As the founder of PawSomeDaily.com and a pet care professional with over 10 years of hands-on experience, I’ve learned my fair share of useful pet hacks that make being a pet parent so much easier. From quick training tricks to DIY toys and homemade remedies, this ultimate guide shares 15 of my best pet hacks that every owner should know.
Over the past decade caring for all kinds of animals – from dogs and cats to rabbits and guinea pigs – I’ve picked up small tricks that make a big difference in providing the best care. Things like using positive reinforcement, establishing routines, managing anxiety triggers, and more can hugely benefit your pet’s health and happiness.
As a certified animal behavior consultant, I always emphasize force-free, fear-free methods built on understanding animal psychology and clear communication. My approach stems from a deep compassion for all living beings and respect for their autonomy. I continue learning every day from each animal I work with.
The hacks below draw from those enlightening experiences and evidence-based techniques tailored to each species’ needs. Try them out and let me know how they work for your pets!
1. Use a clicker for quick training
Clicker training is a positive reinforcement method that uses a click sound to mark desired behaviors. The sharp, consistent noise serves as a bridge between the behavior and the reward. I’ve clicker-trained dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs – even fish! It’s extremely effective for teaching commands, tricks, litter box use, and more.
2. Make DIY puzzle toys
Engaging your pet’s natural foraging instincts with homemade puzzle toys prevents boredom and anxiety. For my cat clients, I take cardboard tubes, boxes, or balls and hide treats inside. You can add multiple layers for more of a challenge! Rotate puzzles to keep things exciting.
3. Apply pet-safe essential oils
Essential oil blends work wonderfully to relax anxious pets before car rides, vet visits, or during storms. I diffuse calming scents like lavender and chamomile. For direct application, always dilute oils and check for skin sensitivity first. A little goes a long way in providing gentle, effective aroma therapy.
4. Train with target sticks
Target stick training employs teaching your pet to touch their nose to the end of a stick on cue. You can then use targeting to guide them through obstacle courses, teach tricks like spinning in a circle, build confidence, and more. I use target training with shy/fearful animal rescue cases.
5. Make frozen treat puzzles
On hot days, I make frozen treat puzzles by filling Kong toys with wet food or peanut butter and freezing overnight. The cold, long-lasting challenge keeps energetic pups like the Belgian Malinois I care for entertained for hours! You can add layers of difficulty with multiple frozen Kongs.
6. Practice relaxation protocols
Teaching your high-strung pet to settle on cue provides them an essential coping skill. Use their favorite treats and verbal praise to reward relaxation. I guide owners through protocols systematically counterconditioning the pet that laying down = good things happen! This works wonders for reactivity and anxiety issues.
7. Grow cat grass
Cats naturally chew on grasses to aid digestion and cough up hairballs. I instruct my cat owner clients to grow pots of oat, wheat, or rye grass for their felines to conveniently munch. Provide fresh grass regularly and trim to encourage new growth. It satisfies their instinctual need to graze.
8. Make sensory enrichment toys
All pets need mental and sensory stimulation. I often advise cat owners to take an empty cardboard tube, cut holes along it, and thread through pieces of fleece or crinkle paper to make a simple sensory toy. You can tailor toys to your bunny’s liking too with willow sticks, timothy hay, and fresh produce inserted. Rotate novel elements to prevent habituation.
9. Apply vinyl nail caps
To protect furniture from scratching, I’ve had great success applying soft vinyl caps to cats’ nails. Use a small dab of non-toxic glue to affix the cap. Monitor closely for signs of irritation. Nail caps curb damage and work well for elderly, disabled/chronically-ill, or rescued cats undergoing retraining.
10. Grow catnip
The classic kitty treat, catnip brings immense joy to almost all cats (and some dogs too!). I instruct owners to grow this minty herb in pots for their felines to rub, roll in, and nibble fresh leaves. Catnip is non-addictive and harmless when grown organically. Bonus: it also repels mosquitoes.
11. Make frozen broth ice cubes
Ice cubes made with low-sodium broth make perfect summer treats for dogs. The saltiness appeals to canine tastebuds. As the cube melts, your pup stays hydrated too! I freeze bone broth or make “pupsicles” with veggie puree mixed in as healthy alternatives to dairy-based ice cream.
12. Apply pet-safe essential oils
Essential oil blends work wonderfully to relax anxious pets before car rides, vet visits, or during storms. I diffuse calming scents like lavender and chamomile. For direct application, always dilute oils and check for skin sensitivity first. A little goes a long way in providing gentle, effective aroma therapy.
13. Make doggie ice cream
My dog clients go crazy for this 3-ingredient frozen yogurt I make as a training reward or special treat! Simply blend together plain Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and banana or blueberries. Pour into ice cube trays or popsicle molds and freeze. You can substitute dairy-free yogurt or canned pumpkin too. So easy and delicious!
14. Grow cat grass
Cats naturally chew on grasses to aid digestion and cough up hairballs. I instruct my cat owner clients to grow pots of oat, wheat, or rye grass for their felines to conveniently munch. Provide fresh grass regularly and trim to encourage new growth. It satisfies their instinctual need to graze.
15. Apply vinyl nail caps
To protect furniture from scratching, I’ve had great success applying soft vinyl caps to cats’ nails. Use a small dab of non-toxic glue to affix the cap. Monitor closely for signs of irritation. Nail caps curb damage and work well for elderly, disabled/chronically-ill, or rescued cats undergoing retraining.
I hope you’ve discovered some new handy tricks to make life with your furry friends easier and more enjoyable. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions – I’m always happy to offer tailored advice for your unique pet care needs.
For more insights on pet care and the latest in pet hacks, check out our The Ultimate Guide to Pet Hacks- 15 Tricks Every Pet Owner Should Know.
Katayoun is the founder, author and admin of Pawssomedaily.com, a leading resource for pet enthusiasts and caregivers. With over a decade of experience in pet care and animal behavior, Katayoun has established herself as a trusted authority in the field. Her insights, drawn from 10 years of hands-on experience and research, have earned her a respected voice among pet lovers. Follow her for the latest updates and expert advice on Instagram at @_katayoun.
