Sometimes, the weirdest solutions are the most effective ones, and that definitely applies when it comes to training your dog. So if your pup is a little naughty, or if you’re simply trying to train the goodest boy possible — this is the list. I’ve scoured through Amazon to find a ton of weird things that can make your dog behave so much better, and every single one of them requires basically zero effort from you.
This no-pull leash that won’t dig into your hands
Leashboss Original - Heavy Duty Dog Leash for Large Dogs - No Pull Double Handle Training Lead for Walking Big Dogs - Dog Leashes with Padded Handle for Control and Safety (Purple)
Grab this super strong anti-pulling leash if your pup has a habit of pulling when you’re out on walks. It features a handle in the middle of the strap, allowing you to hold your dog close to you so that it’s easy to prevent them from pulling (and training them to stop pulling). Plus, both of the handles are padded, so they won’t dig into your hands.
These grippy dog bowls that stay put & prevent flying food
Leash Boss Non-Slip Stainless Steel Dog Bowl (2-Pack)
Some dogs are incredibly messy eaters, but these food bowls with a nonslip base will keep your floors perfectly clean. Those grippy silicon bases will help keep them securely on the ground, making it harder for your pup to send kibble flying across your floors. And since they’re made from stainless steel, there’s no need to worry about them developing rust over time.
A plush, donut-shaped bed that can help ease anxiety
Active Pets Plush Calming Donut Dog Bed
Anxious pups will seriously appreciate this machine-washable dog bed because its raised edges and donut shape make it feel like they’re relaxing in a soft, warm hug. The clever shape also encourages your dog to curl up and burrow inside, while the faux fur material adds to the coziness. This seriously soothing bed also comes in multiple colors.
The pop-up tent that gives your dog somewhere contained to play
Akinerri Porable Pet Playpen
This foldable and easy-to-carry playpen is an easy way to keep your fur-friend from wandering into places they shouldn’t go. Simply toss some toys inside, and they’ll have a fun place to play in the house or even at the beach or dog park. It comes with ventilated windows and a removable shade cover to keep them cool in the sun. There are also two different pockets for all of your pup’s things.
This bitter spray to help deter chewing all around the house
Grannick's Bitter Apple No Chew Spray
Plants, furniture, baseboards — this spray can help deter your dog from chewing whatever they get into. Its bitter flavor makes their preferred places to chew taste so incredibly unpleasant — they won’t be interested anymore (no matter what’s causing them to chew). It also won’t stain whatever you spritz it on around the house.
A short & sturdy leash for walking near busy roads
Leashboss Traffic Handler - 18 Inch - Short Dog Leash for Large Dogs with Padded Handle - Service, Training, or Walking Tab (18 in, Black)
Whether you’re training your dog how to heel or live near a busy road, this short and easy-to-control leash is a smart pick. It lets you hold your dog close, keeping them safe from cars while also teaching them to stay near you, while the padded handle helps you keep a comfortable grip if your dog starts to pull. One reviewer even wrote, “I have a dog that takes off to chase cats and squirrels and this does not hurt my hands to hang on to the dog.”
A stick-on slow-feeding mat that can help ease anxiety
Aquapaw Premium XL Licking Mat for Dogs & Cats | Non-Slip Slow Feeding Mat for Food, Treats, Peanut Butter | Dog Anxiety Relief & Boredom Reducer with Suction Cups | Great for Bathing, Grooming - Blue
This durable licking mat is one of the easiest ways to help soothe anxious pups. Just add your peanut butter or a treat to the textured silicone, and it will help keep their mind occupied. Four suction cups on the back make it easy to attach to shower walls, floors, or any non-porous surface, and it will stay wherever you stick it for hours.
A bungee-style leash attachment to absorb shock from pulling
JERK-EASE Patented Shock Absorber Bungee Dog Leash Attachment, Extra Small (up to 10 pounds), Blue
Similar to a stretchy bungee cord, this leash attachment absorbs shock when your dog pulls (which could also prevent soreness in your arms). It comes in four sizes to suit nearly any dog breed — and since it’s made from a combination of nylon and steel, there’s no need to worry about it snapping if your dog decides to yank particularly hard.
