Keeping your CKCS busy is essential for effective training. It facilitates easier crate training, lessens destructive behaviors like chewing on shoes & furniture, eases teething discomfort, and provides a distraction from nipping or barking. It's best to have a toolkit of options on hand when training a puppy and then switching things up to keep things interesting.

This may seem like a big list, but it will likely take some trial and error to determine which methods will work for your puppy. Something they didn't love? Donate any stuff your puppy doesn't use or love to your neighborhood animal shelter so they can be given to puppies in need.

Here is the list of supplies we keep on hand::

CRATE TRAINING - Making the crate or pen somewhere your puppy likes to go is vital to crate training. It should be a safe area and provide some stimulation to cut down on boredom, barking, and whining. Feeding your puppy in the crate, while also offering stimulating treats, is one simple method to make that happen. Look for durable items that can be offered unattended when shopping for crate training items. Avoid anything that could choke your puppy (for example puzzle pieces or small toys), and never utilize rawhide (inside our outside of the crate). Here are our best recommendations on Amazon:

• STUFFED KONG – The Kong is a popular crate training chew toy. Although it can get messy, we prefer to fill them with different appetizing objects to have the puppy work for their food and amuse themselves in the crate. The size Kong you choose will depend on the size puppy. With Cavaliers, you should always start with the puppy size and only move up in size once your puppy has mastered or outgrown that size. The Kong Basic Puppy, Kong Puppy Tire & Kong Puppy Binkie are some of our favorite puppy Kongs. Again, all of these are stuffable. We'll share some of our favorite Kong stuffing recipes in a future post. 
• WEST PAW TOYS - West Paw is the manufacturer of two of our favorite toys. The first is Qwizl, which we adore for crate training (size small for this breed). Put some carrot sticks, apple slices, or use peanut butter (in small doses) to stick kibble inside. Toppl is another great option. Start with a single piece and then work to combining two pieces to create a great puppy puzzle for the crate. See more below.
• NYLABONE: This brand offers a range of items. Buying the softer puppy version is crucial for small-breed puppies. This puppy variety pack appeals to us because it enables you to determine your pooch's preferred flavor and style. Please be aware that one of these is an edible bone, and we only use it under supervision.
• LICK MATS – Lick mats are intended to calm dogs who use licking to relieve anxiety and to serve as a challenge for dogs to obtain food. Some of our dogs adore them, while others hardly care. We've discovered that freezing them and looking for healthier items to spread on them while crate training works best because a dog's stomach being full of sugary peanut butter is not a wonderful decision for a puppy in a crate because digestive problems may arise. We will provide a few lick-mat recipes related to Kong stuffing in the post. When we aren't home, we don't leave these in the crate because we've read that some dogs try to rip apart or eat the real toy (although our dogs have never tried that).

GENERAL CHEWING – Dogs chew for various reasons, such as boredom and teething. Determining the cause of your dog's chewing may assist you in selecting the ideal toy or item to reduce or eliminate the need to chew personal items. Additionally, increasing activity and mental stimulation through training is always the greatest remedy if your dog is just bored. These are a few of our preferred options for cerebral stimulation and teething:

