub, or even snuggle in close to your face,” says Legood. “However they choose to show their affection, just embrace the moment and, if you can, spend a few moments appreciating their comfort.”

3. Engage their brain

Lots of play and training will help you build a stronger bond with your dog, and working breeds in particular enjoy training activities. As for play, Legood recommends classic games like fetch and tug, but also sniffing games, puzzle toys, and agility training.

4. Offer a healthy, tasty diet:

“A healthy dog is a happy dog and you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a good and balanced diet,” says Legood, who recommends nutritious food for your pup’s mood and energy levels.

Of course, treats are great, too – but be sure to keep them in moderation! For something different, why not try one of these delicious dog treat recipes for Valentine’s Day?

5. Respect their boundaries

Sometimes, dogs want time to themselves, just like humans.

“Your dog will appreciate you respecting their boundaries, especially when they’re asleep or eating,” says Legood. “Giving them space when they need it will help to strengthen your relationship. Sometimes our pups need time to rest and recharge, without us interfering!”

For more ways to treat your four-legged friend this week, how about taking a look at these great Valentine’s Day gifts for dogs? Or if your partner is likely to buy you flowers, let them know which popular Valentine’s Day flowers are toxic to pets

As a pet parent and fashion lover, there's nothing cuter than dressing up a dog –especially when you're both wearing matching attire. While I no longer have a dog myself, there are so many outfits I’d love to try if I could.

You might already own some of the best dog coats, but if you're thinking about taking your dog's wardrobe game to the next level, you'll want to keep reading. I've found seven adorable outfit ideas that are perfect to try with your pooch – from matching accessories to coordinated Crocs.

If, like me, the idea of stepping out in the exact same outfit as your dog feels a little overwhelming, you'll be glad to hear that it doesn’t have to be a bold statement. It can be as subtle as a claw clip or a complementary color, so you don’t have to worry about looking too out there.

Best dog and owner matching outfits

1. Satin pajamas

There's nothing better than slipping into a fresh pair of satin pajamas – something about it just makes you feel like you've got your life in order. So, I can only imagine that getting a matching pair for your dog will make you feel even more put together.

While it's probably not the best idea to let your dog actually sleep in them, it's the perfect attire for cozying up together and watching the best movies every animal lover needs to see.

2. Bathrobes

One thing about dogs is that they love being spoiled with fuss and attention, so they'll definitely appreciate a good old pampering day (which requires a bathrobe, of course!)

Start with a walk in the park (bring the best dog toys for them to chase after), followed by a soothing massage to relax their muscles, focusing on the head and shoulders. Once you're done, finish the day with a warm bath using the best dog shampoo, and wrap them in a cozy bathrobe to keep them dry and warm. Then, sit back and relax in your matching gowns!

3. Knitted hats

Cozy and incredibly cute, matching knitted hats are always a good idea in the winter (if your dog doesn’t mind wearing one).

While they won’t provide much warmth for your pooch, they’re an adorable way to coordinate and come in a variety of colors to match your style. If you've never dressed up your dog before, make sure you introduce new accessories slowly and read their body language for any signs of distress.

4. Bandana and claw clip

Matching with your dog doesn’t have to be attention-grabbing; a claw clip and bandana combo offer a subtle way to ease into it. It's also probably the easiest accessory to introduce to your pup, as they're already used to wearing a collar.

Claw clips always come in handy, making them a stylish accessory you can wear year-round, even when your dog isn’t by your side. This option is also relatively inexpensive since you can pick up both items from affordable stores and find a shade that closely matches.

5. Hoodies

If your dog is lean or small, they likely feel the cold more than the average pooch and might appreciate an extra layer to stay warm.

Like dog coats, a hoodie is a great way to protect your dog from chilly winter weather and is an ideal choice for owners who want to match. The best part? You can easily find plain colors that fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.

6. Quarter-zip sweatshirts

If you love the idea of a hoodie but think the hood might bother your dog, a quarter-zip sweatshirt is a perfect alternative. These are cozy and comfortable for both of you, and the zip makes it easy to fit a collar underneath.

Whether you wear it on walks or while relaxing at home, these pullovers are versatile for any casual occasion and require minimal effort.

7. Crocs

Whether you love them or hate them, you can now buy matching Crocs for you and your dog. They might not be the most glamorous shoes, but I personally love them for their practicality and find them incredibly useful for everyday errands.

Believe it or not, they could also be beneficial for your dog too. Boots are an excellent way to protect dog paws in winter, particularly if there's snow, ice, and salt on the streets which could hurt or damage their delicate paw pads. And just look at how cute they are!

You might also want to read: They say dog owners end up looking like their pets – I proactively make sure I do! and Do dogs need coats?

Why we love the Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness

The Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness is one of the best dog harnesses for pulling, offering safety, comfort and durability in a variety of vibrant colors. Here are some reasons why I love it:

1. Magnetic closure
I did not realize how convenient a magnetic closure on a harness would be until I tried it. This is a feature I’ve yet to see in a harness, and I absolutely love it! The magnetic clasp makes it extremely easy to open and close the buckle, but virtually impossible for a dog to pry it apart. This allows for a quick turnaround time getting the harness on or off. That alone is worth the price tag!

2. Accurate fit
The adjustments in the chest, back, belly allow for the most secure fit. Although the harness comes in three standard sizes (small, medium and large), you are able to adjust the harness to your pet’s exact dimensions. You might also want to read our guide on how to measure a dog for a harness.

3. Lifetime warranty
Dogs can be unpredictable at times, and should anything happen to the harness, Atlas Pet Company will replace it. They’ll even repair it if it gets chewed on or damaged for any reason. You buy it once, and wear it for a lifetime.

4. Design
Just because something is practical, doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish! The harness comes in seven colors, so you can choose one that not only works well, but looks great on your pet, too. The reflective stitching on the edges provides an added layer of safety without compromising aesthetics.

Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness: Specs

Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness: FAQs

Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness: User experience

Quality and durability:
The quality of this harness is unparalleled. I’ve been using this harness to walk my dog for about a year now, and I have yet to see any damage or discoloration. And despite daily use, there seems to be no visible signs of wear and tear…the harness is still as sturdy as ever.

Value for money:
Although this harness has a much higher price point than I would prefer to spend on such an accessory, I do believe I have gotten my money’s worth and it's one of the best dog harnesses. And the fact that Atlas Pet Company will repair or replace any damaged harness, no questions asked means I will never have to spend on another harness again.

Snug and secure:
If you have a mixed breed like me, you'll know the struggle of trying to find the right size all too well. My dog’s proportions are all over the place so he is usually too big for a small, but too small for a medium. This highly adjustable harness is a god send, and allows me to make sure he’s securely fastened. No escape artists here!

Outdoor tested and approved:
This harness has withstood the harsh extremities of Los Angeles weather. I’ve taken my dog on numerous hikes using this harness and it has kept my dog focused on the trail. And be it rain or shine, the harness prevails! It’s made of quick drying UV resistant material which is definitely built for active dogs on outdoor adventures.

Atlas Pet Company Lifetime Harness: Verdict

I’m a creature of habit, so I had my reservations about switching to a new harness for my dog that did not contain any padding. But after trying the Atlas Pet Company’s Lifetime Harness, I can officially call myself a convert.

Not only is it extremely easy to put on and take off, but it also provides a very secure fit for my (adorably) disproportionate dog. Should my dog’s weight fluctuate, I would just have to adjust the harness versus buying an entirely new one. And like magic, the pulling has been significantly reduced, as has my stress been on these walks.

If you're looking for a design that's made specifically for travel, check out our guide to the best dog car harnesses. Or, if you can't decide between a front-clip harness vs back-clip harness, this feature can help.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by all the types of dog leashes on the market. We get it. But don't worry we've covered the most popular types of dog leashes here to help you figure out which one is best for your dog.

Taking your dog on a walk is likely something you'll be doing at least once a day, so you want to be sure that you choose one of the best dog leashes for your dog. There are a few things to consider when it comes to choosing a dog leash. You'll want to consider things like the size and personality of your dog, and where you are on your leash training journey.

In this feature, we go over all the pros and cons of the different types of dog leashes and even have vet Dr. Rebecca MacMillan weigh in on each type. Let's check them out!

What are the different types of dog leashes?

1. Standard fixed-length leash

The most common type of leash is the standard leash that has one clip that attaches to your pet's collar or harness. This is the most popular types of leash and is a good fit for most dogs. When choosing this type of leash you'll want to look out for ones that are made of durable long lasting materials, like nylon or leather. These leashes are great for dogs that pull.

Dr. MacMillan says, "Fabric leashes can be a bit lighter, which may be easier for puppies, but they can fray and break if your dog likes chewing on them."

Chain leashes also fall in this category, while they may be too heavy for puppies and toy dog breeds, that will be good for large breed dogs.

2. Slip leash

This leash features a loop that can be put over your dog's head and then tightened to the perfect fit. The leashes also tend to tighten as your dog pulls against you, making them not ideal for dogs who pull excessively. Dr. MacMillan advises against using this type of leash for dogs that have spinal or neck problems.

3. Retractable leash

This leash is a great option for owners that are looking to give their pooches a little more freedom while out on walks. As they are given more space to roam and sniff around. These leashes however, are not great for dogs that pull. As they will be rewarded with more free range the more they pull on their leash.

4. Dog harness

Along with leashes, there are also several different types of dog harnesses. Harnesses can take some of the pressure off a dog's neck and distribute it over the dog's body, making your hound more comfortable on walks. Many dog owners also use harnesses for dogs that pull.

What is the best type of leash for training

When it comes to how to stop a dog from pulling, the right leash can sometimes make all the difference. You may want to consider a double-ended leash. These leashes have two clips. One that attaches to the back of your dog's harness and another that goes on the chest of the harness. This allows you to be able to steer your dog and it stops them from being able to lean all their weight against you.

If you are working on training recall in dogs, Dr. MacMillan says, "A long-line training leash used in a large outdoor space can be a great option for dogs that are still working on their recall."

If you found this helpful, check out How to use a harness on a dog and Ways to build self-care into your dog walk.

Shopping for Christmas gifts for your dog is a top pet-owner experience – I absolutely love it so I can’t wait to share some of my top finds with you! Your dog is your best friend, a treasured pack member, and loves to get involved with family occasions – why shouldn’t they share in the most woof-derful time of the year?

Buying presents for your dog doesn’t have to be about big spending. While it’s always a treat to splash out, your dog isn’t worried about the price tag. You could even spoil your pup with homemade dog treats – it’s the thought that counts, after all!

Whether you’re after something practical, like one of the best pet trackers or best dog beds, something simple that your dog will love or something tasty, we’ve got you covered.

Here are my top picks – there’s something for every budget and I’d love to buy all of these for my dog!

10 Christmas gifts I’d buy for my dog

1. A toasty place to sleep

2. A real head-scratcher

3. A tasty snack

4. A “caffeine hit”

5. Some festive treats

6. A game of hide n seek

7. A fast-paced fetch game

8. A fun game for the whole family

9. Surveillance with a snack

10. A fashionable drinking vessel

If you’ve got other pets to buy for, we’ve also put together other guides to the best Christmas gifts for dogs and best Christmas gifts for cats!

I’ve been trawling through all the Cyber Monday dog bed deals and am happy to see that there are still some great picks on sale.

While some of my favorite items have gone out of stock since Black Friday, there are still a lot of the best dog beds here to choose from. Whether you have a toy dog breed or a large breed dog we've got a great deal for you.

It may come as no surprise that Amazon is high up on the list of the best deals, but I’ve actually found some of the best discounts are with Chewy and Walmart this season, too. Be sure to check out Chewy Black Friday deals if you're interested in even more discounts.

You’ll want to shop quickly, today is the last day for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales!

Amazon Black Friday dog beds

Chewy Black Friday dog beds

Walmart Black Friday dog beds

What is Cyber Monday?

Cyber Monday is yet another shopping event and it always follows Black Friday. This year, it falls on December 2nd, 2024. Cyber Monday is all about online shopping deals and you generally won't see these sales in stores.

Where are the best Cyber Monday deals?

We typically see the best deals with big-name retailers such as Amazon. However, more and more stores are beginning to participate in Cyber Monday sales. Some of these stores are Walmart, Chewy, and Target.

If you're looking for even more discounts check out our Cyber Monday pet deals hub and our round-up of Cyber Monday dog deals.

Your dog may not know what Christmas is, but that's no reason not to buy them one of the best Christmas gifts for dogs – they’re part of the family, after all. I love to buy my dog a Christmas present (or two) each year and stick on one of my favorite dog Christmas movies.

Watching a dog unwrap something is delightful (just be sure they don't eat any of the tape or paper). Retailers everywhere bring out festive dog treats, jumpers, hats and toys so your dog can get into the Christmas spirit as much as you do – and I’ve picked out some of my favourites!

The best Christmas gifts for dogs 2026

How to choose the best feative gifts for dogs

Price

When purchasing a present for your pet, the price can be important unless you have endless pots of money – and most of us don’t. Most of these gifts have been chosen with a lower budget in mind, with more than half falling under the $20 mark.

While it can be fun to treat your pooch to something for Christmas every year, it's worth getting them something they will use again each year that gets them involved in the Christmas traditions – they are a member of the family after all.

Put a ceiling on how much you want to spend before you start looking for a gift. But, ultimately, the choice of how much you want to spend is yours.

Suitability

Will they like it? The purpose of a gift is to give your pet something that you think they will like. If your pet is a fussy eater, perhaps avoid treats with flavorings like ginger or cinnamon, as these flavors may be unpleasant for your pooch. Do they care for squeaky toys or are they more interested in cuddly plush teddies? Also consider the size of your dog and whether the product is designed for an animal of their size.

Not found the perfect gift yet? How about one of the best Advent calendars for dogs or check out our round-up of Black Friday dog deals for a bargain! Or if you’ve got a cat, we’ve selected the best Christmas gifts for cats, too.

As we enter the darker half of the year, most dog owners will know that this means a rapid increase in the quantity of mud we'll be dealing with day-to-day. It gets everywhere: shaken up the walls, trodden into carpets and furniture, and there is one main culprit for the mess: your pet dog.

I've had my dog for 18 months now and our first winter ended up leaving me exasperated, tired and constantly scrubbing my walls, rugs and the pooch herself in an endless cycle of muddy walks. It was a wet winter, and our favorite walk became waterlogged and slick with slimy mud.

Unfortunately, my lurcher, Dixie loves mud. She loves to run through it at speed, throwing it all over her coat, particularly her bum, underbelly and legs. She would then bring all this mud into our house and shake it up the walls before I could even attempt to rub her down with a towel.

As winter approached, I said to myself "not again" and looked into some solutions. There are paw-washers available, like this one from Dexas available on Amazon, but this wasn't the full-body solution I was looking for. We don't have an outside tap, so hosing her down wasn't an option either. Finally, I stumbled across the answer: a portable dog shower.

Above is how Dixie comes home after her walk (left) and after using the portable dog shower and a towel to clean her off (right). The mud is a little difficult to see due to her brindle coloring, but I can promise you, she was caked!

Jump to the best portable dog showers we recommend

Why I love my portable dog shower

I didn't want to just take my dog on pavement walks, as she's a sighthound and loves to run in big open fields (which tend to be muddy). She also genuinely seems to enjoy getting filthy, and who am I to deny her that simple pleasure in life.

My portable dog shower is an absolute game changer. It's compact, but carries five liters of water and works with pump-pressure action, meaning you don't need a tap to get the water flowing. You can throw it in the car and take it with you on walks, giving your dog a quick spray and a towel down before bringing them home again.

I keep mine by the front door and fill it with warm water before we leave on our walk, so it's not too cold on my dog's skin by the time we get home again. It takes two minutes to rinse Dixie off when we get back, then I towel her down and put her in a doggy bathrobe, like this one from Geyecete on Amazon.

So far, this new method has worked wonders. I don't have to mop and scrub my walls every day, my dog isn't dropping dried flakes of mud all over the place for the rest of the day and we still get to enjoy our favorite country walks.

Portable dog showers we recommend

How does a portable dog shower work?

Depending on the model you choose, portable dog showers will either use a manual pump or battery powered pump to build up the pressure to spray water. Most have a trigger at the showerhead so the water won't come out until you are ready to use it. Most can be used with warm or cold water (avoid using hot as this may damage the shower). They also work well as camping showers, if you don't mind pausing to re-pressurize them.

Want to keep your dog warm and dry on their winter walks? Check out our guide on the best dog coats.

The best dog beds for chewers are well worth the investment if you have a pup who loves nothing more than sinking their teeth into their favorite sleep spot!

But, why do dogs chew their beds we hear you ask? Well, there are lots of different reasons that can drive this behavior, but boredom, stress and attention-seeking are often at the top of the list.

That's why we recommend pairing your fur friend's new bed with one of the best dog chew toys or one of the longest-lasting dog chews as these can help to keep them occupied and soothe any anxiety they may be feeling.

Below, you'll find our pick of the best dog beds for chewers – selected for their durability, longevity and comfort. Plus, Dr. Hannah Godfrey goes into more detail about why dogs chew their beds and how you can put a stop to it.

The best dog beds for chewers 2026

What are the best dog beds for chewers?

While the best dog beds lining the shelves are suitable for many pups, most won't cut the mustard if you have an aggressive chewer on your hands!

"It goes without saying that if your dog’s a chewer, you need a sturdy dog bed!," says Dr. Godfrey. "This means one made of sturdy material with hard-wearing seams so that your pooch can’t easily break through it to the stuffing inside. Tough materials like canvas and woven polyester are more durable, and double stitching provides added reinforcement.

