Laura's Faves

Our dogs go NUTS for Fromm Crunchy O’s! Honestly, Mai loves them too. We’ve tried a bunch of flavors over the years, and we haven’t found one the dogs don’t like.

They’re some of my favorite dog training treats because they smell good, they’re lightweight, and they’re really easy to break into smaller training-treat-sized pieces. Win, win, win!

That makes them especially handy when you’re doing lots of repetitions, heading out for real-world training, or working on the skills your dog needs to become a therapy animal or adventure pet. You can toss a handful in your training pouch without carrying around a ton of food, then break them into whatever size makes sense for your dog.

These are a longtime favorite in our house and one of my go-to recommendations for my Carmel, Indiana dog training clients.

Your cat’s regular diet is usually my first choice for training treats, especially when they’re hungry and engaged. At our house, we feed Nulo kibble alongside wet or raw food, and Nulo has worked really well for every cat I’ve fed it to.

For training on the go, though, sometimes you need something a little more convenient! Nulo Perfect Purees are high-value, lickable treats that are easy to deliver in tiny portions without slowing down your training session.

They’re especially handy for training away from home, working around distractions, practicing handling skills, or preparing your cat for therapy animal work and real-world adventures.

If your cat’s regular food works well for training, use it! But when you need a high-value, less-messy option that’s easy to toss in your training bag, these are some of my favorites.

I recommend them to my Carmel, Indiana cat training clients and to all cat owners working toward therapy animal and adventure pet goals.

A Biothane long line is one of my favorite tools for preparing dogs for real-life adventures. Whether you're working toward off-leash reliability, exploring a new hiking trail, or practicing recalls in a park, a long line gives your dog the freedom to explore while keeping them safely connected to you.

Whenever you arrive at a new adventure spot, I recommend letting your dog drag a long line for a bit before going off leash. This gives you a chance to evaluate their engagement, assess the distraction level, and make sure they're ready for the freedom you're about to offer. Unlike nylon, Biothane won't soak up water, mud, or odors, and it wipes clean in seconds after even the messiest adventures. It's one of those simple tools that quickly earns a permanent spot in your adventure gear.

If you ever peek into the back of my van, you'll see Ruffland Kennels. Mai, Korra, Gouda, my own Day Camp dogs, and every client dog I transport ride in one. With sizes ranging from the new Mini for kittens and small cats all the way up to Titan kennels for giant breed dogs, there's a Ruffland for just about every Adventure Team.

A secure kennel doesn't just help protect your pet in the event of an accident. It also protects everyone else in the vehicle by preventing your pet from becoming a dangerous projectile during a sudden stop or crash. Many dogs and cats also relax more easily when they have the same safe, familiar space every time they ride.

At home, Ruffland Kennels double as a cozy retreat where your pet can rest, recharge, and enjoy some quiet time. Just be sure to choose the appropriate size for your pet and secure the kennel properly in your vehicle for the safest possible ride.

Whether you're visiting a facility with your therapy animal, heading to the park, or running errands with your Adventure Team, fresh water should always be within reach. I keep a travel water bottle in my vehicle so I'm prepared whenever Korra, Gouda, Mai, or I need a drink.

I love that the attached bowl makes it easy to share a drink without feeling like I've crossed into crazy pet owner territory (we'll save that for other things! lol). It's lightweight, easy to refill, and takes up very little space in your car or backpack. Offer your pet water before and after your outing, especially during warm weather, and you'll always be ready for whatever adventure comes next!

One of the best training tools isn't for your pet, it's really for you! Recording your training sessions helps you spot the little things you miss in the moment, from your pet's body language to your timing, leash handling, and reward placement. I regularly encourage my clients to film their practice sessions because watching them back is one of the fastest ways to improve as a handler.

This lightweight travel tripod is sturdy enough for outdoor training, folds down small for easy transport, and includes a smartphone mount so you can quickly capture training sessions, therapy animal practice, adventures, and pet photos. Just remember: be prepared to critique yourself more than your pet! The fact that you're willing to press record already tells me your pet has an owner who truly cares.

A good treat pouch makes training smoother, and this is the one I reach for every day. The adjustable belt lets you wear it wherever it's most comfortable, while the magnetic closure makes it easy to grab treats with one hand without slowing down your training session. The large main compartment holds plenty of kibble, a separate pocket keeps high-value rewards handy, and the back pocket is large enough for most smartphones. Add in extra storage for keys, poop bags, and other essentials, plus plenty of color options, and you've got a treat pouch that's ready for everything from neighborhood walks to therapy animal visits and everyday adventures!

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.