This interactive chase toy that burns off energy
DIBBATU Flirt Pole
The colorful pull rope at the end of this flirt pole will entice your pup to chase it around and burn off loads of energy. Its easy-to-use design can also help teach them to “drop” the rope once they’ve caught it. It’s made from tough stainless steel, so there’s no need to worry about it breaking should your pup pull a little too hard.
A dog doorbell to easily communicate about potty time
Luckyiren Upgraded Puppy Bells Dog Doorbell
This dog doorbell is a super low-effort way to improve communication when it comes to potty breaks. Simply hang it on your door handle (zero tools required), and your pup can shake the bells when it’s time to go outside. It’s adjustable to fit your door, and you might even save your door from scratch marks.
A pheromone diffuser that can help alleviate separation anxiety
ThunderEase Pheromone Diffuser Kit
If your dog experiences anxiety whenever you leave home, simply plug in this low-effort calming diffuser. It releases pheromones into the air that may help calm anxious pups so that they’re less likely to chew, bark, or have accidents while you’re away or even during storms. Plus, the scent will soothe your pup for 30 days before you need a refill. One reviewer even wrote, “This worked within 8 hours. I plugged it in, went to work. Came home and hardly any barking whatsoever. His threshold for what will trigger him is much wider now and he does not respond to every single noise on the street.”
This plush corduroy toy that’s designed to handle heavy chewers
HuggleHounds Plush Squeaky Toy
If your dog chews through the average plush toy within a matter of hours, this ultra-durable corduroy moose may be what they need. It’s designed to handle heavy chewers, as the knotted limbs make it way harder to rip open — and it even features multiple squeakers on the inside so that it’s fun to play with regardless of where they’re chewing.
A snack-hiding puzzle toy to occupy your pup’s mind (& teeth)
Outward Hound Puzzle Toy
Keep your pup busy with this puzzle toy that has two different compartments you can fill with treats. Your dog will also keep busy removing or sliding around these compartments to reveal even more snacks underneath. And if your pup isn’t the brightest bulb? Not a problem, as you have the choice of three varying difficulties.
A snuffle mat you sprinkle treats into to keep your pup busy
PET ARENA Adjustable Snuffle Mat
This soft and easy-to-use snuffle mat is an ideal method for keeping any pup busy. Once you’ve sprinkled some treats inside of it, your dog will have to nuzzle around the fabric flaps to find them — this can satisfy their digging and discovery instincts in a safe and contained way.
These easy-to-use dog chews that can help soothe anxiety
Solid Gold Calming Dog Chews
Packed with calming melatonin and chamomile, these relaxing chews may help ease your dog’s anxiety during fireworks, thunderstorms, or even when you leave home to run some errands. They have a smoked bacon flavor that’s sure to be a hit with even the pickiest pups — and many reviewers raved about how well they work. “I can definitely tell a difference in our dog,” wrote one satisfied shopper. “She used to pace and want to lick us constantly[...]. Now she can just lay down and relax.”
A heavy-duty leash extension that lets you walk 2 dogs together
Leashboss Extra Long Double Dog Leash Coupler for Large Dogs - 16-28 Inches - Adjustable 1 Inch Heavy Duty Nylon Leash Splitter for Large Dogs (1 Inch Wide x 16-28 Inches, Black)
Walking two dogs at the same time can be tricky — unless you’re using this durable, double-ended leash extension. Simply clip each side onto your regular leashes, and you’ll instantly be able to walk two dogs at the same time using just one hand. It’s also shorter than using two separate leashes, making it less likely that your dogs will get tangled together.
A calming formula that’s easy to mix in with food
SynergyLabs Calming Dog Spray
Valerian root extract, chamomile, and passionflower extract are only a few of the calming ingredients you’ll find listed on these easy-to-use drops. Feeding them a few drops or adding it to their food is all it takes to help ease your dog’s anxiety — it’s formulated to help calm them down without making them too sleepy.
These no-stuffing squeaky toys to save your floors from messes
Leashboss 5 Pack No Stuffing Dog Squeaky Toys with Crinkle for Small and Medium Dogs, Jungle Animal
If you’re afraid your dog will shred whatever toy you buy in no time at all, this set of stuffing-free squeaky toys might be a better choice. They have a crinkly shell and zero stuffing inside, so if your dog does happen to destroy them, there’s no need to worry about them swallowing any filling or scattering it around.