• YAK CHEWS – These all-natural chews, which are actually hard cheese, are relatively new to the world of dog treats. If you are fortunate enough to have a dog who likes these, a single chew will frequently keep a puppy occupied for days and days. They are completely digestable, odorless, and carpet-safe. But you must keep an eye on your puppy while using them and take them away when they get too little. But don't worry; once the chew is small and poses a choking risk, you can soak them in water for a few hours, microwave them for a minute (or till it puffs up) and feed the resulting treat to your dog (once cooled).  
• BULLY STICKS – Bully sticks are a favorite among our dogs and young puppies. While giving your puppy bully sticks, you should always keep an eye on him or her, but this particular brand is sure to be a hit. Have a stick available for each dog in the house to avoid conflicts and resource guarding. Some individuals use stick holders to prolong the life of bully sticks and lessen the risk of choking. We do not leave bully sticks unattended in crates due to choking hazards. 
• TUG-A-JUG – This won't help with teething, but will aid with boredom and stimulation. The puppies will amuse themselves for hours in order to obtain a few treats. Puppies may beed to watch an older dog to get the hang of it, but if you have an only dog, help your puppy get a few goodies and they'll quickly figure it out.  Small kibble pieces or single ingredient treats are best to start with because they are simpler for novices to get out.
• ​TOPPL – Mentioned above, this is West Paw Toys' second product that we adore. We like using it as a snack and then as a puzzle. Get the tiny one for a puppy, then if they like it, go for the large one to make a treat puzzle for an older dog. Some fantastic usage examples are provided on their Amazon page for this toy!
• EARTH ANIMAL NO HIDES – Our dogs absolutely adore this healthy, digestible rawhide substitute that we found in our neighborhood pet store. For a quick treat, we use a single stick, and for extended chewing, we use a 4"size stick. Sadly, the local price is quite high, so we looked on Amazon and are currently purchasing in large quantities. In bulk buying, you can purchase 4" chews for less than $5 each and single sticks for less than $1 each. We'll always update this blog post with the most affordable bulk choice for our two favorite tastes (salmon & chicken). The other flavors- peanut butter, beef, & venison are also delicious, but we mostly use peanut butter for a lot of other goodies (like stuffing for Kong toys and lick mats), and we've discovered that beef may leave stains on carpet & animal fur. Check the following links:

• ​Best bulk for single sticks (chicken)Best bulk for single stick (salmon) (not currently a great price)
• Best bulk for 4" chews (chicken)
• Best bulk for 4" chews (salmon) (best bulk price)

​
TRAINING TREATS – Training your puppy is fantastic because it stimulates the mind and helps control undesirable behaviors, but also strengthens the bond between you and the puppy. The secret to successful training is to determine a reward that's meaningful to your puppy. For most pups. that's treats. Many dog treats include unhealthy substances and other items that could hurt your puppy, so please only train with high quality (preferably single ingredient) treats. 
 
Try several of these treats to find one your puppy truly appreciates. Here are some of our much-loved treats, but don't be shy about trying other homemade goodies like deli meat, ground beef, etc.
 

• Sojo's Freeze Dried Meat Treats – These treats have just one ingredient and are easy to break up for little puppies. To determine your dog's preference, try a sample pack. Due to their size & basic ingredients (which don't go bad if left open), these are our "go-to" training goodies. Having said that, we also need variety; thus, the others listed below are also advised.
  
  
• Zuke's Mini Natural Dog Treats – These wholesome ingredients have great size and won't break in your pocket or training pouch. The only drawback is that they smell a little, but maybe that's why our dogs adore them so much! We advise purchasing the sample pack of multiple flavors to determine your puppy's preferred flavor

 

• ​Stella & Chewy Treats – You may test out a variety of single-ingredient treats from this renowned manufacturer on your puppy for training purposes. Our older dogs adore the Carnivore Crunch, but because of their size, they might be trickier to train.

 

• Little Jacks Small Dog Training Treats –  These are the least nutritious of the goodies we provide, yet they are still superior to many commercial treats. Given that, these are excellent for hiding medicines, providing potty training, etc. We do not use these when we want to give out several treats.

Although the focus of this post has been on pups, we use every product here for our adult dogs too — we just size up on some Kong-style toys and don't cut the goodies in half! Best wishes on keeping your dog busy.

WANT TO LEARN MORE - See our other post related to this topic on WORKING FOR FOOD.

You want the best for your dog as a pet parent, and that includes the treats you offer them. Treats are a wonderful way to encourage good behavior, express love, and give a little extra nutrition and attention. However, the greatest treats for your dog can be tough to choose because wide varieties are available. Let's look at the factors you should take into account while selecting the best treats for your dog.
 

​Ingredients
The ingredients are the first and most crucial factor to take into account while selecting a treat. Avoid foods with artificial preservatives, tastes, or colors, and seek out delicacies produced with real ingredients like fruit, meat, and vegetables. High-quality protein-based treats are wise because they give your dog critical nutrients and promote their general health.