Another thing to consider is the style of the bed – a dog bed with raised sides and a cushion in the center might be more appealing and exciting than a boring old gym mat or mattress style, which could mean your dog is more likely to chew.

Since mattress-style dog beds can still be very comfortable, this might be a good option if your dog likes to get stuck into removing the cushions, digging, or generally destroying their bed."

Why does my dog chew his bed?

Do dogs get bored? Absolutely! And it's one of the primary reasons they may resort to chewing.

"Dogs can chew their bed for lots of reasons," Dr. Godfrey says. "They might be bored and lacking physical or mental stimulation. They might have lots of energy and need to let off some steam."

In cases where a lack of stimulation might be causing your dog to chew, we recommend investing in some of the best dog puzzle toys to give your pup's brain a good workout.

However, boredom and a lack of exercise or mental enrichment aren't the only reasons a dog may chew, as Dr. Godfrey explains.

"They might be stressed, scared, in pain, or unwell. And don’t forget separation anxiety – which creates a mixture of boredom, stress, and anxiety and commonly leads to destructive behavior like chewing."

How can I stop my dog from chewing their bed?

"To stop your dog from chewing his bed, make sure you provide plenty of opportunities to burn off energy – walks and playtime are great ideas," Dr. Godfrey advises.

"On top of this, fight boredom with puzzles, toys, and long-lasting dog chews. Make sure you reward time spent chewing toys and chews, providing plenty of positive reinforcement, and avoid a big reaction if he does chew his bed – he’ll only learn that he gets your full attention when he does it."

Fireworks season is just around the corner and as much as we love to see the sky filled with colorful fireworks it can be a stressful time for our pets. The loud noises and bright lights can cause unnecessary anxiety to our beloved pets.

Here at Pets Radar, we have many suggestions on the best ways to calm your dog during fireworks and a host of tips on calming a scared cat from our expert pet behavior consultants.

One of the best options that really worked on my dog Terry, a normally feisty Lakeland Terrier, was a vet-recommended pheromone diffuser. It's proven to be a simple and effective addition to combat anxiety and helped soothe the stress response that scared dogs and cats experience.

A pheromone diffuser uses a synthetic copy of your pet's natural pheromones to send a calming message that everything is okay and can potentially ease your pet stress-free through the fireworks season. However, every animal is an individual, and it's worth discussing your pet's needs if their stress levels are particularly high.

Below I've added a few variants of dog and cat pheromone diffusers, which have well-timed discounts at Amazon – so they are also a cost-effective solution as well as being generally effective. These deals are territory-specific to US and UK shoppers.

Dog Pheromone Diffuser Deals

Cat Pheromone Diffuser Deals

Another useful solution to your pet's stress and behavior is to use one of the best pet cameras. They are an extra resource to have on your side especially if you have to leave your pet home alone during fireworks season.

Pet cameras can help you monitor your pet and provide reassurance with some models having two-way audio that allows you to connect to Alexa devices and deliver reassurance to your pet in real time.

Below I've added some of the best deals on pet cameras that will show prices in your territory automatically.

These dog beds are at the top of my list this Amazon Prime Day. Whether you’re getting a dog for the first time or your pooch’s bed is in need of an upgrade, this is the perfect time to grab a new bed.

Dogs need a lot of sleep to keep them healthy and thriving. That is especially true if you have one of the sleepiest dog breeds! We want them to be comfortable during their valuable snoozing time, so it’s well worth investing in one of the best dog beds.

I was happy to see that some of our favorite beds are on sale now during Amazon Prime Day. Check out some of our favorite picks below!

The best dog bed deals this Amazon Prime Day

Be sure to check out our round up of the best Amazon Prime Day pet deals and Amazon Prime Day dog deals too!

Why are prong collars cruel, and what alternatives exist for managing a strong-pulling dog?

Prong collars cause discomfort and pain when a dog pulls. It's an aversive method to stop a dog from pulling. As a dog behaviorist, I think prong collars are inhumane and should never be part of a training plan.

The metal spikes pinch the tender skin around a dog's neck, causing physical pain and potentially psychological damage. If used regularly, the dog's neck can develop scar tissue, dulling the sensation of the prong collar, meaning the dog continues pulling.

Dogs tend to pull against pressure, so when a prong collar tightens, the dog may pull harder and experience more pain. That causes the dog to become fearful or aggressive because it cannot escape the discomfort.

I work with owners to teach them how to get their dogs walking nicely on the leash. There are many positive alternatives to using a prong collar, such as wearing a comfortable dog harness. If you're not sure which harness is best for your furry friend, read our guide on the best dog harness.

This feature will explain why prong collars are cruel and suggest kinder alternatives for helping your dog walk nicely on a lead.

What are prong collars?

Prong collars work similarly to choke collars but have metal spikes on the inside. These spikes dig into the dog's neck and pinches the skin if the dog pulls on the leash.

The theory behind the development of prong collars is that they mimic the pinching action of a puppy's mother grabbing it by the skin of its neck as a correction. It's a weak theory with no scientific evidence to substantiate the claim.

One reason prong collars are cruel is that dogs learn by association, not generalization. Therefore, an adult dog will not associate the painful pinching sensation of a prong collar with when his mum grabbed his neck when he was a naughty pup.

Are prong collars cruel?

The second reason I advise against the use of prong collars is that, by design, they cause pain and physical discomfort. It's not what you want for your doggy pal when you're trying to build a bond based on trust and understanding.

When a dog pulls, the metal spikes dig into his neck. Though the pain may cause a dog to stop pulling on the leash, it can also cause anxiety, stress and fear because the dog cannot associate the collar with what he has done to cause the pain.

You might also be wondering, 'Are shock collars cruel?'

Are prong collars effective?

Prong collars are more likely to cause a dog to feel confused than teach him to walk nicely on a leash. Aside from pain and discomfort, the dangers of prong collars are that the dog might associate something else in his environment with the pain. For instance, if a child or another dog is nearby.

The third reason not to use a prong collar is that aversive training methods are not effective. They may work temporarily because the dog is surprised by pain or punishment. For humane and ethical ways to train your dog, read our feature on positive reinforcement for dogs.

Alternatives to prong collars

If your dog has a pulling habit, here are a few positive alternatives.

1. Consult a trainer or dog behaviorist who uses positive reinforcement

This person will teach you techniques for walking your dog to walk on a leash without pulling. Positive reinforcement training will help build a bond with your dog as you learn together.

2. Use a recommended harness

Harnesses avoid the risk of injury because they do not put pressure on a dog's neck. If you're unsure of the best harness for your dog, read our feature on the different types of dog harnesses.

3. Teach your dog calming protocols

When I work with a new client, I often notice their dogs rush out of the house, pulling on the leash. Successful leash walking starts at home. Commit to short training sessions, teaching your dog not to pull by asking your furry friend to wait before charging through a door. Encourage your pup to sit by your side—reward calm behavior.

After that, on the other side of the door, call your dog's name so he turns to look at you. Reward him if he does that. In time, your dog will wait patiently, not rush through doors, and instinctively turn to wait for you.

If your furry pal is a big, strong dog, you may think you have no option other than to use a prong collar. I trained as a dog behaviorist in 2011 because of my 45kg Weimaraner X rescue with horrendous reactivity issues. Poppy pulled me over several times, causing pain and injury.

After I completed my training, I taught Pops to walk nicely on the leash with only a regular collar. Follow a positive training method, and your pup will soon become a joy to walk.

There are multiple gentle collars and harnesses to suit your dog. If you want to explore options, we have tips on choosing a harness vs collar. You might also be wondering, 'Is it safe to leave a harness on a dog all the time?'

If you can't decide between a front-clip vs back-clip harness, this guide is here to help you. Sharing outings with a dog that walks nicely on a leash is a joyful experience. Still, for many dog owners, the reality is an eager woofer, pulling and straining on the leash. If that's you, don't worry. This feature will help you decide on a harness to manage the pulling.

Choosing the best dog harness can be tricky when you're not sure which will work for your pup. Training a dog to walk next to you should be relatively easy, yet many pet parents struggle with this issue.

For your furry friend, your daily walks are the thrilling highlight of their life. The challenge is that when you enter the outside world, your dog experiences such a concoction of delicious smells and visual delights that he temporarily forgets you're on the end of the leash.

Once you commit to a training plan, perhaps working with a dog behaviorist like myself, the first step is managing your pup's behavior by choosing a suitable collar or harness.

This feature will help you understand the differences between a front-clip vs a back-clip harness so you can choose the one most suitable for your fluffy friend.

What is a front-clip harness?

A front-clip harness has a D-ring buckle for leash attachment which is low at the front of the dog's chest. When your pup pulls, they will pivot towards you.

This design discourages an opposition reflex, meaning a dog pulls against pressure, like sled dogs in traditional harnesses. It slightly unbalances your dog in a kind, gentle way.

Front-clip harnesses are suitable for most dogs, but particularly larger breeds. To learn which harness is best for your pup, check out our feature for different types of dog harnesses.

Pros of a front-clip harness

Front-clip harnesses (often called no-pull harnesses) are beneficial for managing energetic dogs with impulsive pulling behavior.

These harnesses give you considerable control but do not cause neck injuries, choking, coughing, or discomfort.

If you have a reactive pup that lunges at other dogs, a front-clip harness helps deter that behavior.

Front-clip harnesses are ideal for managing bigger dogs. From a safety perspective, a front-clip harness can help prevent you from getting pulled over by your dog.

Cons of a front-clip harness

Front-clip harnesses are not a magic solution to pulling. Only good training can address long-term pulling issues. There are a few disadvantages, and not everyone likes using them.

Front-clip harnesses can be tricky to put on and remove from a wriggling dog. The leash can tangle around your dog's front legs, which could be problematic for nervous, sensitive dogs.

Fitting one gets easier once you've used a front-clip harness a few times, but some owners prefer alternative harnesses.

Some front-clip harnesses are poorly designed and can be an uncomfortable fit for your dog. Always choose a front-clip harness with good reviews or one your trainer, behaviorist or vet recommended.

What is a back-clip harness?

A back-clip harness has the D-ring stitched at the back, above the dog's shoulders. It is the harness I see most dog owners using.

Most back-clip harnesses have a fixed action, and others may have straps from the chest to under the front legs that tighten when your dog pulls.

Pros of a back-clip harness

A back-clip harness is easier to put on a dog than a front-clip harness. You are less likely to get the leash tangled in your pup's legs.

A well-fitted back-clip harness is comfortable for a dog, particularly for small breeds or those with narrow necks, like whippets. When your pup pulls, he does not experience pain or discomfort unless it's a poorly fitted harness. If you're feeling unsure, we have a whole guide on how to put a dog harness on.

Cons of a back-clip harness

The back-clip harness has one major disadvantage; it is not an ideal solution for a dog pulling on a leash.

Dogs have an opposition reflex, meaning they lean into a harness when they feel pressure on their chest. For instance, think of sled dogs and the popular sport of canicross, where dogs pull into their harnesses.

If you have an excitable dog that pulls on a leash, a back-clip harness is unlikely to address the issue. Back-clip harnesses are better for dogs that do not pull, small dogs, and those with small necks and sensitive skin.

Getting the correct fit is essential with a back-clip harness, so consult with your trainer or vet for guidance. You will find helpful tips in our feature about how to use a harness on a dog.

You may notice your dog hides when you get his harness off the peg. If your pup dislikes his harness, read our feature on why your dog hates their harness.

With careful management and help from a trainer or dog behaviorist, you can use a front-clip or back-clip harness to manage leash walking, rather than relying on a harness as a permanent solution to pulling.

If you're wondering, 'Are harnesses bad for dogs?' check out this helpful feature.

Are shock collars cruel? I am a qualified dog behaviorist and have no issues expressing that shock collars are cruel. In this feature, I will explain my reasoning.

I once sat next to a woman in a dog agility class who continually and inappropriately zapped her dog's shock collar. It was before I trained as a dog behaviorist, but I felt sick as I watched the poor dog getting random shocks.

The dog learned nothing from the experience because the owner gave him no options for a behavioral change. It would have been better if he wore a best dog harness than a shock collar.

I teach dog owners to shape their furry friend's behavior with classical conditioning, learning by association and positive reinforcement for dogs. I always remember during my training my teacher saying, "You cannot teach a dog what NOT to do. You can only teach it what to do."

With aggression or reactivity in dogs, we must help them manage their behavior, but aversive methods may compound the problem. This feature will help you understand why shock collars are cruel and suggest ethical alternatives. You might also be wondering, 'Are prong collars cruel? which we've answered in another guide.

Are shock collars cruel?

When training a dog, timing is everything because it's possible to reward bad behavior inadvertently.

My reactive dog, Poppy, was fearful because her owner didn't socialize her during the early critical fear periods.

Here are my reasons for not using a shock collar.

1. Positive reinforcement works better than a shock collar: Humane methods help build the bond between you and your pup.
2. A shock collar can harm your dog: It can cause high stress levels, elevated heart rate and burns to your dog's skin, especially in thin-skinned breeds like whippets. In addition, the psychological damage can prove irreversible, and the negative behavior may turn into aggression in dogs.
3. Canine experts advise against using shock collars: Humane organizations and vet associations worldwide discourage aversive training methods like shock collars.
4. There are better ways to rehabilitate your pup: Though undesirable behaviors like incessant barking, reactivity, aggression, and poor recall may be frustrating to dog owners, a shock collar isn’t the answer. Instead, book a health check with your vet to rule out physical issues. After that, seek a recommendation for a reward-based dog behaviorist.
5. You love your dog: Building a bond with your doggy pal is one of the best experiences. Your pup learns to trust that you take care of his well-being. With associative learning, it is easy for your dog to assume YOU are causing his pain if he is near you when he receives a shock from the collar. That may lead your dog to avoid you, run away, or become aggressive towards you.

What to use instead of a shock collar

There are so many alternatives to using a shock collar. As a dog behaviorist, my recommendation is to lead with positive reinforcement. Teach your dog what you want from him with reward-based behavior.

Positive reinforcement leads to a better bond and builds trust with your pup. The following list offers kinder alternatives.

1. Negative reinforcement

Negative reinforcement is not punishment. Here's an example of negative reinforcement.

Sally, a two-year-old vizsla, was hyperactive and restless in the home. After observing for a while, I noticed that her owners stroked or spoke to Sally whenever she wanted attention.

I suggested that Sally's pet parents withdraw their attention by not touching, speaking, or looking at her. Within ten minutes, Sally lay under the table, sighed loudly, and fell asleep, much to the astonishment of her pet parents.

Withdrawing attention was the negative reinforcement, which allowed Sally to regulate her behavior without aversive training techniques.

2. Behavioral management strategies

If your dog has behaviors, such as lunging and barking at other dogs, create a management strategy. Initially, avoid visiting areas with lots of dogs. After that, when you see a dog, turn and walk the other way before your pup reacts.

In time, this management technique helps to shorten the distance between your dog and the thing that triggers your furry friend's behavior.

Practice quickly changing direction in a quiet environment. Use a happy voice, and give him the best dog treats when he turns with you.

This exercise gradually reduced my Poppy's trigger distance from 300' to being comfortable with dogs and people close to us.

Use similar behavior principles for all unwelcome behaviors.

3. Redirect the behavior

Teach your woofer alternative behaviors. If your pup is chewing your slipper, encourage him to accept a chew instead. Reward your doggy pal when he drops the slipper.

An example is an excitable collie I worked with recently. This young pup had low impulse control and jumped over people sitting on the settee. Cali loved her ball and barked to make you throw it, which the owner did to "shut her up."

My redirection was to hold the ball and wait. I said no words. People speak far too much when training their pups, so be patient. The dog will try to figure out how to get the reward.

When Cali stopped barking, I threw the ball. Once she understood that exercise, I waited for her to sit. The redirect was for Cali to sit and not bark for her to get the reward (the ball throw).

It took about ten minutes to redirect that behavior, and Cali learned to regulate her impulsivity. With practice, the new behavior will eventually become a habit.

4. Citronella or vibration collars

If you have a dog that barks incessantly, a citronella collar sprays a short burst of citronella triggered by the sound. Dogs dislike the strong smell and the hissing as the spray releases. I'm not a massive fan of these collars, but they work for some dogs.

Vibration collars can be handy for deaf dogs. Instead of a shock, these collars vibrate to catch your dog's attention. Although these collars don’t cause physical pain, they are aversive methods, and I recommend working with positive, reward-based training to modify behavioral issues.

If you want more training tips for your pup, you might enjoy our features on choosing a harness vs collar and discover why your dog hates their harness. We've also answered, 'Are harnesses bad for dogs?'

Head halters for dogs are quite the contentious subject! As a dog parent, you might be weighing up whether to walk your dog on one of the best dog harness or a head halter to be able to have more control on your walks. As an ethical, force-free trainer and certified animal behaviorist, I’m here to share my insight into these tools and whether they are something to utilize on your walks.

I personally only employ methods that promote positive experiences for our dogs, as well as ensuring their wellbeing is respected. However, I understand that for some pet parents, a head halter might be an easy way to get back to enjoying walks - especially if they have a large breed that tends to pull or has any emotional reactivity needs on walks.

Head halters, also known as head collars, are often a topic of debate among pet parents and trainers. On one hand, head halters can offer a more humane alternative to more punitive tools such as choke chains or prong collars if the guardian is looking for a ‘quick fix’ to save their relationship with their dog.

