Laura's Faves List

Cat backpacks are like a crate, airplane carrier, and safe Place when out and about all in one! I love this particular backpack because it doesn't just function as transportation. When you arrive at your destination, it can lay flat on the ground to create a stable, familiar resting spot for your cat. That makes it perfect for practicing Place, helping your cat settle in new environments, and giving them a safe retreat when adventures become overwhelming.

Whether you're visiting pet-friendly businesses, traveling, attending events, or working toward therapy animal goals, this backpack gives your cat a comfortable home base while keeping them safe and secure.

A yoga mat is one of my favorite portable Place options for dogs and cats. Lightweight, easy to cut to the perfect size, and simple to roll up and bring anywhere, it helps your pet understand exactly where to settle whether you're training at a park, pet-friendly patio, brewery, nursing home, or outdoor event.

Teaching your pet to relax on a designated mat builds calmness, impulse control, and real-world manners that every adventure pet and therapy dog needs. I especially love yoga mats because they're inexpensive, easy to clean, and comfortable for longer Place sessions.

I use martingale collars on almost every new dog that walks through my door because they provide extra security for dogs that may back out of a traditional collar.

While I generally prefer a traditional martingale without a buckle, especially for small dogs where neck space is limited, this quick release version is a great option for larger dogs. It offers the same escape-prevention benefits while making the collar easier to put on and remove.

Let's be honest. Most pet gates aren't exactly winning any decorating awards. This freestanding barrier gate is a much more stylish option than the typical plastic baby gate, making it perfect for protecting things like Christmas trees, TVs, fireplaces, houseplants, or entire rooms without making your home feel like a kennel. Because it isn't mounted to the wall, it's easy to move, fold, and reconfigure as your needs change.

That said, this gate is best for pets who already understand and respect boundaries. Determined dogs can absolutely push, shove, or drag it out of the way if they really want access. If your dog is like Korra and treats a closed gate as a clear "do not enter" signal, this works beautifully. If your dog views barriers as a personal challenge, you'll probably want something more secure.

This 6 foot leather leash from Signature K9 is one of my favorite go-to leash options for dogs working toward therapy animal and adventure pet goals. The braided leather design means the leash is made from one continuous piece of leather, helping reduce weak points from rivets or fasteners.

The half inch width is lightweight and comfortable to hold, even for those of us with smaller hands, while still feeling sturdy and secure during everyday walks, training sessions, and public outings. Once broken in, the leather becomes incredibly soft and easy to handle without sacrificing durability.

The KONG Extreme Dog Toy is a durable rubber toy designed for stuffing with treats or your dog’s regular food. It’s perfect for creating longer-lasting enrichment, encouraging calm behavior, and giving your dog something productive to focus on.

Great for strong chewers, and especially helpful for calming at home or during downtime. For an extra challenge, stuff and freeze it to make the activity last even longer.

The Planet Dog Snoop Interactive Dog Toy is a fun puzzle feeder that makes mealtime more active. The flexible opening makes it super simple to fill with kibble, while still giving your dog a challenge as they nudge and roll it to get the food out.

Great for adding mental stimulation and indoor exercise, especially for dogs who need a little more to do at home.

WARNING: not for heavy chewers.

Gouda LOVES this toy. It's one of her very favorites!

The KONG Wobbler Dog Toy turns mealtime into a simple enrichment game. Your dog has to move it around to get the food out, using their nose, paws, mouth, or all three.

Great for dogs that eat too fast, and for adding a little indoor exercise and mental stimulation during the winter or when you’re working on leash walking but not quite ready to go around the block yet.

Pro tip: use on carpet if possible. This thing gets LOUD on hard floors. You’ve been warned.