You've seen the memes about the three phases of a Lab (or insert other rambunctious breed here):
We’re deep in the T-Rex phase. If it’s too quiet, it’s time to investigate—because odds are, he's chewing on that shoe. You know, the one that's your Holy Grail—your go-to shoes that you can actually walk in, and that look great with both jeans or a formal outfit. Yeah, those shoes. I’ve lost count of how many toilet paper rolls he’s shredded, or how many stuffed animals lost their face within minutes of play. Packages at the door are not safe. Neither is the cat.
He’s a menace, wrapped up in the face of an innocent baby angel.
And yes, we’re training him. He’s doing great and shows signs of becoming an excellent therapy dog... someday. Just not today.
So, for anyone currently in the T-Rex phase—or thinking about getting your own little T-Rex—I’ve found a few products that have been absolute lifesavers (or should I say, shoe-savers?). And just to be clear, I’m not sponsored by any of these brands...I just love them so much that I had to share.
The Snuggle Puppy: This was recommended by Gus’ breeder (shoutout to @loyallabradors!). It’s more of a “bringing home baby” lifesaver. I’m not sure if it was just luck, but Gus has slept peacefully in his kennel every night since Day 1. The Snuggle Puppy comes with a heartbeat and a pouch for a heat insert. Now that we’re in the T-Rex phase, I’ve removed those, but he still sleeps with it every night. He even brings it to his bed for naps, and it still has its face—so you know how much he loves it!
The Chilly Willy: I came across this gem in The Puppy Brain: How Our Dogs Learn, Think, and Love by Kerry Nichols (which, by the way, is also fantastic). The Chilly Willy is a sturdy rubber penguin with a hole in the middle that you can fill with yummy, freezable treats. I’ve used yogurt, peanut butter, bits of fruit, sweet potato—whatever I had on hand. If there was leftover space, I’d fill it with water or sodium-free broth and freeze it. It’s like a Kong but easier for the dog to get to everything inside—and no hole at the bottom!
Himalayan Dog Chew: Finally, a chew that lasts longer than 3.2 seconds! I like bully sticks, but the contraptions to reserve the end piece don’t always work due to size differences. The Himalayan Dog Chew lasts a good while, and while there’s still an end piece to watch out for, your dog won’t finish it in one sitting. Bonus: you can microwave the end piece and turn it into a safe cheese puff treat!
High-Protein Freeze Dried Beef Liver Snacks: When I first started training Gus, I used his kibble as training treats, and that worked for a while. But as he got older (and more T-Rex-like), it became harder to keep his attention. Then I found these single-ingredient treats at Costco, and they were a game-changer! They seem pricey, but the treats are large and easy to break into smaller pieces. One bag lasts a long time—even when you’re handing them out like a human Pez dispenser.
Calm & Blue In-Training Bandanas: Okay, shameless plug for my own shop—but these bandanas are perfect for training, especially when you need to convey the right message to the curious public. Want people to ignore your dog because your T-Rex isn’t quite ready for pets yet? Or maybe you’re open to letting them interact, or asking for help? These bandanas are great for that! I love them because some days, Gus is more T-Rexy than others, and I can easily switch up whether or not I allow interaction.
That’s my list of must-haves to survive the T-Rex phase. What are your indispensable items for puppy raising? I'd love to hear what worked for you!
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