However, these halters must be used correctly and with proper training to ensure they don't create discomfort, fear, or anxiety in dogs. Improper use or a poor fit can lead to physical issues and can exacerbate behavioral problems if the dog associates the halter with negative experiences.

I’m going to explore this topic further for you here - looking at the potential benefits and clear downsides of head halters, discussing when they might be appropriate, and how to use them in a way that aligns with force-free training methods. Read on to learn more about head collars and if they’re right for you and your dog.

Are head halters for dogs ethical?

As a behaviorist, my main focus is to prioritize the emotional wellbeing of the dogs I support. If you’re considering a head halter over different types of dog harnesses, I believe careful consideration should be taken. While head halters can be effective in their management of strong pullers or dogs who struggle with reactivity, the decision for their use must be balanced with the dog’s comfort and emotional state in mind.

If a head collar is introduced too quickly (by simply placing it on the dog and going straight for a walk) or if it's poor-fitting, can be stressful for your dog. If you're going to use one, it is crucial to ensure that your dog only associates the halter with positive experiences and, preferably, that it is used as a temporary tool alongside training.

Many halters will move around on the dog’s face - which can mean they cause pressure on the sensitive eye area or around the nerves in the dog’s nose. They can also impact how the dog appears to approaching dogs, causing harsh lines on their face which could be mis-read for tension. We have a complete guide on dog body language.

Are head halters good for reactive dogs?

When it comes to reactivity in dogs, we want to focus even more strongly on them feeling the most relaxed they can when out in the world. Whilst a head halter can provide the guardian with a sense of control, they might be making the dog feel less at ease.

Two-point harness are an alternative option that gives you connection on the front and back of your dog’s body. If you really feel the need for a head halter in the early days of working on your dog’s behavior, you could combine these two options.

Can a dog bite with a head halter on?

While a head halter has been designed to give an element of control over a dog's head movements - mainly by reducing pulling - it does not completely restrict the dog's mouth from opening. If a dog feels threatened, it can still bite while wearing one.

If bites are a risk with your dog, it is advisable to work with an ethical and experienced dog behavior practitioner to be able to introduce a muzzle for them to positively wear.

How do you introduce a dog to a head halter?

If you make the decision to use a head halter, it’s vital that you slowly introduce your dog to wearing it. Firstly, make sure that the head halter is going to fit your dog properly. Look for a halter that allows you to lock the fitting in place, so the tightness doesn’t vary during wearing. This will help to reduce the chance the halter will move up and down into the delicate eye area.

1. Start simply by showing the halter to your dog and giving them time to take it in. Provide food rewards, like the best dog treats, when they look at it or move towards it or show any interest.

2. Initially work on your dog's nose targeting the halter so they can pop their nose through the opening without you strapping it around their head.

3. Once they’re comfortable with this stage, you can then build up to attaching the halter properly, but don’t hold the leash. Ideally, have them wearing it without a leash attached first so you can introduce play, training games, or comfort (depending on what your dog’s preference is) while they’re wearing it as a positive association.

4. Finally, start by lightly holding the leash while following your dog around your home or yard. Don’t put any tension on the leash in the early stages.

Not convinced by a head halter but struggling with why your dog hates their harness - read our top tips. And if you’re wondering how to use a harness on a dog, this guide can help.

We have so many choices when it comes to our dog’s care - and one thing you might be asking yourself is, 'Are harnesses bad for dogs?' When it comes to walking your dog, choosing the right equipment is not only essential from a safety and comfort perspective, but it can even have behavioral implications.

While there are many different walking tools available, harnesses for dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years. When I began my career as a certified animal behaviorist, less than half the dogs I worked with were walking on a harness; now, I’d suggest it’s closer to 90%. There is however, an ongoing debate about whether harnesses are actually good for our dogs or if they could potentially cause harm or encourage pulling.

The arguments for using the best dog harness include having better control over pulling and reducing strain on a dog’s neck. This reduction of pressure on the delicate neck area can be especially important for breeds prone to respiratory issues such as brachycephalic dogs.

Critics of harnesses will suggest that they can encourage pulling or that dogs can pull more strongly while wearing a harness. There are also concerns that some harness designs may restrict the dog's natural movement or, if not properly fitted, could lead to discomfort, chafing, or the dog even escaping them.

Read on to explore the pros and cons of your dog wearing a harness. By understanding these perspectives, you’ll be able to decide if a harness is the right choice for your dog.

Are harnesses bad for dogs?

When you’re looking to choose between a harness vs collar for walking your dog, you might be worried that a harness would be a bad choice.

As a behaviorist working with dogs, I will almost always advocate a guardian using a harness with their dog instead of a collar. For me, the distribution of pressure across the body as opposed to the neck is the number one benefit. But there are many more - as you’ll learn below - which can impact how a dog walks or acts from a behavioral perspective.

That being said, a poorly fitting harness can be bad for your dog. If the front panel stretches across your dog’s shoulders it can impact their walking style, as opposed to the ‘Y’ shaped style that allows natural movement.

If the harness tightens and loosens as your dog has slack in the leash or pulls, this can cause discomfort and rubbing on the body. And many dogs find the over-head harnesses that have to push past their ears to go on really uncomfortable

What are the pros of dog harnesses?

1. Better control

Some harnesses can provide better control. If you have a well-fitted ‘Y’ shape harness, which has a double D-ring that attaches to a double-ended leash to the chest and back area of your dog, then you can feel more in control. The different attachment points for the leash allow for a choice of connection options depending on the situation.

2. Less pressure on the body

While all walking equipment puts some element of pressure on our dogs’ bodies, a harness helps to distribute that pressure evenly across the dog's body rather than concentrating it on the neck. This can mean a reduction in the risk of injury to the throat and spine.

3. Much better for some breeds of dogs

For dogs prone to respiratory issues - or those who’ve suffered a neck injury or tracheal collapse - a harness is much safer as it avoids putting pressure on the neck. Brachycephalic dogs in particular or dogs with long necks can benefit from a harness over a collar.

4. Increased comfort

Harnesses can be more comfortable for dogs, particularly smaller breeds that might find a leash attached to their thin neck tricky. You can choose a harness that is well padded or made with fleecy material if your dog has delicate skin.

5. Escape prevention

Some dogs can slip out of collars by backing up, especially if they are too loose on the neck. A well-fitted harness may reduce the chance of your dog escaping, which can provide an added sense of security.

6. Reduced choking hazard

Unlike collars, harnesses minimize the risk of choking or throat injuries from sudden pulls or tugs. They also protect the delicate thyroid area of the neck.

7. Natural body language

Pulling on a collar can make your dog’s face appear tense. It may also encourage them to raise their chest, which can be a sign of a threat to an approaching dog. A harness allows your dog to display natural body language more easily. We've written a full guide on dog body language.

What are the cons of dog harnesses?

If your dog hates their harness you might already be aware of some of the cons. Just like with a collar, it’s also important to know how tight a dog harness should be to ensure your dog isn’t uncomfortable and to avoid chaffing.

Many of the points in the list below can be easily resolved by visiting an educated pet store for help with choosing and getting it fitted properly.

1. Reduced range of motion

Some harnesses, especially those with a front strap that sits across the chest and shoulders, can restrict a dog’s range of motion and might cause discomfort or alter their gait if not fitted correctly. This is especially important to be aware of for young puppies who are developing or older dogs who might be feeling less comfortable.

2. Difficult to put on

Harnesses can be more complicated to put on and take off, especially for dogs that find them uncomfortable. This often happens with over-the-head harnesses that don’t have extra clips at the neck area so have to slide over the head and ears.

3. Can cause chafing

If they're not fitted properly or if the dog has sensitive skin, a harness can cause chafing or irritation, particularly in areas where the straps rub against the skin, such as under their armpits. This can also be challenging for dogs who attend dog shows - as it may impact their appearance when judged.

4. Encourages pulling

No ethical piece of walking equipment is going to stop your dog from pulling. However, a harness can increase the power of your dog's pulling. Training is always required to help create a bond and connection between you and your dog on walks, where you are equally responsible for not putting pressure on the lead. Here are some of the best dog harnesses for pulling.

5. Not suitable for all activities

While harnesses can be great for walking, I always recommend they’re removed for activities like off-leash play - especially if you have an excitable puppy or adolescent dog. When dogs are playing together, the harness could get caught around one of their legs and end with them trapped together ending in conflict.

Tips for using a dog harness correctly

It’s important to understand how to measure a dog for a harness to ensure that it has the best fit possible. If you’re struggling with this part, find a local pet store that stocks a range of good quality harnesses and has experience fitting them to different breeds.

Before putting the harness on your dog for the first time, make sure that you know which way the harness should be sitting on your dog’s body and how tightly it should be adjusted.

Then take some time to learn the positive ways of how to put a dog harness on. Help your dog to desensitize to wearing the harness by firstly creating a positive response to simply seeing the harness - by holding up the harness and throwing them one of the best dog treats.

You can then build up to placing a piece of the harness on your dog’s body and feeding them again while it’s in contact with them. Then, try opening and closing the harness clips so your dog gets used to the sound. For every ‘click’ of the clip, give your dog a treat.

When you’re ready to put the whole harness onto your dog, ask them to hop onto a raised space, such as a sofa, stool, or step. Then kneel down so you’re not looming over your dog while putting the harness on. Take your time and breathe slowly so your dog can feel you’re calm. Sprinkle some treats in front of your dog or have a family member/friend feed them while you’re doing the harness up.

You might be wondering, 'Should I use head halters for dogs?' We also have a step-by-step guide on how to use a harness on a dog.

Having the best dog harness for pulling on hand can be a real lifesaver if you have a dog that tends to take you for a walk rather than the other way around!

No matter how much you love your canine companion, having them pull or lunge every time you leave the house can make those daily strolls more stress-inducing than stress-relieving. Thankfully, when it comes to knowing how to stop a dog pulling on a leash, having the right harness can make all the difference.

The harnesses in this guide are designed to prevent your dog from lunging forward by placing gentle pressure on their shoulders. When paired with training, this discourages them from pulling and makes it more likely they'll stay by your side.

Just like the best dog harnesses for non-pullers, all of the products below have been carefully selected based on safety, comfort and visibility. Because your dog is a puller, we've also made sure these harnesses offer you maximum control when you're walking your pup.

The best dog harness for pulling 2026

How we chose the best dog harness for pulling

To compile our list of the best dog harnesses for pulling, I primarily considered how effective they are at preventing pulling and lunging, the amount of control each harness offers you as a dog owner, and how secure and comfortable they are for your pup to wear.

I understand that everyone will be looking for different things in a harness and that every dog has their own preferences as to the types of dog harness they want to wear, so I've included a range of options in this guide to tick all the boxes.

You'll find step-in harnesses, designs that go over the head, and harnesses that avoid both of these all together and instead wrap around the body and clip into place. Some offer maximum coverage while others touch less points on your dog's body while still doing a great job of preventing pulling. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve put together guides for how to put on a harness and how to use a dog harness.

How to choose a dog harness for pulling

When it comes to choosing a dog harness specifically to reduce pulling, there are a few things you want to keep in mind.

First up, consider how easy it is to put the harness on and take it off. This won't be an issue for all dogs, but if your pup doesn't like stepping into a harness or having it go over their head, you might prefer to select one that wraps around their body and clips into place.

Secondly, make sure you read up on how to measure your dog for their harness to ensure you get the right fit. If the harness sags, your pup will still be able to lunge forward. Similarly, if it's too tight, their movement will be restricted. Check that the harness can be adjusted for a comfortable fit.

Thirdly, we recommend looking for a harness that has a lot of padding. This is particularly important for dogs that pull as padding provides comfort and reduces chaffing. Some front-clip designs don’t feature padding, but often once your dog understands it, the padding is no longer necessary.

Finally, if you regularly walk at dawn or dusk or you live in a climate where visibility is often poor due to frequent rain, opt for a harness with plenty of reflective strips and sticking. This will help your dog to remain visible, which is vital if you walk in areas where they may try to pull across the sidewalk and come close to busy main roads.

What is the best harness to stop a dog from pulling?

It's always a good idea to first understand why your dog is pulling before you invest in a harness as this can help inform your decision. Hyperactive dogs tend to lunge more and reactivity in dogs can also cause excess pulling. If you feel either of these may be behind your dog's pulling, be sure to check out our guides to how to calm a hyper dog and how to calm a reactive dog.

We wanted to know if our expert team of vets had any tips when it comes to selecting a harness when your dog is a puller, so we asked Dr. Rebecca MacMillan for her advice.

"If your dog pulls you while out walking, then choose a harness with a front attachment for their leash," she says. "This helps to reduce the amount of force the dog can pull against you with. The position of the attachment causes your dog to turn their body towards whichever side you are standing with the leash. This slight turn reduces the intensity of their ability to pull.

This is different from a back attachment harness, which allows your dog to lean their weight fully into the harness (much like a dog pulling a sled). So, you may find that these types of harnesses are less suitable for your pet.

An alternative approach would be to use a Halti (face harness). Worn like a horse wears a head collar, a Halti helps you to gently steer and guide your dog, giving you greater control over their direction of movement."

Do dog harnesses help with pulling?

The answer to this, rather unhelpfully, is both yes and no. No-pull harnesses can work well alongside other things, such as avoiding the most common loose leash walking mistakes that can encourage pups to pull and using effective training methods.

"Some harnesses can help reduce the intensity of your dog's pulling and make them easier to handle, so they are helpful to a degree," says Dr. MacMillan. "But remember, that these are best used alongside positive behavioral training, as some dogs will pull regardless of what equipment they are walked in."

How do I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash?

"Your dog's training is what you really need to work on to stop them from pulling," Dr. MacMillan explains. "Although the right walking equipment can help in part, there is not usually a magic quick fix to this problem."

Some owners may be tempted to choose a harness that tightens as your dog pulls; however, these rarely work and are considered an aversive training method. Instead, you should focus on working with a dog trainer or behaviorist if you need help getting your dog to walk with a loose leash. Training methods should include positive reinforcement, with plenty of praise and treats for the correct behavior."

We understand that not everyone can afford to hire a professional trainer, so here's 27 practical tips for training your dog on your own. Or, if you do want to enlist the help of an expert trainer, here's how to spot dog trainer red flags to ensure you're working with someone who's suitably qualified.

In this feature, we answer 'Are harnesses bad for dogs?'

How does your dog feel about wearing their harness? Some dogs are happy to wear one without any issues, but others might kick up more of a fuss — all dogs are different, after all!

When dogs don’t like wearing their harness, it’s often the act of us putting the harness on them that they don’t enjoy — dogs aren't always keen on things going over their head, and can be quite sensitive to it, even if it’s the best dog harness around.

So, how can you help your dog learn to enjoy having their harness on? Well, certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive has offered some advice that you might find helpful in a new Instagram post.

“To get them more comfortable, present the harness in a less confrontational position, and feed!” says Goodman.

What you then want to do is hold the treat in the neck hole in the harness, so your dog slightly sticks their nose through. Move the treat back toward you by a couple of inches, to get your pup to put their head through a little further, working your way up to getting your dog to put their entire head through. 

When your dog does so, it’s time for lots of the best dog treats! Then, once your pup’s head is through, you can continue sorting the harness as you would normally. 

“Some dogs are sensitive about things going over their head, but are completely fine once it’s on,” says Goodman, “If your dog tries to go around to get the treat, just guide them back, and show them that the only way to get the food is by sticking their head through.”

Once your dog is comfortable with this, the aim is to get them to come to you and stick their head through the hole voluntarily, rather than you going after them. It’s always their choice to put their head through, however. We don’t want to force them!

After your dog is happy doing this, you can move to putting the harness on first, and delivering the treat afterward. Goodman explains, “You’ll know you’ve done it right if your dog looks completely unbothered.”

And remember, while this is a simple solution, it’s important to give your dog time to become comfortable with the harness. As Goodman puts it, “If you give your dog choice and take the pressure off of them by letting them decide what to do, they will feel more comfortable pushing themself. So be patient and go slow. This will get you further, faster than forcing it.”

But, is it safe to leave a harness on a dog all the time? You can find out here. 

Does your dog enjoy wearing their harness?

Not all dogs do, but it’s a good idea to get your pup used to wearing various types of gear, as it can come in useful and help keep them safe. They’re often more comfortable than collars too, so investing in the best dog harness for your pup might not be a bad idea. 

But, how can you get your pup more comfortable with their harness? Fortunately, Juliana DeWillems, owner and head trainer at JW Dog Training & Behavior, has offered some advice in a new Instagram post, and we think it’s well worth reading!

In her video, DeWillems is working with a dog who doesn’t enjoy wearing a harness — as soon as his human gets the harness out, he’d usually run away. So, she’s trying to get him more comfortable with the harness through a training session.

DeWillems is using a clicker, and every time the dog looks at the harness or moves toward it, she clicks and gives him a treat. “I’m not cueing him to interact with the harness,” she explains. “Instead, I’m letting it be completely his choice and I’m rewarding any small snippet of him choosing to approach it, taking very small but frequent steps toward my end goal.”

Sometimes, she’ll toss the treat away from the harness after she clicks, which gives him a chance to move away and choose to re-engage with the training session. She also moves away herself every few reps, which gives him the opportunity to practice moving into and towards the harness.

Do you want to know why your dog hates their harness and how to encourage them to use it? Well, DeWillems explains that the approach she’s taking to the training is designed to eliminate or reduce the pressure he feels to interact with the harness, because this is what can cause negative associations and affect progress. 

Maybe you’re asking how tight should a harness be, too? If a dog is used to wearing harnesses that are too tight, this might make them not want to wear them again in the future. 