Sensitivities & Allergies
It's crucial to select treats free of the ingredients your dog is allergic to if they have any food sensitivities or allergies. For instance, pick treats made with rice or potatoes instead of wheat if your dog has a grain allergy. Ask your veterinarian for advice if you're not sure about which ingredients your dog is allergic to.
 
Appetite & Size
Like us, dogs have diverse preferences, so picking a treat your dog likes is crucial for training. A treat that your pup enjoys and anticipates eating will work far better as a reward. Choose a reward that is simple to consume when it comes to puppies. While your dog chews on the treatment for a long period, they frequently become distracted and leave your training session. Ensure the goodies you are feeding your dog are the right size because treats shouldn't make up more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
 
Special Requirements?
Treats are made especially to address the needs of dogs with special requirements, such as those who are overweight or have dental problems. Low-fat and calorie treats or ones that help clean your dog's teeth can keep your dog healthy and cheerful.
  
The appropriate treats can have a significant impact on your dog's general health and happiness. While making a decision, take into account your dog's allergies, sensitivities, and nutritional requirements and opt for treats created with high-quality ingredients that are devoid of artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. With the correct treats, you can show your dog your affection while rewarding good behavior and giving them the nutrition they require.

LINKS TO OUR FAVORITE TREATS:

ON AMAZON:
Sojo's Freeze Dried Meat Bundle
Dried Beef Liver
Beef Lung Bites
Dehydrated Chicken Breast

ON PAWTREE: (Please see our post on feeding your dog PawTree here)
Freeze Dried Chicken Liver
Freeze Dried Duck and Mango
​Freeze Dried Beef Liver

We like using the Kong to train and entertain puppies. Read more about Kongs and training here.

Some of our puppy owners are unsure of how to utilize the Kong and specifically pique a puppy's interest in playing with it. We also hope to avoid owners using the unhealthy options for Kong stuffing offered in pet stores.

Here are a few basic tips and recipes to get you started on Kong stuffing, and to give you the confidence to start developing your own recipes.

TIPS FOR BEGINNERS:

• Begin by using your pet's own food in the Kong. When the dog is hungry and eager to work for his or her food, provide the Kong BEFORE any meal. This aids with the puppy's conceptualization. You might want to start with high-quality kibble in the Kong if you feed soft food.

• Once your puppy has a basic understanding of the idea of struggling to retrieve his or her food from the Kong, make it more challenging by inserting an edible plug for them to figure out before getting the food. Depending on the size of your Kong, you might want to try a blueberry, some peanut butter, some cheese, or even a reward that you can shape, like Little Jacks Dog Training Treats. 

• Once your puppy has mastered the fundamentals of a Kong, you may start getting more inventive. Use the following to maintain your dog's interest:

• Place soft food, kibble, a reward, and a plug, such as a peanut butter, in layers on the Kong.
• To make your dog work even harder to release the food, think about freezing the Kong. Try using a freezable plug and loading it with loose kibble if your dog appears to be frustrated (check the recipes below).
• To persuade your dog to work to release the treat, place their favorite treat at the bottom of the Kong.

SHOPPING LIST:

• A Kong – We suggest the Kong Puppy Binkie for new puppies because they are smaller & softer for puppy teeth. We recommend a typical Small Kong for dogs up to 20 lbs. and a Medium Kong for dogs over 20 lbs. or for those intending to utilize this as a meal replacement for adult Cavaliers.
• Have a look at your leftovers to see whether they could be used to create a tasty-filled Kong for tomorrow.
• You don't need all of these items, but you'll want a mix of dry goods and healthy foods that are "mashable" to layer your Kong:
  • High Quality Kibble - See our post on PawTree Kibble or what to feed your dog.
  • Soft Food - Examples such as homemade puppy loaf, Ollie fresh delivery or even a high quality (low sugar) baby food can work here. 
  • Single ingredient treats
  • Other mashable stuffings based on your dog's preferences. Greek yogurt is the best, but any food that is deemed suitable for dogs will do. Natural peanut butter is a good option (look for low sugar & avoid any sugar substitutes, which can be harmful to dogs), as are non-processed cheese, bananas, eggs, blueberries, bone broth & non-pasteurized cheese.