This classic treat toy that makes a seriously long-lasting treat
KONG Classic Dog Toy
You never know which way this KONG treat toy is going to bounce, as its curved edges send it flying in surprising directions to help keep your dog entertained when playing fetch. And if your dog isn’t in the mood for fetch? Try filling it up with peanut butter then putting it in the freezer — then giving it to your dog as a serious slow-feeder treat.
A super soft weighted blanket that’s made for dogs
LaSyL Dog Weighted Blanket
Try giving this weighted blanket that’s specifically designed for dogs to your pup the next time they’re feeling stressed. It only weighs 4 pounds, making it suitable for most dogs under 50 pounds, though it also comes in two other weights for smaller or larger breeds. Plus, the soft polyester fabric will add to how cozy and calming this pup blanket is.
A spray that can prevent your pup from peeing in the same spot
Bodhi Not Here! Spray
If your dog tends to pee in the same spot — even after you’ve cleaned it — add this spray to your potty training routine to discourage them from peeing in the same spot. It’s safe to spritz on floors, furniture, rugs, planters, and more, regardless of whether you need this potty training formula inside or outside.
This UV flashlight & odor spray combo to tackle the source of smells
ANGRY ORANGE Pet Odor Eliminator Spray & UV Flashlight
This UV flashlight and odor eliminator spray set can help you find gross-smelling pet accidents that have dried up, making them invisible to the naked eye. Once you’ve found the source of that unwanted smell, simply give it a few spritzes with the refreshing orange-scented odor eliminator spray to give it a quick clean.
An ultrasonic remote for an easy & pain-free way to deter barking
NPS Dog Bark Deterrent
Grab this ultrasonic remote for an easy-to-use (and most importantly — painless) way to teach your pup not to bark. It produces a high-pitched sound that only dogs can hear, helping deter them from unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, and more. Plus, the battery lasts for up to 32 hours before you need to recharge this handy training remote.
A clever set of puzzle balls with entertaining treat dispensers
HIPPIH Dog Puzzle Toy (2-Pack)
Keep more than one type of puzzle toy on hand (and prevent boredom) with this set of travel-friendly puzzle balls. Both designs slowly dispense treats as they roll across the floor, enticing your dog to chase them around in order to get extra snacks. And since they’re made from tough rubber, there’s no need to worry about your dog shredding them into bits.
A cozy, swaddle-like anxiety jacket that’s seriously easy to use
Thundershirt Anxiety Jacket
This jacket is a clever way to help ease your pup’s mind when they’re feeling stressed because it applies calming (and super gentle) pressure. It fits around your pup like a tight swaddle, making it feel like they’re being wrapped in a giant hug to help calm them down. There’s also no training required in order for this cozy swaddle to be effective.
A no-pull harness that’s comfy for you & your pup
Leashboss No Pull Dog Harness, Easy Walk for Small, Medium, and Large Pets, Reflective with Rear and Front Clip Attachment (Wave Pattern, Large)
Not only does this harness feature reflective patches to help keep your dog visible when out at night, but it also has a bungee clip to absorb shock if your dog starts to pull. You also have the choice of two rings when clipping on a leash: a traditional one in the back, as well as one in the front, to prevent any pulling behaviors.
The magnetic treat pouch so you always have rewards on-hand
eBasics Dog Treat Pouch
Grab this easy-to-carry waistband pouch, and you’ll always be prepared to encourage good behavior with treats. Use the adjustable strap for a comfy fit around your waist so that a treat is always within reach. It also has a magnetic closure to quickly grab treats within just a few seconds so that your dog connects the treat to their good behavior.
These low-effort training clickers you can carry *anywhere*
HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker (2-Pack)
The next time your dog does something good, press the button on one of these budget-friendly clickers before you give them a treat. Their durable clicking design will help bridge the connection between behavior and the treat so that you have a few extra seconds to award them. They’re also topped off with a stretchy clip-on band to carry these low-effort training gadgets everywhere.
An adjustable seatbelt attachment your dog can’t tangle up
Active Pets Dog Car Harness
This clever dog seatbelt could help keep your dog safe (and keep them in the seat they’re supposed to be in). Its rotating clasp prevents them from getting tangled up if they decide to roam around the backseat, while the adjustable length works with any dog. Plus, the nylon material is strong enough to withstand any chewing on road trips.