“By working at his pace, giving him agency, and not pushing him beyond his ability to cope, we’re more likely to make progress long-term,” she continues. “It’s important to note that in between this type of trust-building training, I’m not forcing the harness on him at any time, and instead we have opted to walk him on a comfortable flat collar.”

She explains that it’s not ideal, because she prefers to use a harness when it comes to walks, but it allows them to work at the dog’s pace on the training, but still get out and meet his needs.

When your pup does get used to their harness, is it safe to leave a harness on a dog all the time? As it turns out, you can do this on occasion — but there are risks, so don’t leave your dog unsupervised in their harness for too long!

Not all dog parents use harnesses, but those that do often find that they’re a good option for dogs who can get hyperactive or boisterous, or are fond of pulling on their leash, as it can help prevent them from straining their neck too much. 

However, it can be quite tricky to actually get one of the best dog harnesses on your pup, even if they don’t mind wearing it when it’s on them. Maybe your dog tends to go a little wiggly when they’re excited or nervous, or perhaps they simply aren’t fond of things going over their head. 

If you’re trying in vain to put a harness on your pup, certified dog trainer Melissa Goodman of Mission Pawsitive has some advice to share in a recent Instagram post. 

“If your dog is nervous or fidgets when having their harness put on,” she explains, “Stick your arm through with a treat and slide it over their head.” This will be particularly effective if your pup is food-motivated, but even just the distraction can be effective. 

Goodman goes on to recommend teaching your dog to stand on cue, as this can be helpful when you’re putting a harness on them. And, of course, don’t forget to give them a treat at the end for being calm and brave – especially if they’re usually quite wiggly or anxious when they’re harness goes on!

If you’re struggling with putting a harness on your pup, you may be asking the question, is it safe to leave a harness on a dog all the time? 

Generally, a harness is going to be safer than a collar. However, there are risks to harnesses. They could rub the armpits, or restrict blood flow if they aren’t fitted properly. So, it’s okay to leave your dog in a harness all day but only if they’re supervised while they’re wearing it. 

If you’re leaving them alone for a few hours to go to work or go shopping, for example, it might be best to take the harness off. After all, you can always follow Goodman’s advice when you need to put the harness on next time!

And if you’re wondering why your dog hates their harness and how to encourage them to use it, there could be a number of reasons. They might be scared or not like feeling constrained, the harness might not be the right fit, they might not like things going over their head, or they might have had a previous bad experience with a harness – this last one is particularly true for rescue dogs. 

Your dog may never actively love having a harness put on them, but with Goodman’s advice, you might be able to make the experience a little more fun – or at least provide a welcome distraction.

As anyone who’s ever had a high-energy dog can attest to, it can feel almost impossible to tire them out.

You can make them work for some of the best dog treats, take them on a nice long walk, and play plenty of tug of war, but then when you try to sit down for five minutes they’re still bounding around the room.

However, there’s one toy you may not have thought of. According to Jamie Huggett, or Jamie the Dog Trainer, of Southern Cross K9, this handy toy is a must-have if your dog seems to have an almost limitless supply of energy. And he’s explained why in a recent Instagram post.

In the caption, Huggett explains that the toy is called a flirt pole, and that they’re great for “genetic fulfillment, building strong stimulus control in training and burning off excess energy.”

“You can buy these online,” he explains, “It’s effectively just a leather rag on the end of a pole, and it’s great for giving your dog an outlet if they’ve got high prey drive.”

He goes on to say that you can also use flirt poles in training, to improve stimulus control – the ability of a dog to respond to cues in their environment – and for obedience. 

You can make the dog chase the rag, and then when they get it encourage them to hold onto it. Pull away gently so that the dog needs a strong grip to hold onto it. 

Another activity Huggett uses the flirt pole for is moving his hand up the pole so it gets closer to the dog’s mouth and nose. When the dog releases the pole, he gives the dog a treat. You can throw the treat away from the dog, so that when they return they get to chase the flirt pole again. 

“In summary,” Huggett finishes, “A flirt pole is a great way to build a bond with your dog, because you’re having fun. It’s also a great way to get genetic fulfillment out of your dog, and burn off some energy.”

Flirt poles aren’t too expensive, but they’re also one of the four easy DIY dog toys you can make at home! All you need is a PVC pole or wooden stick, a bungee rope, and an old toy – and a pair of scissors. 

But whether you’ve already got one lying around, you’re buying one, or you’re making one a home, your high-energy dog is sure to love their flirt pole!

We'll let you into a secret. Dog bed Black Friday deals are our favorite because if you're anything like us, you've spent too much money on cheaper dog beds over the years to only realize that quality is really what you need to stand the test of time.

The dog beds we've found cater to canines of all shapes and sizes, and they're easy to clean and wash to make life easier for us pet parents...but they don't cost a fortune. Including orthopedic options to support your pup properly, check out the best Black Friday dog bed deals and you might find their new favorite place to lie!

There are some seriously impressive deals below, so grab them while they're hot. Or, if you’re looking for other products and accessories for your furry friend, why not take a look at our guide to the best Black Friday pet deals?

• Walmart pet deals: Save big on a wide range dog beds
• Chewy pet deals: Make savings on dog beds and mats this Black Friday
• Amazon US pet deals: Find plenty of great deals from the biggest brands

Our favorite Black Friday dog bed deals

Choosing the perfect dog bed for your pup isn't always an easy task, but we think these are the best Black Friday dog bed deals if it's time to buy a new one, as they not only offer plenty of comfort but are easy for you to keep clean.

Want more bargains? Be sure to check out PetsRadar's round up of the Black Friday pet deals or Black Friday cat tower deals.

Does crating your dog result in tears before bedtime? Being able to have a safe confinement area for your pooch can be really useful – but not if it results in stress for you both. Bundling a crying, wriggling dog into a crate so you can run to the store is no-one’s idea of a good time, so read on for some top tips on how you can tackle the problem.

Working out how to crate train a dog should be on the top of your list as an owner. Not only is it useful to have a safe, secure space where your pet can be temporarily confined if necessary, but it’s also practical for house training and traveling. 

Even when you’ve carefully invested in one of the best dog crates, some dogs just don’t appreciate their home from home.  Fortunately, Karishma Warr, the head of training & behavior for Calm Dog Training in New York has put together some tips in a useful Instagram post , which you can view below. 

Even if you don’t have a puppy, it’s equally useful to crate train older dogs and this step-by-step guide shows how to make the whole process less stressful. Karishma suggests breaking the process down as follows. 

• Work at their pace. Never force a nervous dog into a crate if they’re not ready, as this just causes distress. 
• Start where they can be successful. Just like with humans, every dog is different. A crate-shy dog might be scared of confinement, or of small spaces. Spend some time finding out what the problem is, then try alternative solutions such as tethers instead of crates or large pens that are gradually reduced in size. Once your dog is happy with these, you can try the crate again. 
• Play ‘in-out’ games. If your dog is afraid of getting trapped in his crate, then these games involve teaching entry and exit with a cue. Putting a structured system in place helps to build confidence. 
• Practise relaxed settling. This tip involves settling your pooch on a mat or bed, then gradually moving it into the crate. As they associate the bed with relaxation, that feeling should be carried through into the new environment. “This skill is one that can take multiple months to master, and often needs the eye of a professional on it to be done successfully,” warns Karishma. 
• Long duration projects. Try settling your dog in his crate with one of the longest last dog chews or a frozen treat. Not only will this help to distract him, but repetitive chewing is a great soother. 

If, after following these tips consistently and regularly, you’re still having problems then we’d recommend booking some time with a professional trainer. Reading our guide on how to spot dog trainer red flags will help you make the right selection. 

Top of the range dog beds do tend to be fairly pricey unless...you manage to swipe one up for less over Amazon Prime Day this year. Lucky for you, we've spotted this LNSSFFER Large Orthopedic Dog Bed for just $37.59 at Amazon, boasting a 40% discount. With an RRP price of $62.99 it's a hard deal to turn down, but you'll need to be quick as Amazon Prime Day ends tonight. 

Dogs spend a significant portion of their lives sleeping in their bed. Many will also spend a lot of their chill time in their bed as, whether the bed is their 'place' cue or it's where they go to get stuck into one of the longest lasting dog chews, it's safe to say that they get your money's worth out of a good quality bed. 

A quality dog bed offers support for joints, muscles, and bones, particularly important for older or arthritic dogs. Features like memory foam or orthopedic support, provide optimal cushioning and can help relieve pressure points. This is exactly what you're getting with the LNSSFFER offer. Full details about the deal are below.

Note: If you haven't already viewed our main hub for all of the best Amazon Prime Day pet deals then you may not be aware that the shopping event falls over the 11th and 12th of July. Shoppers witness big discounts being made across countless products but you must be an Amazon Prime Member to benefit from the event. 

Not quite right for you? Here's some more excellent deals...

Whether your furry friend needs orthopedic support, extra coziness, or easy-to-clean features, Prime Day offers a wide selection of dog beds at discounted prices, ensuring your pet's ultimate comfort and relaxation. So if you like what you see, get it in your shopping basket ASAP. The 48-hour Amazon Prime Day shopping event ends today.

Unwanted behavior has a range of causes, including pain, lack of clear boundaries and boredom. If you've tried lots of other methods including distracting your pooch with the longest lasting dog chews, you might be feeling exhausted and frustrated and thinking of turning to more extreme methods like shock collars. 

Shock collars consist of small electrical units which deliver electric currents of varying duration and intensity into the dog’s neck. They’re a type of aversive training, which is the opposite of positive reinforcement, and work on the principle that the dog is ‘punished’ for unwanted behavior rather than rewarded for good behavior. They can either be activated manually via remote control or used as part of a pet containment system. In the latter, the collar deploys when the dog tries to leave a marked area.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, shock collars can actually help create fear, anxiety and aggression. While they may work in discouraging unwanted behavior, they don’t teach the dog how you would like them to behave instead.

Professional dog trainer and certified behavior consultant Kate LaSala does not believe shock collars are a good training tool. In her Instagram account rescuedbytraining she sets out five myths about shock collars and why we shouldn’t believe them.

Have a read below and see if you recognize any myths you've been told before about shock collars and if Lasala deems them as true or false...

1. Myth: shock collars don't hurt. As LaSala points out, they must hurt to a certain extent or they wouldn’t be a deterrent at all.
2. Myth: it’s just like a TENS unit. According to LaSala, it’s not the same thing at all – TENS machines are never used on sensitive areas such as the neck, and they’re always used voluntarily while your dog can’t consent.
3. Myth: it’s just like a pager. To people who say that a shock collar is just a form of communication, LaSala retorts that in that case you should just be using your voice.
4. Myth: just using the vibrate setting works. Your dog won’t know what the vibration means unless he’s also learnt to associate it with pain, even if it’s only once.
5. Myth: they work for other dogs. LaSala says that dogs trained with this method often appear calm because they’re afraid, and points out that the absence of normal dog behavior is not healthy.

Many experts agree that positive reinforcement is a more efficient and humane method of training, and does not have the negative side effects of aversive training. If you’re struggling with unwanted behaviors, reach out to a certified dog trainer in your area for some expert advice.

If you're interested in more advice about coping with problem pooches, check out our guide on how to deal with with a badly-behaved dog.

Unlike a cot for a newborn baby, dogs don’t mature out of using a crate. Of course, you may need to increase the size of your dog’s crate from when it is a puppy to a fully grown canine but the benefit of using a crate doesn't expire with age.

A common misconception many dog owners have is that once a dog outgrows its best puppy toys, masters potty training and is no longer a nuisance when left unsupervised, then they no longer have any use for a crate. Angie Barber, a functional obedience & lifestyle dog trainer, disagrees with this. She instead teaches dog owners that a crate can offer so much more than this to a dog. 

She shared in an Instagram video which you can watch below, “I’ve had a lot of clients who have said that they used to use the crate but then they stopped because their dog is now potty trained and isn’t destroying anything so they say they don’t need it anymore.” But Barber explains that crates are a dog’s safe space and that your dog’s sense of safety is extremely important.

According to Barber, it doesn't matter what kind of dog you own or how old they are, giving them their own personal space they know belongs to them, where they can rest, feel safe, and not be bothered is a really helpful thing you can do as a dog parent.

Anxiety in dogs is very prevalent and sometimes when a dog is feeling overwhelmed it just takes a little break and a place of refuge to manage the situation. Barber says a crate will especially come in handy for calming a dog down if you've got a household with kids or other dogs in it.

"Think of it as their little bedroom. It can help with anxiety, it promotes boundaries, it can facilitate calmness and it also helps prevent other nuisance behaviors from forming," she explains, "It’s also just super practical."

Another reason why you shouldn't chuck out your dog crate is there will be times when you will need your dog to be crate trained. For example, if you have to take them to the vet, groomer or an emergency happens. 

"There’s so many scenarios where your dog is going to have to be crated and so it’s really kind to teach them how to be comfortable in that crate for those situations and is what will make it a lot less stressful on them," adds Barber, "Giving them that sense of safety and structure can really benefit their state of mind and can also help with your overall relationship."

Crate training a dog won't happen with a click of the fingers, it will take time to do it properly and ensure they feel safe and secure inside it. If this is something you feel like you and your pup could use some help with then don't be afraid to reach out for 1:1 help from a professional. Alternatively, read our vet's guide on how to crate train a dog.

First invented in the 1970s, the humble Kong is a staple dog toy for many owners across the world. Whether it’s given to your dog as a chew toy, stuffed with a meal and frozen, or used as a treat dispenser, the Kong toy is incredibly versatile. However, there’s even more to a Kong than meets the eye. 

When I was attending dog training classes with APDT-certified dog trainer and UK Sniffer Dogs Instructor Lara Sorisi, she explained that a Kong is also perfect for introducing your dog to scentwork. 

“It’s been scientifically proven that red Kong toys have their own unique scent compared to other toys. This means that they’re a great starter base for scentwork, as dogs are able to easily differentiate them from other objects with just their nose. One of the main reasons I like using Kongs for scentwork is that their scent dissipates from the area they were placed within 10 seconds of removal. This makes them great for adult dogs but also one of the best puppy toys.

“The reason this is important is that it really streamlines the scentwork training process. Most scentwork training is done with cloves or catnip, as these have really strong scents. However, once they’ve been placed somewhere, the area needs to be thoroughly cleaned. A lot of dogs that are really clever will go back to where the previous scent was, so if there’s any residue then this will confuse them. However, as a red Kong’s scent dissipates so quickly, you don’t need to worry about cleaning the area afterward.” 

Scentwork is a fantastic activity for any dog. Not only does it enable them to use their strongest sense to interact with the world, but it’s also incredibly taxing on their brain too. Plus, if you have a senior dog or one recovering from an injury or illness, it’s a really inclusive activity that doesn’t require any physical exertion. 

Lara says that “Scentwork is a fantastic form of mental enrichment and stimulation. While dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, finding a good outlet for them to fulfil their predatory sequences is a really rewarding form of enrichment and training. It’s also a great way to connect with dogs that have anxiety or reactivity, as the act of sniffing is calming for dogs. To be honest, I’ve never met a dog that doesn’t love scentwork.” 

As the owner of a high drive border collie, I spend a lot of time trying to figure out new and interesting activities to keep her engaged and stop her from getting bored. Fenwick can find being around other dogs very stressful at times, so it’s been necessary to try a wide variety of different activities to tire her out on the days when she’s particularly reactive. Scentwork is perfect for Fenwick on many fronts – it gives her something specific to focus on, it really works her brain and the act of sniffing itself helps to calm her down as well. 

How to teach your dog scentwork with a Kong 

So, how can you teach your dog this Kong scentwork hack? I’ve broken down everything you need to know below.

1. Do some prep work

Before you begin your scentwork training, make sure that you’ve prepared some yummy treats to reward your dog with. You’ll also want to choose what phrase you want to use – I personally use ‘Seek’, but you might like to try ‘Find Kong’ or whatever works best for you. 

2. Introduce the Kong to your dog

When you first introduce this scentwork game to your dog, you want to keep it as simple as possible. This should be a case of ‘errorless learning’, where your dog can only succeed and they don’t have the opportunity to get anything wrong. 

Crouch down to the same level as your dog with your hands behind your back, with some treats in one hand and the Kong in the other. Present the hand with the Kong to your dog and say your command phrase (we’ll use ‘Seek’ for the purpose of this article). When your dog touches its nose to the Kong, mark the behavior with a ‘Yes’, ‘Good’ or whatever your marker cue is. At the same time, use your hand with the treats to hold a treat on the Kong for your dog to eat. By feeding the dog a treat so close to the Kong, it’s helping to reinforce that Kong means good, tasty things to your dog. 

Repeat this step for as many times as it takes until you feel that your dog is confidently performing the behavior and really understands what you’re asking for. 

3. Start moving the Kong away from you

Now you’ll start placing the Kong on the floor next to you rather than keeping it in your hand. This will help teach your dog that it’s the Kong that’s important, not your hand itself. Ask your dog to ‘Wait’, so that they don’t immediately follow the Kong. Once they’re settled and looking at you, say ‘Seek’ to release them to go to the Kong. Keep everything else the same for the best results, with both hands starting behind your back and feeding your dog their treat on top of the Kong. 

If your dog is happy and confident with the Kong placed close to you, you can start moving it further away incrementally. Again, make sure not to rush this process, as each individual dog will learn new activities at their own pace. If your dog is struggling to understand what you want from it, simply reset and go back a step to make it easier. Make sure that you don’t react negatively if your dog gets something wrong, as you want this to be a fun and positive experience for both of you. 