 
RECIPES: 

1. Beginner - Plug the Kong's bottom hole if necessary. Put dry kibble inside. Add a small spoonful of any of the following to the top: mashed sweet potato, mashed banana, mashed yogurt mixed with peanut butter, or a few small blueberries. Freeze to make it more difficult.
2. Intermediate or Advanced - If necessary, plug the Kong's bottom hole. Fill with any of the following:
   1. Carrot and/or zucchini shreds. Combine with sweet potato mash. Add peanut butter or peanut butter and yogurt as a garnish. Increase the difficulty by freezing.
   2. Put a few of your favorite snacks in the Kong's bottom. Add mixed dry and wet kibble on top. Add peanut butter or banana mashed up to fill the plug. Increase the difficulty by freezing.
   3. Combine fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, with yogurt. Fill the Kong's bottom and edges. Add more kibble to the empty slot. To stick kibble, roll it. Increase the difficulty by freezing.
   4. Fill the bottom of the Kong with shredded chicken or turkey, then add pumpkin (not pie filling) and plug it with a soft goodie. Combine frozen beef and pumpkin for a more difficult challenge.
   5. Firmly fill the Kong's bottom. Bone broth and kibble should be added. Freeze. Another liquid choice is raw goat milk.

These are only a few suggestions to assist you in Kong stuffing.  Don't be scared to try out several recipes to identify a few personal favorites for your CKCS. Just be mindful of the extra calories and sugar, and think about giving your dog's stuffed Kong when ensuring they have a balanced diet.

Have a preferred Kong recipe? Please share it with us in the comments!

Were you aware that May is National Pet Month? Well, Amazon is commemorating it by introducing its very first NATIONAL PET DAY, featuring some fantastic deals on all the essentials (and many of the things you just want) for your furry friend. However, not all items are great deals or suitable for your pet, so we'll assist you in distinguishing between the two.
 
You can trust us to guide you in the direction of the best sale goods whether you are still waiting for your LierChonPoo puppy or already own a dog. Please remember that many of these things will run out or expire today (May 2) just because they are on sale. Here's how to handle it cleverly:

• Check out our recommended items and add anything you're interested into your cart. Don't miss out on great deals by leaving items in your cart all day.
• This page should be refreshed every one to two hours as we monitor the best discounts and deals all day. We're looking for the top brands at the biggest discounts on things we know and love.
• Also, keep in mind that not all sales on Amazon are good deals, especially when it comes to pet products. Some deals may be a way to unload lower quality or less safe treats, medication, or toys. SHOP SMARTLY.
• Please let us know in the comments if you find a wonderful offer that we haven't yet suggested. We will let you know if there is a reason why we don't suggest that product for these breeds.
• JOYFUL SHOPPING! 

 
So let's start the buying fun with the suggestions from this morning.
 
 Odor Eliminator: Pet owners experience odors. This ODOR ELIMINATOR has a wonderful citrus aroma and can save you up to 52%. Please be aware that buying two goods at once will maximize your savings, and really, how much odor eliminator can you ever have? Get one bottle first, then add the one with the UV flashlight, which is what we advise (click here). Although these flashlights don't always work perfectly, they do assist you in finding places where your puppy might have a potty that you weren't aware of.
 
Snuffle Mat: These are fantastic methods to keep your dog or puppy busy. They're a lot of fun to use with our pups. Read more about Snuffle Mats in our blog article if you're interested: WILL WORK FOR FOOD to realize why this is an excellent investment!
 
Basic Grooming Set: Even if you get your puppy professionally groomed, you still need to have some basic grooming supplies to deal with unexpected tangles, mats, or dingleberries (sorry, it had to be said). This simple grooming kit is of good quality and is almost half off.
 