4. Start hiding the Kong

Once you feel that your dog fully understands this activity, you can try hiding the Kong for them to find it. When your dog has reached this point, you want to make sure that they’re not seeing you hide the Kong. The best way to do this is to simply put them in another room and ask them to ‘Wait’ (or close the door if you know that they’ll likely come through without your command). 

When hiding the Kong, make sure to start off as easy as possible again. Perhaps try hiding it around the corner of your couch, or under a loose flap of blanket. As your dog gets used to scentwork, you’ll be able to challenge them more, but you’ll want to avoid frustrating them by making it too hard at this early stage. 

Again, if your dog struggles to figure out what you want, simply take your training back a step (although make sure you’ve given them enough time to try and figure it out themselves first). 

5. Get creative with your hiding spots

Fenwick is now at the stage where I have to think really hard about my hiding spot to properly challenge her. I’ve discovered that placing the Kong above her head height makes it more difficult, so placing it on table tops or nestled among couch cushions makes her work a little harder. If you have some leftover cardboard boxes, you could try hiding your Kong amongst them too. There are a wealth of possibilities when it comes to scentwork! 

If you find that your dog really enjoys scentwork, I’d recommend finding a certified scentwork instructor to help you take them to the next level. Alternatively, if there’s no one available in your area, UK Sniffer Dogs has some fantastic online courses as well. 

Looking for more training advice? Here’s how to stop a dog jumping up.

Want to know how to stop a dog from pooping in the crate? If you're a dog owner, you know how frustrating it can be to clean up after your pup when they make a mess in their crate - especially when you’ve gone to extra effort to find them the very best dog crate on the market. Not only is it unpleasant, but it's also unhealthy for your pet to be sitting in their own waste. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to stop your dog from pooping in their crate.

First and foremost, it's important to understand why your dog is pooping in their crate. This could be due to a number of reasons, including separation anxiety in dogs, not properly knowing how to crate train a dog, or medical issues. Once you identify the root cause of the problem, you can take appropriate action to prevent it from happening again.

In this article, vet Dr Joanna Woodnutt will take over from us, and provide you with tips and tricks to stop your dog from pooping in their crate. From adjusting their diet and exercise routine to crate training techniques, we'll cover all the bases to help you keep your dog's crate clean and sanitary. So, if you're tired of cleaning up after your furry friend, keep reading to learn how to put an end to the problem once and for all.

How to stop your dog from pooping in the crate

1. Decide if a crate is right for your dog

Not all dogs can tolerate crates, which is something you should consider when crate training is a topic of conversation. If you have a dog trainer, discuss it with them, as some dogs can get claustrophobic or otherwise anxious when in a crate. Some dogs don't need to be crated when left alone, as they don't have an affinity for chewing stuff they shouldn't or making messes, but always ensure you leave your dog in a safe situation when leaving the house. 

Determining whether your dog is a good fit for crate training is something you can do on your own by observing them in a crate, or with a trainer if necessary. Crate training a puppy is far easier than trying to crate train an older dog, as you can help create positive associations with the crate and help teach a puppy bladder control. Older dogs may have negative connotations with the crate, or may fear solitude.

2. Pick the right size crate

"It’s really important not to have too big a crate for your puppy – it should be big enough for your dog’s bed and a bowl of water and that’s it," explains Woodnutt. "The reason is that very few dogs will poop in their bed, so you need to make the whole crate ‘bed’. This may mean buying several crates as your dog grows to ensure each is only just big enough for their bed – or at least until they’ve got the hang of the toilet training thing!"

When shopping for a dog crate, make sure you have your dog's length measurements and weight on hand. This will help determine the right sized crate when matched up against manufacturer's charts.

3. Rule out any health issues

"If your dog is regularly pooping in his crate you need to differentiate between a training issue and a medical one," says Woodnutt. "Before heading to your vet, try to observe your dog pooping using a camera. Do they know that’s what they’re doing? Are they attempting to signal to be let out? Some medical problems can cause dogs to become incontinent, in which case your dog won’t be aware they’re pooping. Other medical problems cause urgency which mean your dog will know they need to poop, but they won’t get much warning. Identifying if either of these apply to your dog before you take them to the vet will help with the diagnostics."

In terms of mental health, it's important to rule out separation anxiety as a cause for your dog pooping in the crate. Separation anxiety in dogs is a very common condition and something that can make you as a pet parent feel trapped in your own home. If you feel your pup may be struggling with this, we recommend you seek the assistance of a professional dog trainer who will be able to provide you and your pup with some 1:1 support.

4. Make sure you take your dog out before crating them

Learning how to potty train a puppy is one of the most important skills you'll want to master as a pet parent and it's especially key that you take your little one outside at night to relieve themselves.

As the American Kennel Club (AKC ) points out, puppies' bladders aren't fully developed, and it's difficult for them to hold their urine in all night long. If they have pee instances in the crate, they may associate the crate with the bathroom and start pooping in there, as well. Ensure that your dog has had enough time to go to the bathroom before crating them for long periods of time or over night - but remember you're not meant to keep your dog in the crate for very long. Experts suggest they shouldn't be in a crate for more than 6-8 hours straight, and with puppies it's even shorter. Extensive time in the crate can hurt a dog's physical and mental health. 

5. Stick to a schedule

Sticking to a schedule is a great way to ensure your dog has well-established boundaries and healthy habits in every facet of its life, and the crate is no exception. Feed your dog meals at the same time every day, and remember to give them at least 30-60 minutes after a meal to go to the bathroom. Avoid putting them in the crate immediately after feeding them. 

Make sure you stick to a consistent potty schedule as well. Your dog will benefit from structure and will be less likely to have accidents if they are used to regularly scheduled bathroom breaks. 

6. Remove bedding temporarily

Many puppies who are having accidents in their crates learn that they can cover their poop or pee with the blankets or bedding owners have left in there to comfort them. Puppies may also prefer soiling a porous surface, which both blankets and bedding are. Removing the bedding for a period of time will help teach your dog that going to the bathroom on the comfy parts of the crate isn't a good idea. 

7. Do not punish your dog for accidents

Positive reinforcement is always the way to go when training dogs, and crate-related accidents are no exception. If your dog poops in its crate, don't punish them, just simply remove them from the crate, clean the accident with pet-safe products that will help neutralize the odor, and wash the bedding if there's any in there. 

"When we punish dogs for pooping in the crate we aren’t telling them they needed to hold on a bit longer," says Woodnutt. "What they understand from their punishment is that you were cross when you saw the poop. This can lead them to start eating their poop (coprophagia), covering their poop to hide it, or refusing to poop in front of you, even in the garden. In addition, the fear created by being angry can cause dogs to forget their training more. Learning when you’re scared and stressed is much harder than learning in a positive mindset."

8. Have patience

As always, dog ownership requires patience - especially if you're training a new puppy. Remember that your dog is pooping in its crate for a reason, and try to put on your detective cap to figure out why. If it persists, don't forgot to consult a vet to rule out any health issues, and perhaps a behaviorist, as well. 

Enjoyed this piece and looking for more helpful canine content? Then be sure to check out our guide to when to stop crate training your canine companion.

Buying the best puppy toys is an investment worth making. Dogs are smart animals, and, as puppies, sometimes they can be challenging as well as bags of fun and love. Pups need mental and physical stimulation daily to prevent problems due to stress, boredom, or discomfort from situations such as teething or separation anxiety.

Toys for puppies can also help as a second pair of hands if you are busy (which, let's face it, most of us are) and can’t give your full attention or in circumstances when you are learning how to crate train a dog for example.

Toys burn off energy helping your puppy to settle physically and mentally, and they're also super handy when your dog is teething so that you redirect them onto a toy instead of nipping your hands. The journal Applied Animal Behavior Science, adds that play develops a dog’s motor skills and assists with social cohesion so there is a lot more to it than just fun.

As pet owners, we've spent more than enough time (and money) finding out what makes great puppy toys worth it. We tested several products from cuddly companions for helping our pups sleep to fetch toys and chewy options to sink their teeth into. Assisted by vet and pet behavior consultant, Joanna Woodnutt MRCVS, we've rounded up nine options we'd buy time and time again and we've highlighted the benefits of each choice too.

“Puppy toys provide mental stimulation, learning through play, and an outlet for their chewing instinct,” Dr Woodnutt affirms, so here are our favorites.

The best puppy toys 2026

How we tested the best puppy toys

Hands on testing

We couldn't bring you a guide to the best puppy toys without putting each product through its paces with the experts...puppies! Each and every one of the products in this guide has been tested by real puppies and used for several weeks (and much longer in many cases as you'll see above) to see how well it fared.

Durability and safety

We took into account things such as the durability of each toy and whether it was safe for a little pup with razor sharp teeth to play with because the last thing any pet parent needs is potential choking hazards for their pooch.

Since puppies can have a tendency to tear things up, especially when they're teething, we considered how long lasting these toys were and whether they were also easy to clean to keep them hygienic.

Squeaks and fun elements

During testing, we made note of any fun elements that made the toys even more appealing to our puppies. Squeakers are great fun for dogs but not all owners will be keen on listening to them so we've taken this into account. Some of the food-related toys we tried also needing testing for how difficult they were for the pups to figure out as anything that's too challenging can be incredibly frustrating for the dog, rather than engaging.

Should my puppy always have toys?

Your puppy needs toys to prevent them from becoming bored, but whether or not a puppy should have toys all of the time is another question entirely. In general, it's never a good idea to have too many toys out at once and to only bring out playthings when you feel a puppy will benefit from them. It will stop a pooch from becoming overwhelmed while keeping their interest high.

“It’s generally a good idea to give your puppy free access to at least one toy, especially when they’re going through a chewing phase,” says veterinarian Dr Joanne Woodnutt MRCVS. “However, keeping most toys hidden away and rotating them stops them from becoming boring.”

It's also a good idea to remove toys during mealtimes so that a puppy's focus is on food rather than play. Unless the toys are robust, you should also try and supervise play sessions rather than always leave puppies to their own devices.

How to choose the best puppy toy

It can be tempting to just stock up on the cutest, brightest, and perhaps cheapest puppy toys when buying for your new dog but it pays to do some research before committing to buy.

Cheap toys probably won’t last very long and those which are non-durable toys can leave a lot of mess behind – even presenting a choking hazard for very young dogs. It's a good idea to invest a little more money and look out for toys that claim to be durable. Check the type of material used: rubber tends to be a good option for most puppies because of their sharp teeth.

It's a good idea to buy toys with little to no stuffing, especially for destructive puppies. Stuffing can be easily ripped out and spread around your home, while those that feature other materials, such as rope, tend to last a lot longer.

Toys with flavorings, such as vanilla, mint or meat flavorings can help keep your puppy’s attention for longer, giving them extra motivation to chew. And look for toys that feature squeakers if your dog likes sound stimulation – although be aware that many puppies will try their hardest to rip out and destroy squeakers.

What toys should you not give to a puppy?

All of the toys we have listed here can be freely given to a puppy to play with but you should be aware that not all toys are suitable. Shy away from cheaply-made squeaker toys because there's a chance they could break apart and end up being swallowed. Also, avoid giving puppies toys with loose parts including batteries: you don't want to risk your dog swallowing such items.

Don't give puppies toys made for human children either – they're not robust enough to last enthusiastic chewing. Finally, if you are looking to give a puppy a food-related toy, avoid rawhide chews which can get lodged in a puppy's intestine.

“Avoid anything that isn’t made for puppies or seems to be poorly made.” says veterinarian Dr Joanne Woodnutt MRCVS. “Those teeth can get through many toys easily and you don’t want your pup to need surgery to remove a broken toy from his stomach!”

How many puppy toys should a dog have at once?

It can be tempting to open up the toy box and have many playthings available to your fur baby at any given time. But experts suggest rotating your puppy toys weekly so they have only access to four or five, each offering a variety of uses. These can include their favorite comfort toy, a rolling toy that will keep them busy, a chew toy to gnaw on and a puzzle toy to keep their mind active.

Should puppies have toys in their crate?

Adding toys into the crate can be a great way to associate that space with fun and interesting things for your pup to do. It’s worth making sure you rotate the toys so that they are still fresh and interesting to your dog, rather than leaving them in there for long periods of time.

What is the best toy for a puppy to chew on?

Dogs and puppies are usually very willing to give most toys a try, particularly where chewing is concerned. Toys made of harder rubbers tend to be good and safe contenders for chewing which also last. They are generally made in various shapes and sizes to cater to different mouths and puppy teething stages. Thick knotted rope toys are another good option especially if they like tug-of-war games as well as chewing and gnawing. Balls are a further option to consider however the popular tennis ball is not a great one to offer, while it is good for fetch games they don’t hold up to chewing.

Check with your vet if you are thinking about offering a rawhide chew product as these present a potential choking hazard plus many rawhides are by-products of the fur trade.

Do eight week old puppies need toys?

Toys should be classed as a necessity not a luxury for any dog and puppy due to their benefits. It is recommended that toys are offered to puppies between the ages of two and 10 months old as during this period they are experiencing rapid development. The toys given to your young furry friend need to be age appropriate but their breed and personal preference will also likely play a role in their favorite choices.

How many toys should a puppy have? This feature has the answer. If you’re not sure where to get started with these toys, here are some fun games to play with dogs.

As the weather gets colder, it's not just me that needs to wrap up when I head outside. My pooch, a fairly small but very determined cocker spaniel, is now a member of the family I need to keep warm too. With that in mind, I've looked to this year's Cyber Monday pet deals for inspiration on how to keep my dog warm on a budget.

And the deals this year don't disappoint. From savings on the best dog coats to cozy blankets for snuggling up inside, there are plenty of ways to keep your four-legged friend warm without spending a fortune or hiking up your heating. 

Right now, this Reddy Sherpa Reversible Dog Jacket is nearly 50% cheaper at Petco. But, there's just a few hours left to save with Cyber Monday. Here's what's worth snapping up while you still can.

Cyber Monday retailer quick links

• Amazon: Find discounts on grooming tools, vitamins, and flea treatment
• Petco: Save up to $15 on select dog food, and find 50% off cat toys 
• Chewy: Find 40% off treats, and bundle deals on toys and beds
• Entirely Pets: Save 20% sitewide
• Only Natural Pet: Find 25% off everything but food right now
• Walmart: Shop big discounts on pet food, beds, pet cameras, and more

Cyber Monday dog deals 2022

Keeping costs down is going to be high on many of our agendas this winter but investing in ways to keep your dog warm without the sky high energy costs can help. 

Not sure these deals are for you? Check out our round up of the longest lasting dog chews.

Dog crates are a staple piece of equipment for most dog owners for many positive reasons. If you don't already own one, you can bag one at a brilliant price with these dog crate Cyber Monday deals.

A dog crate is a great place for dogs to take refuge. They especially come in handy when you need to clean the house without an excitable canine shadowing your every step and getting in the way of the task at hand, instead you can pop them in their crate for a bit. 

Once you learn how to crate train a dog, dog crates are also great for improving your pup's behavior, for example, they can help manage unwanted barking when the doorbell goes or assist in potty training since dogs like to keep their sleeping area clean.

Investing in a dog crate can be extremely beneficial and offer you a break when things get a little too chaotic around the house. They do tend to be pricier than other dog accessories but not with these impressive Cyber Monday discounts that we've spied out for you. Chewy's New Age Furniture Style Dog Crate has 80% off, meaning you'll get a $300 dog crate for just $60! Check this out below alongside some other great Cyber Monday dog crate deals.

We aren't used to seeing deals quite as worthwhile as these Cyber Monday dog crate deals. If you're about to welcome a new dog into your home and want to pup-proof the place then now is the perfect time to do so for less. This might even make a great Christmas gift for your pooch if you're looking for a bigger item for less this year.

Want more deals? Check out these Cyber Monday dog bed deals or grab a Cyber Monday cat tree deal if you are also a cat parent looking for big discounts on feline essentials.

Everyone loves to get a good night's sleep on a comfy bed and our canine pals deserve this too. Dog beds can be pretty expensive, so it's a wise idea to purchase one over Black Friday while dog bed deals are at their best, and big brands are applying considerable reductions to some of their most popular products.

Maybe you are about to welcome a new pup into your home and want to make them feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. Or, your current dog bed is overdue a replacement but you've struggled to find one for an affordable price up until now. Or, you might be trying to stop a bad habit of letting your dog sleep by you in your own bed and buying a dog bed comfier than yours is the only solution. Whatever, the reason, we've brought together the best Black Friday dog bed deals right now, all for less than $50.

Everyone is looking to save money this year so being smart with our spending is key. We have only sought out dog bed deals that are genuinely made from good quality materials, so that you can spend small and receive a long-lasting dog bed in return. You may want to compare some of these against our list of the best dog beds for 2022, to see what you're getting for your money.

There are many other savings still rolling out across the Black Friday shopping event. We strongly recommend you check them out before prices return to normal. Why not pick up a Black Friday cat tower deal for your feline friends or take a look at our curated list of all the very best Black Friday pet deals happening this year?

The Black Friday dog toy deals are well and truly rolling in now, with some of the most popular playthings on sale at Chewy and Amazon showing savings of up to 65% off the usual retail price!

Investing in a few of the best dog toys is well worth it if you're looking for fun and interesting ways to provide your canine companion with the physical and mental stimulation they need to thrive.

Wonderful for banishing boredom and easing separation anxiety, dog toys an affordable way to add some enrichment into your pup's day. And with so many fantastic options to choose from, you really are spoiled for choice this year. 

Whether you're after a challenging puzzle to give your pup's brain a good workout or you're looking for a tough and durable toy for an aggressive chewer, you'll find that our roundup below of the best Black Friday dog toys has something to suit everyone. 

• Amazon US: Save on Chuckit!, Cheerble, and other big name brands
• Amazon UK: Jump on these limited-time dog toy deals
• Chewy: Buy 2 get a 3rd free on a selection of mix and match dog toys

Black Friday dog toy deals

Dog toys are one of those must-have pet accessories, providing our fur friends with the mental and physical stimulation they need to thrive - but let's face it, they don't always come cheap. Thankfully, Amazon and Chewy's Black Friday dog toy deals have revealed massive savings of up to 65%, making it a great time to stock up on those popular playthings that may previously have been too expensive to justify. 

Want more bargains or haven't yet found what you're looking for? Be sure to check out PetsRadar's live blog of the Black Friday pet deals, or our guide to the best Black Friday dog bed deals.

Whether you want to stock up on food, grab your fur friend a new toy, or find a cozy bed to help keep them warm this winter, you're not going to want to miss out on the amazing Chewy Black Friday deals that are already starting to arrive. The online pet-supply giant is getting in early and offering savings of up to 60% across a wide range of pet products and accessories spanning all the major brands.

The pet-retail space has long been dominated by physical stores, including PetSmart and Petco, but Chewy has carved out a place for itself as a leading, online-only pet supply retailer and has enjoyed increasing popularity with consumers in recent years looking to stock up on the best dog food, cat treats and other products and accessories at affordable prices. 

From heated houses to keep outdoor cats warm and dry to weekender backpacks for those pet parent and canine companion adventures, these Chewy Black Friday deals have got something for everyone. 

• Chewy: Up to 50% off with these cyber week dog deals
• Amazon US: Dog food is up to 60% off this Black Friday
• Amazon UK: Get 40% off Tractive GPS dog and cat trackers

Chewy Black Friday deals

Chewy is offering up some amazing deals this Black Friday, especially on pet products and accessories, so it's a great time to pick up that dog bed or cat tower you've been eyeing up but may not usually be able to justify buying.

All of the products we've included above have not only had their prices seriously slashed, they're also items we know have proven popular with pet parents and their fur friends in the past, receiving solid reviews for quality and durability. 

Want more bargains or haven't quite found what you're looking for yet? Be sure to check out our Black Friday pet deals live blog or find something for your pooch in the best Black Friday dog bed deals.

A Golden Retriever is conspiring to reverse his puppy sibling's crate training, and his antics have gone viral on TikTok. 

Remy, featured on the TikTok account @Remy_woof, is an adorable Golden Retriever who just recently got a younger brother, another Golden named Rocco. While Rocco and Remy's human parents are clearly trying to crate train the new puppy, Remy has other plans.

• How to crate train a dog: A vet’s guide
• Watch: Picky rescue dog refuses to eat food without "special toppings"

As you can see from the TikTok video embedded above, Remy has figured out how to open up Rocco's crate by gnawing on it. 

The puppy happily bounds out of the crate after the door swings open, clearly excited to be freely roaming again. The text on the video reads, "They ask 'How's crate training going?'", while the caption says "Everybody has a ride or die in your life, and that includes Rocco!!" 

Comments include "These are the kinds of friends I need to find. That’s hide the body loyalty." and "loyalty over everything."

At the time of writing, the video of Remy springing Rocco out of his crate has over 272,000 views, but there are plenty of other videos showing off the hilariously adorable antics of the older dog and his puppy brother. 

Crate training can be an important part of raising your puppy. If you plan on leaving your puppy alone for some periods of time, it's an important way to ensure their safety while they're not being supervised. Crate training your dog can also create a comfy, safe space for them that may make it easier for them to have vet visits or go to boarding if you ever decide to do that on lengthy trips. Crate training can also help potty train them, and even help with dealing with separation anxiety.

While Rocco's parents are clearly keen on crate training the puppy, Remy may have other plans. 

If you're looking to provide your pooch with the perfect place to rest their paws then these Amazon Prime Day dog bed deals will ensure you get the right pad at a fraction of the cost. 

Whether you've been considering an outdoor, elevated style or a cozy indoor crib, have a large dog or small, there's never been a better time to find the best dog bed for your canine companion. 

While, let's face it, style is certainly a determining factor when it comes to shopping for that perfect pooch pad, there's actually a good few things to think about when it comes to the getting the perfect fit for your dog.

Consider whether your dog has any specific needs from their bed. If, for instance, you have a senior dog who is more prone to joint problems, an orthopedic dog bed is well worth considering as these are specially designed to support and cushion aching muscles. You may even want to consider a heated pet bed to keep them cozy come winter. 

• See all the best Prime Day deals on pet supplies at Amazon

Just be sure to look for a bed that has enough room for them to stretch out and move around in. If you have a super-sized breed, our guide includes a selection of the best large dog beds as well as standard sizes, so every pup can get the perfect snooze.   

Be sure to check out our Amazon Prime Day Pet Deals guide too for even more brilliant bargains! 

• Save on dog supplements: Amazon Prime Day deals
• Amazon Prime Pet Deals 2022: Huge savings now on

PetsRadar's pick of the best Amazon Prime dog bed deals

Best Prime Day deals at Amazon US

Best Prime Day deals at Amazon UK

Pet food can be very expensive these days, so it’s important to keep it stored properly with the best pet food containers. Airtight containers can extend the life of your pet’s food, keeping it from going stale and saving you money in the long run.

Whatever size or shape you need, there are some excellent storage options out there. Larger tubs to store the best dry dog food, smaller options for the best dry cat food, portable containers on wheels, and plenty that come with convenient food scoops to help you portion out meals.

There are other benefits to pet food containers too — decanting a big, bulky bag of kibble into a sturdy, stackable box makes it much easier to store away in the cupboard. This makes feeding time a lot easier, as you can simply lift up the tub, scoop out the kibble, and slot it back onto the shelf. No more fighting with cumbersome bags and food bag clips that refuse to stay attached.

You can also store your pet food container next to the best automatic pet feeders, making the process of reloading these clever gadgets even easier.

The best pet food containers 2024

How to choose the best pet food container

Selecting the best pet food container really comes down to the space you’re working with, and the pet you have. Smaller spaces and smaller pets will require less space, but you may want something a little larger so that you can store several months’ worth of food in a single place. Equally, larger pets may require more food, so you should look for a pet food container that's big and stackable, unless space really isn’t an issue. Certain pet food containers can be stored outside but you need to be confident that they are sturdy enough to withstand the elements, and their airtight seal is strong enough to not degrade quickly.

In terms of materials, we would always suggest plastic, and always recommend that you check it is PBA-free and comes with some kind of assurance from a government agency. While you’re unlikely to get chemicals leaking into your pet’s food, it just isn’t worth the risk, and while you may save a few bucks on a cheaper container… you’ll spend big when it comes to veterinarian bills if your dog or cat does get sick.

If you want metal, always make sure that you’re storing it in a cool, dry area (because few come with airtight seals) and that you get a steel container with no harmful chemicals or elements that can rust. Rusted iron or lead in your pet’s food really, really isn’t good for them. Metal bins are often more attractive and expensive, so be sure they suit your practical needs when you buy one.

Does dry pet food need to be kept in airtight containers?

Pet food is just like human food — it needs to be stored properly in order to extend its life. As our expert vet Dr. Hannah Godfrey explains, “keeping dry food in sealable Tupperware or similar will help to keep it fresh and more palatable and prevent contamination from bacteria or molds, meaning it will last longer.”

Tupperware, or other airtight containers, also keep out air and moisture that would cause the food to spoil quicker. On top of this, they keep out bugs called storage mites, which Dr Godfrey warns can cause problems if your pet is allergic. 

“Storage mite allergies can cause your pet to have itchy and irritated skin, recurring ear infections, hair loss, and other symptoms” warns Dr Godfrey. Prevention is the best cure here, so she advises you “avoid their exposure by storing dry food in an airtight, sealed container, somewhere cool.” 

Finally, Dr Godfrey has a handy tip to preserve pet food for longer — portion your dog’s food into separate containers for each week, so that you’re not exposing the entire volume of food to the air at every meal time. This should keep the later half of the kibble bag tasting almost as fresh as the first bowl.

Airtight containers aren’t a magic preservative solution though. Pet food will go bad eventually, even if properly stored, so be sure to check the best before dates on the packaging. You should always store pet food in a cool, dry place, regardless of what container you’re using to hold it.

You might have only just invested in a brand new Halloween costume to dress your pet in, but Petco are already thinking ahead to the holiday season with a brand new collection for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eye!

The “More & Merrier” collection features more than 500 items for your cat or dog (and even some choice items for fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals) including festive toys, cute costumes and clothing, decor pieces that are full of holiday spirit and yummy treats so your pet doesn’t feel too left out when you are gorging on family dinners and delicious desserts. 

For Thanksgiving, there are canned turkey dinners (without fear of any upset tums the next day!), a kitty drink set, turkey headpieces (both cooked and alive) so your dog can take center stage and treats galore stacked with all your favorite Thanksgiving ingredients, like pumpkin, sweet potato and cranberry.

If you observe Hanukkah, you can dress your pup for the holiday in blue coats and bandanas, as well as gift them a plush menorah. For cat lovers, you can choose between a dreidel teaser toy, gelt mice or kosher Hanukkah Cat pickle and dress your furry feline in a “meowzel tov” bandana!

For those celebrating Christmas there are an excessive amount of fun items. Dogs can take a nap in a cute sleigh bed, sport a festive bandana, play with a tough plush reindeer, chew apart a rope santa, rock some holiday antlers or even match their humans with a variety of clothing accessories available for cats, dogs AND people! 

Cats have multiple options too, from their very own holiday cabin hideaway house to catnip advent calendars, festive teacup teaser toys and costumes that range from elves and santa to a Christmas tree!

You can also customize your own holiday ornaments with an impression kit to capture your precious pet’s paw print and hang it on your tree along with a cat or dog angel tree topper!

There’s a ferret toy pack that includes a festive pickle and snowflake, cute festive decor items for your guinea pig or rabbit (including their very own loofah or wooden christmas tree)!

By New Years, if you are still keen to celebrate with your pet, there are an array of boozey items such as a champagne cat kicker and a set of pawsecco and a disco ball as well as a dapper party hat for your hound.

Most importantly, most of the More & Merrier items are budget friendly, with a large selection of items with pocket happy price points under $19.99, you can stock up on your pets’ wish list without going bankrupt.

As well as their range of fun items to get you in the spirit of the season, Petco is also launching its “Season Of Giving” campaign, which encourages customers to help animals in need by donating money through Petco Love, the company’s nonprofit. So while you are gifting your own spoiled pet, you can also help another animal who isn’t going to be quite so cosy this winter.

The best dog puzzle toys are a great way to keep your canine entertained and engaged, while also helping build their cognitive abilities through problem-solving. Dogs love playing games, and while a classic game of fetch will give them plenty of physical exercise, when you want to keep their minds sharp you should turn to these fiendish (but fun) puzzles.

Arguably, the best dog puzzle toys are especially important for the smartest dog breeds, as these clever canines require lots of mental stimulation. If you can’t keep their brain busy, they may divert their attention to other, less desirable behaviors including chewing and barking.

Dog puzzle toys come in various shapes, sizes, styles, and difficulty levels, but almost all of them share one common feature. Hiding the best dog treats inside compartments will ensure that your clever canine is motivated to solve the puzzle and acquire their tasty reward.

The best dog puzzle toys

How to choose the best dog puzzle toy

Dogs need mental stimulation as much as they need physical exercise. Keeping your pet pooch from getting bored will stop them from destroying property, improve their mental health, and keep them entertained.

When on the lookout for a dog puzzle toy, you need to think about what level your dog is at. If you have never tried your dog with a puzzle toy before it’s best to start off with a level 1 game. The Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Dog Toy keeps the challenge low, but is high on entertainment value, and is a definite boredom-buster for a dog who loves a game of fetch.

For dogs who have already dabbled with puzzle toys, level 2 toys are a better choice. The Outward Hound Puppy Hide n’ Slide comes with 14 compartments to help stimulate your dog, and is the ideal option for your first foray into intermediate games.

For a different challenge, the Outward Hound Dog Brick, Treat Dispenser for Dogs Training Funny Feeding, and Trixie Dog Activity Flip Board will give your fur friend plenty of stimulation and a reason to use both their nose, paws, and jaw to get their favorite tasty treat.

How we tested dog puzzle toys

Whenever possible, we perform hands-on tests for the products that we recommend in our guides. That should be paws-on in this case, as our line-up of excellent writers let their furry partners-in-crime put the toys through their paces for the review process.

To save you from wasting your money, we selected the best dog puzzle toys out there and put them to the test with real dog owners. We took into consideration the following factors:

• Value for money: We evaluate dog puzzle toys on both what they offer and the price that you have to pay for them to help you get the best bang for your buck. We’ve included budget, mid-tier, and premium options to help make shopping for dog puzzle toys more accessible and easy.
• Difficulty: Dog puzzle toys come in a variety of difficulty levels and it’s important to match the toy to the dog. That’s why we’ve tried to evaluate how tough each puzzle is to let you know whether it’s suitable for beginner, intermediate, or advanced canine puzzle solvers.
• Durability: Dogs are a lot of things, but they’re rarely delicate and dainty when it comes to their playthings. As a result, the best dog puzzle toys need to be durable enough to stand up to some ruff and tumble. We’ve also tested some extra tough options to suit aggressive chewers.
• Ease of cleaning: Dogs tend to explore everything head-on, and that includes their toys. That means a lot of sniffing and a lot of doggy slobber getting on the toys, so it’s important to note how easy each toy is to clean. Many of them have containers and pockets for treats, and we want to ensure that you can clean these between play sessions to avoid unwanted bacteria build-up.
• Fit for purpose: While all the other factors are important, at the end of the day the biggest test of a dog puzzle toy is whether your furry friend actually enjoys playing with it. While no two dogs are the same, we know that testing these toys with our own pets is the best way to evaluate them, and that’s exactly what we do.

When we haven’t managed to get hands-on with a dog toy but still feel it needs a spot on our list, we thoroughly research the product descriptions and videos of the toy in use, as well as look at professional and user reviews to give you as much information as possible. Rest assured, it’s always our plan to test everything hands-on eventually.

Other puzzle toys we considered

Since this guide was last updated, we’ve continued testing the included products. After reviewing them, we decided to replace the following items, as we were able to physically test similar options available.

• HIPPIH Interactive Dog Ball
• Qyrrvxy Dog Puzzle Toy
• Funny Feeding Treat Dispenser

Types of dog puzzle toy

When you’re first looking for a dog puzzle toy, you might be overwhelmed by the sheer variety of options out there. There are loads of different types of puzzles to suit different dog breeds, sizes, and intelligence levels.

Treat dispensers:

Treat dispensers are probably the simplest type of dog puzzle toy. They’re small objects, usually around the size of a tennis ball, with one or more openings inside that can be filled with treats. The treats won’t just fall out of the hole without some encouragement, which encourages your dog to play with the toy and figure out how to access the delicious treats inside.

They can be made from a variety of materials including hard plastics and fabric, but they’re most commonly made from rubber, which is flexible and safe on your dog’s teeth.

Snuffle mats:

The best snuffle mats are fabric mats that are designed to encourage your dog's natural foraging behaviors. They come in lots of styles, shapes, and sizes, but all share a common design philosophy, with lots and lots of fabric strips attached to the mat, creating pockets and folds for you to hide dog treats inside.

Some look like shagpile rugs, while others like the Routesun Snuffle Mat in our lineup have more defined pockets and flaps for hiding treats. They can also double up as slow feeders, as your pooch will have to work to extract the delicious snacks that you hide inside.

Spinning and sliding puzzles:

Spinning and sliding puzzles are toys that have hidden compartments that can only be accessed by moving sliding doors, lifting platforms, or rotating sections.

Much like snuffle mats, they encourage your dog’s natural foraging behaviors while also providing a bit more of a cognitive challenge for them, as they need to figure out how the mechanism works to access their treats.

Spinning and sliding puzzles can come in a variety of different challenge levels designed to suit dogs at all intelligence levels. It’s often recommended that you start with a relatively simple puzzle toy and move up in difficulty as they master their current ones.

Slow feeders:

Not all slow feeders are puzzle toys, but some puzzle toys can double up as slow feeders. The purpose of a slow feeder is, as the name suggests, to slow down the rate at which your canine devours their food.

Some animals can’t help themselves and wolf down their food, which can cause them to be sick, so anything you can do to slow their roll will be good for their digestive health and help you avoid some nasty cleanup.

Are puzzle toys good for dogs?

There are plenty of reasons to use a feeding puzzle toy. These toys are great for giving your dog a physical workout, but they also need to exercise their brains too, and that’s where puzzle toys come in.

As vet Rebecca MacMillan puts it, “Puzzle toys can be more engaging than a straightforward chew or rope toy, helping to exercise their brain differently. We often focus heavily on physical pursuits in dogs, and while this is important, so are other kinds of stimulation.”

Every type of dog can benefit from puzzles too, not just the traditionally more intelligent breeds. MacMilan says they’re especially great for “dogs that are resting after surgery or are on a restricted exercise regime, suffer from anxiety or boredom, and dogs that are very active or high energy.”

Do puzzle toys make dogs smarter?

While it’s great to keep their minds sharp, don’t go expecting them to turn into puppy Einstein after a few puzzles.

“There is no hard evidence that puzzle toys will improve your dog’s IQ, but we do know that they can help with their mental well-being overall and may reduce destructive behaviors”, explains MacMillan.