Food Puzzle: Our blog post titled WILL WORK FOR FOOD also discusses a wonderful enrichment activity for your dog. A wonderful enrichment activity for your dog is also discussed in our blog post titled "WILL WORK FOR FOOD." They need to be watched over because puppies can escape and devour or choke on small pieces, but they're still a fantastic method to keep puppies occupied or slow down dogs who eat quickly!
 
Pooper Scooper: Save more than 40% on this top-rated pooper scooper. These breeds do best in smaller sizes.
 
Car Seat: While this car seat is not the one we usually recommend (it is on our puppy's WISH LIST), it is a great deal on a similar model. Please ensure that you have a top-rated car seat for your puppy and only use it with a harness, as all puppies need to be properly restrained in vehicles.
 
Outward Hound Products: Explore the excellent deals available today at the Outward Hound Store on Amazon. Consider the sizing carefully, as many of these items are for larger dogs. The products we advise are the Interactive Puzzle Toy, Small Hide A Squirrel for dogs, and the slow feeder bowl. We'll be keeping an eye out to see whether they sell life jackets today as well!
 
 Single-Ingredient Dog Treats: You are aware that we only suggest healthy dog treats and that they are rarely on sale. Some can be found HERE! Our dogs adore the chicken, but we're sure they'd enjoy all the varieties as well!
 
Plush Dog Toy: A quality plush dog toy that costs less than $3 will be added to the shopping cart.
 
CHUCK IT: We adore the little CHUCK IT Balls for our puppies, and they are now on sale. Spend less when you buy two!
 
Crate Bedding: These MidWest crate beds and liners aren't the most durable we've ever used, but they'll do the trick, and at this price, it's simple to buy a couple so you can wash and replace them as necessary. Choose a size that suits your crate; different colors and sizes have varying sale pricing. However, some are up to 50% off.
 
 DEALS ON LUNCHTIME LIGHTING (THESE WILL SELL OUT QUICKLY):
 
 8 PACK PUPPY TOYS
 LIVER TREATS
 FOOD STORAGE SYSTEM ​
 
AFTERNOON DEALS:
 
Grooming Gloves: We adore wearing grooming gloves for both our pups and dogs. Although we haven't tried them, this brand is well-reviewed and a fantastic midday deal.
 
Healthy Jerky Treats: With just two ingredients and origins in the USA, the HEALTHY JERKY TREATS brand from Amazon is a top contender in the jerky category (China chicken jerky has proven dangerous).
 
Freeze-dried chicken: is a favorite of our dogs and young puppies. Excellent food topper for fussy eaters, training treat with only one component, etc.
 
Puppy Playpen: This pen is a good option at a reasonable price for people acquiring a new puppy who would prefer more space than a crate.
 
Himalayan Yak Chews: It's extremely difficult to get them on sale. For the medium size, which fits fully grown Cavaliers, Cavachons, and Cavapoos, this is a great deal.
 
THIS EVENING'S DEALS: 
 
Generic SNUGGLE PUPPY (for bringing a new puppy home): A dog with a heartbeat & heat is an excellent way to help your new puppy get used to spending the night alone in his or her crate. This is a less expensive, generic version of the product we usually suggest, but it appears to have just as positive reviews.
 
BULLY RINGS: Take advantage of this 40% discount on bully rings. More items from the same brand are being sold similarly. We're providing a few of them in bulk!
 
Bissell SPINWAVE Pet Robot: This robot vacuum was designed exclusively for pet families, and it is currently on sale, similar to Black Friday. We're dying to try it, but we already have a Roomba running around here. Although we already have a Roomba roaming around, we are desperate to give it a try. This might need to be in your shopping cart if you have (or intend to get) a Cavalier who sheds a lot.
 
 Treat Dispensing Toy: We have a variety of these toys, but at $3.21, we will try this one too!
 
Floating Toy: We adore the concept of a floating toy if you have a dog that enjoys swimming and/or fetching. We will test one out & report back because, throughout the summer, we let our dogs play in superficial pools!
 
 
Keep Refreshing This Page. HAPPY AMAZON PET DAY . . .