Likewise, don’t start them off with anything too taxing.

“Start with simple ones, to begin with, and work your way up. This allows you to gauge your dog’s level and stops them from becoming overly frustrated by the toy if they can’t work it out.” says MacMillan. Also don’t be alarmed if your dog prefers simpler toys – every pooch is different and some just prefer chasing a ball around the garden.

Read next: I taught my dog to communicate using the viral Amazon talking pet buttons – here's what happened

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

While investing in one of the best dog crates may not sound like the most exciting of purchases, this piece of canine kit is certainly one of the most important things you’ll own as a pet parent. From helping to potty train your puppy to keeping your dog safe when you’re not able to be with them, a good quality crate is money well spent.

Just like long lasting dog chews can keep your fur friend occupied when you’re too busy to play, a crate can keep them comfortable and secure when you have errands to run or when it’s time for them to get some sleep. You’ll also find a crate super helpful when you need a safe way to transport your pup from A to B. 

“Crating a dog is a very useful thing to be able to do,” explains Dr. Joanna Woodnutt. “Dogs that have been trained to love their crate are easier to keep safe when you’re out of the house, or when you have visitors. It also gives them a safe space to retreat to when they’re afraid (such as noise phobias). One benefit that is often forgotten is that dogs who are used to being crated are calmer at the kennels and vets — as a vet, I can always tell which dogs are crate trained and which are not.”

To help you find the right crate for your canine companion, we rounded up our pick of the bunch, including crates that come in a range of sizes and styles to suit every need and budget. We also spoke further to Dr. Woodnutt to get her take on whether crating a dog during the day is cruel and how long you should crate them for.

The quick list

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Best dog crates we recommend in 2026

Best overall dog crate

Keep your precious pooch safe and secure with this sturdy double door metal crate from New World. Versatile and durable, it's ideal for crate training or transporting your furkid from A to B.

Available in five different sizes, ranging from the 24-inch model that's ideal for small breeds up to 10kg, all the way through to the 48-inch crate that will comfortably accommodate extra large dogs up to 50kg.

This two-door crate comes with a leak-proof plastic pan, so you don't need to worry about any spills leaking through onto your floors, and the heavy-duty slide-bolt latch securely locks the crate door in place, ensuring your hound will stay put.

We love how easy to assemble this crate is with no tools required and it folds flat, making it a breeze to store and super convenient to transport. The wire allows for plenty of ventilation and visibility and the rounded edges mean you won't snag yourself.

This is a high-quality crate at an affordable price and with the protective long-lasting black E-coat finish, it's one that will go the distance. 

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Best dog crate for traveling in a car

Plan on transporting your fur pal from A to B in a vehicle? Then the Thule Allax M Compact Crate is the best option for both of you. The crash-tested Thule Allax dog crate is kitted out with multiple crumple zones and it even includes an escape hatch should a rear collision occur. 

Our tester and PetsRadar's former editor, Sophie tried out this crate with her cocker spaniel, Wally, who weighs 30 lbs and is 18 inches tall. She said: "We liked the safety features first and foremost and felt reassured that Wally was safe due to the crate’s rigorous crash tests." 

Sophie added, "The door on the crate uses a gas damping mechanism which meant the door didn’t accidentally slam or rattle around when we forgot to close it during car journeys where Wally wasn’t with us."

While Wally has been crate trained, the large slats on the Thule Allax dog crate allow for lots of air and light to get in for good visibility. "After a good sniff of the crate and an initial lay down inside, Wally was won over and curled up for a snooze within minutes of us introducing the crate to him," Sophie said. 

"We have a Nissan Duke SUV and chose the Medium Compact crate which meant our backseats had to be folded down but this is something we’re used to already. If you need your back seats for children or other passengers, we’d suggest taking some time to measure your car first."

We loved this dog crate from Thule but the quality and safety of it comes at a price…and a big one at that ($799) so it’s an investment for sure and is the most expensive crate we’ve tested. Having said that, once you purchase this crate, it’s very unlikely you’ll need to replace it any time soon. 

Extra accessories Sophie tried include the Thule dog mat standard which was easy to wipe down and hardwearing. The bumper protector was also a welcomed addition as it saved from using old towels like Sophie had before, and again was easy to wipe after muddy walks. A storage bag that clips on the side of the crate and a leash hook were not essential but so handy for keeping a travel bowl and the leash safe in the car and at home.

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Best budget dog crate

This dog crate does a great job of providing all the features you could want from a dog crate, but it does it at a price that is a little less than the rest. How does it manage this? It provides double-door and single-door options. The double-door option provides one at the narrow end of the crate and one on the side. But if you only need a single-door dog crate you can get one at a lower price that is hard to beat. The doors come fitted with the standard slide-bolt latches to firmly lock the door. You will find a single latch on smaller models and two latches on larger models. 

The crate is easy to assemble and has a portable design. It is easy to fold down and easy to put back up. Like most other metal-frame dog crates, it folds flat, making it easy to store and easier to carry. 

Some other neat little touches include the rounded edges and rounded side clips – no catching yourself on any sharp edges here. Simple roller feet adorn the bottom of the crate. This makes it easier to move: no need to drag or carry, just push. And the feet have the added bonus of helping to protect wooden or vinyl floors. 

The bottom of the crate has a durable tray for comfort and cleanliness. A pan stop ensures that the tray stays in position and doesn’t slip out unexpectedly. 

There are seven different sizes that cater for most dog sizes. The smallest in the range measures 18 x 12 x 14 inches, while the largest manages an impressive 48 x 30 x 33 inches. And, if you are feeling a little adventurous, you can stray from the standard black finish and indulge yourself with a powder blue or pink option. 

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Best premium dog crate

This durable dog crate is made to last and even comes with a lifetime guarantee. Unlike other models, it has a double wall (which means double protection), giving you peace of mind that your fur friend is safe on their travels. The small, medium, and intermediate sizes have a five-star crash test rating which is certified by the Center for Pet Safety.

The reversible door can be opened both ways, making it easier to get your pup in and out, and the crate is 12% cooler than the leading aluminum kennel. Whilst it might be a little more expensive, our tester Lindsey says it’s definitely worth the money and is “built to last”.

She adds: “This crate is very sturdy and made from durable materials. No assembly was needed, it was shipped in a box with plastic wrapping. My dog loved it, there is lots of room for her to turn around, and overall, I was very impressed with it. I think it will last a long time.”

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Best travel dog crate

The wire metal frame dog crate is a popular choice with a lot of dog owners, especially for indoor use. They are easy to fold down and carry, but they are not as portable or stylish as a soft dog crate. If you need to take your pet pooch for a quick visit to the vet, ideally you want a dog crate that is quick, easy, and lightweight to deal with. 

That's where this fashionable, functional, and most of all affordable, crate from Amazon is a real lifesaver. Almost identical to many other soft-sided crates that are double the price, this one may carry a low price tag but it's still made of high-quality durable polyester and PVC material that will go the distance. 

The crate has three doors with one door positioned on top of the crate and the other two to the side and the front. This means the crate is well ventilated when your dog is inside. There are also two accessory pockets on the top and side which will easily hold small items such as a lead, treats and poop bags. 

As an added bonus the crate comes with a fleece bed included – which is washable – as well as hand carry straps and an adjustable padded shoulder strap, so it's ideal for transporting your pet pooch quickly and easily. Available in four colors and a range of sizes, this lightweight crate has something for everyone. 

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Best durable dog crate

Looking for the best dog crate for containing even the most advanced canine escapologists? The Lucky Duck Kennel may be exactly what you need. It's a seriously rugged and durable dog crate that's made in the USA, and while at 38 lbs it's light enough for any member of the family to move using its heavy-duty handles, it's more than solid enough to keep pooch in place, wherever you go.

This crate features a one-piece roto molded body, with an injection molded door with a quick flip design that enables it to be reversed in seconds. There's a locking paddle latch that'll keep your dog secure, and which can be opened and closed single-handed, and for additional safety there are corner locking pins to create a four-point connection. Non-slip rubber feet will keep the crate in place while you're on the move, and this crate also benefits from a five star crash test rating from the Center for Pet Safety.

To help keep your dog comfortable when locked up, the Lucky Duck Kennel has well-placed ventilation holes, as well as an elevated pitched floor with drain channels and drain holes for an easy clean-up in the event of accidents. This intermediate crate is suitable for medium-sized dogs; Lucky Duck also makes a large version for bigger dogs.

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Best dog crate starter kit

If you’ve just got your first dog or have never ventured into the world of dog crates before, the idea of a starter kit sounds very tempting. So what does this dog crate starter kit include? As you might expect there is a dog crate, but you also get a fleece bed, a dog crate cover, plus a food and water bowl – and all neatly packed into a single box for easy delivery.

The crate is a standard epoxy-coated metal wire frame that comes with two doors, one on the end and one on the side for easy access to the cage. The doors are secured shut with two slide-bolt latches on larger models and one on smaller models. There is a strong plastic tray in the bottom of the crate for your furry friend to lie on – the perfect place to put the accompanying fitted, machine-washable, dryer-friendly fleece bed. The two bowls snap into place wherever you want on the crate frame. These can be snapped off for cleaning and refilling. Finally there is the crate cover, which fits snugly over the cage to give your pet pooch a bit of privacy and help keep them calm. The front of the cover neatly rolls up to give access to the cage. 

Don’t worry if you have a small, medium, or large dog, as the starter kit comes in six different sizes, ranging from XS to XL. The smallest is 22 x 13 x 16 inches while the largest option comes in at 48 x 30 x 33 inches. Measure up and get the kit you need.

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Best large dog crate

If your canine is on the large side, MidWest Homes for Pets is a great brand to explore. Their crates come in multiple sizes, including an extra-large 49 x 30.5 x 34.25 inches in their Ultima Pro range.

The tough heavy-duty crate is made from metal and features two doors, front and side, for easy access. It's ideal for strong dogs with a weight between between 91 to 110 lbs, providing plenty of space for canines to stretch out.

Although the crate is highly durable, what's particularly notable about the Ultima Pro dog crate is that it's collapsible so if your pooch just can't be without their crate, you can take it with you wherever you go. 

MidWest have also paid extra care to creating a dog crate that's so easy to clean. It comes with a removable plastic pan that doesn't rust when it comes in to contact with water and is generally constructed as a high quality dog crate you can put your faith in.

One drawback of the product, however, lies in the door hinges and locks. Some clever canines have managed a great escape out of the crate.

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Best furniture-style dog crate

This elegant and dual-purpose piece serves as both a stylish end table and a dog crate and is made from a mixture of pressed wood and metal. Measuring 36.2 x 26.5 x 31.5 inches it's the perfect size to fit into your living space and can accommodate dogs up to 40lbs. 

The double door design makes it easy to get your dog in and out and makes it a breeze to keep the inside of the crate clean. It comes with a comfortable cushion that's fully machine washable and the bars of the crate allow for plenty of ventilation and visibility, meaning your pup can still stay in on all the action.

It's worth noting that the wood isn't chew-proof, so if you have an aggressive chewer on your hands, this isn't the crate for you. It's also one of the more expensive models on the market, but if you're after a crate that is both functional and fashionable and will blend seamlessly into your decor, then this one is definitely worth considering.

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Best wooden dog crate

If you're looking for a furniture-style dog crate and your interior is more rustic in style than modern, then the FEANDREA Wooden Dog Crate offers an attractive option for both dog and owner.

It's available in two spacious sizes, with room in the bigger size for a larger dog, without taking up a lot of room in the house. It does this by acting as a stylish table, as well as a dog crate. You can add your favorite items such as a lamp or ornaments to the top of the crate with peace of mind that it's strong and durable enough to hold everything in place. Added bonus if the rest of your furniture happens to match its wooden style.

When it comes to assembling the crate, the good news is it comes with tools to help you set-up and you can choose which end the smaller of the double doors will open from which is a nice touch. 

Less favorable to pet owners may be the grate bottom which can be more difficult to remove than you might expect, but as the crate comes with a plastic tray, some users have adjusted it to better suit their needs. 

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Best collapsible dog crate

Some pets require travel crates that are a bit more heavy-duty. Generally, these will be ones that are quite bulky and heavy-duty, but happily, we've found one that doesn't take up a huge amount of space.

Available in small and medium sizes, its aluminium and steel wire frame makes it stronger than most crates, as well as meaning that it will last longer than its competitors. While it doesn't come with a bed, there are related products that it recommends. Alternatively, you can load it with your own snooze station!

While some have reported collapsible crates to do just that at moments when you'd rather they didn't, this has been tested to up to 180lb at its weakest point in the centre, meaning that it's far less likely to do so.

However, for such reliability you can expect to pay a premium. It's currently retailing at $375 on Amazon, with shipping adding another large fee. Moreover, durable materials tend to be heavier than others, so bear this in mind should you be on carrying duty.

Still, there's no denying its reliability, so should you be willing to pay the price, you can't go far wrong with this.

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Best dog crate for home aesthetics

Admittedly, dog crates are seldom the best-looking items in a home and having one sitting in the corner of the room may not always fit in with your décor. With this offering, however, you not only get a spacious dog crate that comes in a range of sizes to suit all dogs, large and small, but a piece of furniture that doubles as an end table. Stick it by your sofa, pop a couple of coasters on the top and maybe a lamp and, pretty soon, you wouldn't even know you had a crate in your home!

It certainly looks great. Created out of a non-toxic plastic-wood polymer composite material, it has a single door at the front and “windows” at the side, ensuring great visibility while allowing air to flow. You can also grab this crate in one of three different colors – Russet, Antique White and Espresso – each one giving off a classy appearance. This means you're sure to find one to suit.

We also like that it can be assembled without the use of tools in about 10 minutes and that it's easy to wipe clean, free of allergens and unable to absorb moisture ensuring it's hard to stain. In using stainless steel spindles, it offers safety while providing sufficient gaps for your pooch to peer out. Just be aware that some owners say it's not a good option for dogs which tend to chew a lot (although it has a 10-year warranty) and that determined dogs can easily break out and damage the structure. You may find it's better for dogs who are calm and well-trained. 

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How to choose the best dog crate

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny chihuahuas through to huge huskies. So it stands to reason that dog crates will come in different sizes. Make sure that you choose the right size, so that your pet pooch can fit comfortably in your chosen dog crate. 

We recommend using a measuring tape to work out the length of your dog from its nose to the tip of its tail and then add on an extra four inches. You’ll then want to repeat this process when they’re sitting down to get their height, once again adding on four inches. 

These measurements will give you the minimum size crate that you’ll need, but it’s not just size that matters – there are other questions that need to be answered. Is the crate going to be kept in the home? Do you need a dog crate to transport your dog to the vet/take on vacation? Will it fit in the car? How easy is it to assemble/fold down? How much does it weigh? Does it have carry handles? Is it easy to clean? Is your dog an aggressive chewer? Does the crate include any extras, such a blanket or bed? 

These are simple questions, but are all questions that you need to consider. Answering these will help you to create a picture of the dog crate you need and want for your pet pooch, which in turn will help you to make the right choice to keep you and your dog happy. For example, a wire crate is great for home use and if you’re going to be taking your dog in the car with you as it offers excellent visibility. However, if you and your fur friend do a lot of flying, you may prefer to opt for a plastic or soft-sided crate that complies with airline regulations. 

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Is it cruel to crate a dog during the day?

“While it isn’t cruel to crate a dog for periods of time, it isn’t fair to leave them crated all day,” says Woodnutt. “A crate should be viewed like your dog’s bedroom – a safe space for them to sleep in peace. But if they’re locked in their bedroom all day, it starts to become scary. Just as you wouldn’t want to be shut in a small box for a whole day, neither will your dog – they need to be able to stretch and move about, visit the toilet, have an opportunity to drink water, and they also need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. You shouldn’t crate your dog for more than a couple of hours at a time, which may mean asking a dog walker to let your dog out for a short walk and toilet opportunity once or twice a day while you are at work.”

How long should a dog be in a crate for?

“Unless your dog is crated as part of a treatment plan or post-surgical recovery plan, you shouldn’t leave them in their crate for more than a couple of hours at a time,” advises Woodnutt. “Four hours is considered the absolute maximum a dog should be left alone for – aim for two to three hours at a maximum to avoid making them miserable.”

Keep your puppy’s paws in perfect condition with the best dog nail files. These inexpensive finishing tools are an essential part of any dog grooming kit as they provide the finishing touches after a nail grooming session, leaving your dog with perfectly smooth and stylish looking nails.

Dog nail files are typically used as a finishing tool after you’ve used the best dog nail clippers, or best dog nail grinder, to do the heavy lifting, but you can use nail files exclusively if you’re worried about accidentally injuring your canine friend with these more intensive methods.

If your pooch is a little skittish and gets scared by clippers and nail grinders, then filling them down is a great alternative that will keep them safe and calm at the same time. They’re also a perfect choice for smaller, toy breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians which have tiny nails that would be difficult to trim with conventional tools.

Whether you’re using them in conjunction with clippers and grinders, or on their own, here are our top picks for the best dog nail files you can buy today. And if you’re new to home dog grooming, there are also some tips on how to use a dog nail file below our recommendations.

The best dog nail files

How to manually file dog nails with a nail file

Once you've added a metal, paper or glass nail file to your grooming kit, getting your dog used to having their paws touched by paw handling is a great way to calm anxiety before you introduce the tool.

Hold your dog’s paw firmly and check the paws thoroughly for debris, ticks, and signs of injury. Then gently use your fingers to spread your dog’s toes from each other so you can hold each nail effectively.

Before you start, consider trimming back hair with scissors first so it doesn't get tangled while you file. Begin by rubbing the tip of the nail with the file, making passes in the same direction so you file the nail bit by bit, keeping an eye on your dog's behavior.

A good idea to calm anxiety in nervous pups is to provide dog treats for doing such a good job, keeping the session short, and offering a comfortable place for your dog to relax while filing is occurring.

Make sure that you file carefully so the affected area does not become overheated from friction. You should aim to file your dog’s nails until the nails are even with your dog’s paw pads when your dog is standing on the ground.

Regularly filing your dog’s nails will ensure it doesn't always take a long time.

Is it better to cut or grind/file dog nails?

Unsure on whether you should cut, grind, or file your dog's nails? We’d love to say there is a right answer, but it really comes down to your dog and how comfortable they are with each process.

Clipping nails is undoubtedly faster, but some dogs hate having their nails clipped. As our expert vet Dr Hannah Godfrey puts it, “the sound of the clippers as they cut through the nail can often be quite a loud crack or click, which some dogs find more distressing than the sensation of having their nails clipped.” There is also a much greater chance of bleeding when clipping nails, which can be an uncomfortable experience for both pet and owner.

In these cases Dr Godfrey says that “if they’re quite comfortable having their paws held, grinding or filing them gradually at home may be a stress-free option”.

So why do vets always seem to favor clipping over grinding or filing? As Dr Godfrey explains, it’s just about being efficient with their time. “In veterinary practice, it’s very rare for us to consider grinding or filing nails, as this is incredibly time consuming. The time taken isn’t just a factor in terms of running behind in the clinic, a lot of dogs can become bored, frustrated, or wound up, so for many dogs it’s not an easier option than giving them a quick clip.”

Even if you do choose to clip your dog’s nails, they can still benefit from a dog nail file to help smooth out the finish after the clipper has done most of the heavy lifting.

How often to file?

As for how often you should file your dog's nails, this will really depend on their lifestyle. Most professionals recommend checking nails once a week, but if your dog gets a lot of exercise outside on tarmac and concrete you may find that the hard surfaces wear their nails down much quicker than indoor pups, which may mean less filing is required.

Read now: Why do dogs bite their nails?

As well as recording Puppy Love, singer-songwriter Dolly Parton once sang about working nine til five but it would appear she's been putting in some overtime too. For as well as also being an actress and philanthropist, she's launched a new clothing and accessories line for dogs called Doggy Parton. What else?

Working in partnership with Sportpet Designs, the global icon's range also stretches to a set of dog toys with the pet project claiming to introduce some “Dolly” flair.

What's more, part of the proceeds are going to a rescue called Willa B. Farms which provides a home to all displaced animals.

“Puppy Love'' was my very first record and six decades later, my love for pets is stronger than ever,” the 76-year-old said, in reference to the hit song she recorded aged 13 in 1959.

“This inspired me to start my own line of Doggy Parton apparel, accessories, toys and more with a little ‘Dolly’ flair.”

So far the website – which directs to an Amazon store – lists more than 20 items and these include dresses, shirts. Jackets, necklaces, wigs, costumes, collar and leash sets, squeaky toys and harnesses.

Parton also took to Instagram to promote the wares, explaining what is on offer.

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She is also seen playing with her god-dog Billy the Kid, a French Bulldog which is owned by her manager Danny Nozell.

'I will always love you, Dolly Mama. Thank you for my @doggyparton wig and accessories,' the caption said.

• Everything you need to know about Billie Eilish’s dog

For dog owners wishing that walks with their pooch were easier, a dog head collar may be on the radar. You may be curious as to what they entail and whether they can be considered among the best dog harnesses available.

Head collars are often confused with muzzles because of how they wrap around a dog's face, but there are a few key differences. When wearing a head collar, your dog can easily open and close its mouth, unlike a muzzle. The way the collar rests on your dog's head and neck means they can't pull as hard without feeling a little pain.

But are head collars the best option for you and your dog? We'll look at how they work, why they are used, and more so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you and your pooch.

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What is a dog head collar used for? 

A dog head collar or head halter is an alternative to neck collars and harnesses. It features a strap that wraps around your dog's muzzle and another one that goes behind their ears, making it easier to control them on a walk. Head halters apply pressure behind the neck and around the muzzle.

The idea is that where the nose goes, the body follows. Instead of having to pull against your dog's strength when using a neck collar, which can cause injuries, a head collar only requires gentle pressure to turn a dog's head. Trainers often use dog head collars when training puppies or when teaching owners with large dogs how to control them. Since it doesn't inflict pain like a prong collar or potentially injure like a neck collar, it is preferred by many as a training option.  

But, like any harness or collar, dog head collars aren't a solution for a dog that walks poorly on a leash. Some dogs are averse to the head collar or halter, and the collar itself does not replace consistent training.

Are head collars safe for dogs? 

Head collars are considered safe for dogs, but you must ensure that they are fitted properly or they can cause irritation due to rubbing. This can also happen if your dog has sensitive skin, as the head collar is usually made of nylon and sits in a sensitive area with not a lot of muscle or fat.

They can be difficult to put on, especially if you have an active dog, as it requires properly placing the nose loop and the snap or buckle behind the ear. It's easy to put a head collar on upside down or twisted, which can irritate your dog.

Overall, head collars are safe, but some owners may not like them due to the work required when putting them on and how they can irritate a dog's skin. Despite being collars, they look like muzzles, which some owners may not prefer.

How effective are head collars for dogs? 

When combined with the proper training, head collars can be effective. Getting your dog used to the head collar is important, as they can easily get worked up when putting it on. But for people who have trouble walking strong dogs, a properly fitted head collar can be effective for maintaining control during a walk. It can even have a calming effect on some dogs, but desensitizing your dog to it is a must. 

Many find that the dog head collar or halter is especially helpful with leash aggressive or reactive dogs, as it responds to lunging in a manner that is not painful but corrective all the same. It will gently restrain and turn away a dog from whatever it's lunging toward without causing pain or stress like a prong or choke collar would.

A properly used head collar can lead to loose-leash walks, which is ideal for any owner, but it's important that you take the necessary steps to ensure your dog is comfortable wearing one. Reach out to a trainer and do your research. VCA Animal Hospitals has some tips on how to use a head halter when training your dog.  

Summary

Like any harness or leash, it's up to the owner, the dog, and the training to determine whether a dog head collar is the right option for you and your dog. In some cases, a dog may dislike wearing the head halter because of where it lies. Dogs can slip out of the head harness, so it's recommended you use two leashes if you're worried about this, though this may be too much of a challenge for some owners.

But for those whose dogs can tolerate wearing the head harness and who may otherwise be a strong puller on walks, a head collar for your dog may be the best option. It's good for families with elderly or young family members who aren't strong enough to walk a dog that pulls constantly, but the proper training is required for both the walker and the dog. Reach out to a trainer with any concerns you have, and make sure you choose the right size for your pooch to ensure maximum comfort.

What to use when walking a dog is different for every family and their pooch, but doing your research and approaching this with patience will guarantee you find the right fit for you.

Playing with your furry friend is a great way to bond and spend time together, and with our picks for the best dog toys, you can ensure your pooch is happy, healthy, and stimulated. Having an array of options your dog can play with ensures they always have something to do that isn't destructive. The right toys also have a variety of other benefits for your pets as well, from offering mental stimulation to promoting dental hygiene.

We've got you covered with a number of options for dogs at all activity levels, and stages of life. If you already know your dog is tough on toys be sure to check out the toughest dog toys for chewers, or our best rope toys guide. In this round up, we've collected our favorite choices for dogs, looking at durability, suitability for different types of dog personalities, and even whether the toy makes noise or contains stuffing.

We also took a peek at the best dog puzzle toys, and teething toys, as well as whether a toy might help with separation anxiety. Our best puppy toys round up is also available if you've just brought home a new furry friend!

Dr Nick Horniman MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and founder of the online pet pharmacy mypetsvet says, “Dog toys provide mental stimulation, enhancing your dog’s cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. Toys also foster a stronger bond between you and your pet through interactive play sessions. Additionally, certain toys promote dental hygiene by helping to clean teeth and gums. Finally, they offer an outlet for physical exercise, keeping your dog active and preventing destructive chewing behavior. In essence, dog toys are more than just playthings; they contribute to a happier, healthier life for your pet.”

For now - let’s have a look at some of the best dog toys, available at a range of price points to suit your budget.

The best dog toys 2026

How to choose the best dog toy

When picking a dog toy, there are a few things to consider:

Engagement

Every dog is different, but if you’ve got a particularly inquisitive dog, you could consider toys that offer lots of ways to interact. Perhaps through squeakers, different textures, or even intelligent interactive toys.

Size

It’s a good idea to pick a toy that matches well with the size of your dog. A toy which is too large can be overwhelming for small dogs, while larger dogs may find small toys don’t offer the right kind of stimulation.

Ease of Use

If a dog toy requires some kind of complex set-up or tricky management to use, chances are it’ll end up in a box and barely touched. Look for those that are simple and easy to play with and chew straightaway.

Durability

If you’ve got a dog that likes to destroy their toys, look for more durable ones that will hopefully last a bit longer. Although they can be more expensive, if you keep hold of them for a while, they can be better value for money. If your pooch is gentler, then you’ve got scope to go for cheaper and less durable options.

Hazards

Be careful of toys that might have small detachable solid parts that could potentially choke your dog - especially if they’re quite destructive. It’s always wise to supervise your dog when playing with toys, especially if it’s the first time they’ve used them.

Why do dogs destroy toys?

There are a variety of reasons your dog may destroy their toys. High prey drive breeds are more likely to tear apart soft toys, and many dogs like to remove the squeakers from toys if they can find them. Playing with your dog, or wearing them out can alleviate this, as mentally and physically stimulated dogs are less like to destroy their toys.

Keep in mind that wear and tear are a normal effect of a dog playing with toys. Chewing, throwing, and whipping toys around are going to cause damage. Depending on your canine breed, their behavior may be an instinctual behavior and need tougher toys.

When dealing with puppies and younger dogs, remember that puppies teethe and that may be while they've been more destructive. Younger dogs in general also tend to be high energy, and if the toys you purchase are not durable they may not last long at all.

Some dogs will destroy toys when dealing with separation anxiety, stress, boredom or frustration. It can also be a behavior to try and get your attention.

If a dog is undernourished, or hungry, they can also be harder on their toys. To ensure this isn't an issue make sure your pooch is getting enough to eat with nutritious dog food.

Do I need to clean my dog's toys?

It’s a good idea to give your dog’s toys a good clean every once in a while. Although you don’t need to be overly fastidious about it, dog toys are a bit of a breeding ground for things like bacteria, mold and mildew so it’s worth keeping an eye on them.

Hard toys made from plastic, silicone and similar materials are very easy to clean. Brush off any major dirt from them before soaking them in warm soapy water, giving them a good rinse and drying them off before giving back to your dog.

Soft toys, such as those made from fabric, rope or other similar textiles are a bit harder to clean. You can spot clean using a sponge for any obvious dirt, but for a deeper clean, they can usually be placed in the dishwasher (top rack) or washing machine on a hot cycle. Be careful if your soft toys have been damaged, as they might get misshapen - it’s worth checking the label to make sure it’s safe to machine wash them too. Allow toys to dry fully before giving them back to your dog - avoid using a tumble drier as this can also damage the toys.

Why do dog’s toys squeak?

Not all dog’s toys squeak but those that do are tailored for a specific doggy instinct: to catch prey. The squeak is intended to mimic the sound of a small animal and this is why dogs tend to love playing with them. The high-pitched sound gets dogs very excited so if you have a pet who appears to be disinterested, a squeaker toy may prove to be the answer.

How to pick the best dog toy

There are thousands of toys built for dogs on the market, and finding the right one requires knowing your dog. You want an option that fits your canine companion's personality, activity level, and destructive tendencies so you don't end up buying items that just collect dust in a corner somewhere.

If your dog is a tough chewer, you'll want an option that can hold up to them even when they're excited or bored. This means avoiding soft or fluffy toys, and opting instead for durable options built to hold up to dogs on a mission.

For dogs that need a little extra stimulation, puzzle toys can be just the ticket. These toys often feature little mechanisms that hide treats, and make the dogs work for their reward. The extra stimulation is excellent for dogs bored by normal toys, or for distracting dogs with separation anxiety when you leave the house. These toys can provide hours of stimulation, even for high energy dogs.

For high energy breeds, or toys for outside, you want an option that is durable, and easy to see in the bushes at the park. Balls are always great for fetch, but be careful to choose an option that isn't too big, or too small, for your breed. Frisbees can also be a ton of fun, and come in different shapes, sizes, and materials.

When bringing home new toys, it's worth keeping an eye on your dog when they first play with it to ensure there aren't any hazards. Of course, the most important part of bringing home dog toys, is finding one your furry friend will love, whether for a few days, or their whole life.

If you’re looking for play inspiration, here are eight exciting games to play with dogs.

A no-pull dog harness is well worth investing in if you have a pup that tends to walk you rather than the other way around. Having a canine companion who lunges all the time can make those daily strolls more stress-inducing than stress-relieving, but fitting them with the correct harness can make things a whole lot easier.

The best dog harness for pulling works by applying gentle pressure on your pup’s shoulders, which reduces the likelihood of them lunging forward. While they’re not a magic bullet (and they certainly don’t replace positive training methods), no-pull harnesses can help make walks more enjoyable.

Dogs tend to pull because they’re in environments where there are lots of unusual sights and sounds all around them — which in their minds are exciting and crying out to be explored! How to stop a dog pulling on a leash requires patient training where you first need to work on getting your dog to sit calmly in different environments before progressing to walking.

Once you’re at the stage where you’re ready to hit the pavement, a no-pull harness can help support the good work you’ve already done with your pup. To help you with this, we spoke to Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to get her thoughts on the no-pull harness. Below, she explains how they work, the features to lookout for and whether they can hurt our pups. Let’s take a look…

How does a no-pull dog harness work?

Unlike the best dog harnesses for non-pullers, those designed to reduce lunging work by placing gentle pressure on your pup's shoulders and therefore decreasing the likelihood of them wanting to pull.

"Many no-pull harnesses are based on the idea that you attach the leash to a clip on their dog’s chest area rather than on their back," explains Dr. MacMillan. "Your dog will feel pressure in front and their reaction is to pull back from this. This should slow them down and stop them from tugging. It can also cause them to turn rather than being able to pull straight ahead."

However, she cautions that the no-pull harness is not without its drawbacks. "The main disadvantage is that your dog’s leg’s may become tangled in their leash," but she goes onto add that "this type of no-pull harness is far more preferable to aversive harnesses that tighten and cause discomfort as your dog pulls."

How to use a no-pull dog harness 

When it comes to how to use a harness on a dog, the most important thing is ensuring you select the right one for your fur friend.

For a no-pull harness, look for wider straps, as thin, nylon ones can easily chafe your dog's pressure points. Wider, more cushy straps will help distribute the pressure from pulling and will be overall way comfier for your pup. A no-pull dog harness will have a front clip, but some will have both a front and a back clip for you to affix a leash to each. If you have an especially strong puller, you may want to try using a harness that has both a front and a back clip for a while.

Get your dog used to their new harness by putting it on them in the house several times before you try and take them out on a walk. Give your dog a few treats while you try on and adjust the harness so they have a positive association with it, and so that they get used to the sounds of clipping, buckling, and adjusting. You really want to make sure this is a comfy fit for your dog, so make sure to measure your dog's neck and chest before purchasing a no-pull harness.

Remember that a no-pull harness is not a replacement for good training methods. Yes, they can encourage loose-leash walking (your dog calmly walks by your side with some slack in the leash) when used correctly, but nothing will help more than consistent training.

Will a no-pull dog harness stop pulling?

No-pull dog harnesses are definitely a better option than just collars, and in many cases are better than gentle leaders, but they are in no way foolproof. For one, they do not replace the need for proper and consistent training, and they can irritate your dog's skin and affect their gait. However, when used correctly and worn safely, a no-pull harness can be a good option for dog owners who have especially strong or misbehaved dogs.

"No-pull harnesses are not a substitute for appropriate training," confirms Dr. MacMillan. "Some dogs will pull no matter what type of harness they are exercised in! If you are struggling with your dog’s behaviour then speak to a professional trainer or even a qualified behaviourist for advice. You will both enjoy your walks much more in the long run."

Or, if you'd prefer to give things a go yourself first, check out these great practical tips for training your dog on your own.

Do no-pull harnesses hurt dogs? 

"Front clip harnesses do not cause your dog any discomfort, they just prevent your dog from being able to pull against you as effectively, due to the position of the leash. No-pull harnesses that actively tighten as your dog pulls can cause discomfort, however," explains Dr. MacMillan.

"The tight harness can be uncomfortable and rub, causing sores, especially if your dog is a persistent puller. I would always recommend that owners stick to positive association training methods rather than using tools that cause aversion in their pets."

Features to look for in a no-pull harness

"Front clip harnesses will look very similar to back clip harnesses, except that the D-ring where you attach the leash will be on the chest area rather than the back," explains Dr. MacMillan.

"As with any harness, you should look for one that is made from good quality material and allows your dog to move their limbs easily when exercising, without restricting shoulder movement."

Looking for more advice on how to put a stop to your dog's lunging? My dog’s leash pulling made walks miserable until I helped her reactivity, here’s how is full of great tips from an expert trainer. We've also answered, 'Are harnesses bad for dogs?'