Sources and additional reading

We only use credible, science=based sources for our Discovery Kits, so you can rest assured that you and your dog are in good hands.

Here are a list of sources for the Dog at Heart Discovery Kits:

Dog Sense: How the New Science of Dog Behavior Can Make You A Better Friend to Your Pet by John Bradshaw

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See Smell, and Know by Alexandra Horowitz. This is a perennial Dogby favorite.

Increasing arousal enhances inhibitory control in calm but not excitable dogs by Bray, E. E., MacLean, E. L., & Hare, B. A. in Animal Cognition.

Musical Dogs: A Review of the Influence of Auditory Enrichment on Canine Health and Behavior by Lindig, A. M., McGreevy, P. D., & Crean, A. J. in Animals

The detour paradigm in animal cognition by Kabadayi, C., Bobrowicz, K., & Osvath, M. in Animal Cognition

Dog Walks, Sniffing, Shaking and Pulse Rate by Karen B. London, PhD on The Bark

Animal Morality from NOVA ScienceNOW on PBS

Displacement Behaviors on iSpeakDog

Product sourcing, care, cleaning, and cautions

  • The Quiet Mat

    Details: A 39" x 20" portable microfiber towel from Dogby in Boston, MA.

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    Care & Cautions: Store out of your dog's reach when not in use to prevent chewing.

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    Cleaning: Machine wash cold and tumble dry low or line dry anytime the mat is dirty.

  • The Snuffle Ball

    Details: 6" diameter snuffle ball made from polyester fleece from from Wag and Bark in Albuquerque, NM.

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    Care & Cautions: This toy is meant to be rolled and sniffed, not chewed. If your dog is chewing on it, put a few easier treats at the edges of the folds and encourage them to roll and sniff instead of chewing.

    Remove and store out of your dog's reach when they finish using it to prevent chewing or shredding.

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    Cleaning: Hand wash and lay flat to dry. Do not use with moist or sticky treats.

    Learn more 

  • Doggie Language

    Details: Illustrated guide to dog body language by Lili Chin.

    Learn more 

  • The Puzzle Bowl-Mat

    Details: Food-grade silicone Therapeutic Licking Bowl Mat from Messy Mutts in Toronto, ON.

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    Care & Cautions: This mat is freezer, oven, and dishwasher safe.

    It is meant to be licked and not chewed. Keep away from your dog while not in use to prevent chewing.

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    Cleaning: Wash by hand or in the dishwasher after every use.

    Learn more 

  • The Treat Pouch

    Details: Handmade treat pouch with cotton exterior and cotton canvas or ripstop nylon interior from Walking Paws Boutique in Alexandria, VA.

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    Care & Cautions: Attach to your pants, belt, or fanny pack to prevent spilling while walking.

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    Cleaning: Turn inside out and machine wash and line dry. Ripstop nylon may be spot cleaned with a damp rag between washes.

    Learn more 

  • The Training Treats

    Details: 3 ounces of Chicken Littles dehydrated Dog Training Bits made from chicken breast, brown rice, and potato flour from Polkadog Bakery in Boston, MA.

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    Care & Cautions: Expire in November 2023.

    Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog's daily food.

    Always check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog's diet.

    Learn More 

The Lick Bowl-Mat and The Snuffle Ball

Food puzzle safety

Food puzzles can bring out aggressive, possessive behavior in even the friendliest of dogs. It's a normal aspect of their behavior as the descendents of scavengers.

Follow these guidelines to keep your family safe:

- Use physical barriers like doors and baby gates to keep kids and other pets away while your dog is solving their food puzzle.

- Some dogs want complete privacy while solving a food puzzles, others will want you to in the room for companionship. Even so, avoid approaching them head on, getting between them and the puzzle, or touching it.

- Always pick up the puzzle and any uneaten food and treats when your dog finishes and before you let others back into the space.

- Never take a puzzle from your dog. Wait for them to walk away or offer them a trade by tossing a better treat a 4-6 feet away and seeing if they voluntarily give up the puzzle to go get it.

- If your dog gives you a stink eye, freezes, growls, or bares, their teeth while they have their puzzle, back up and give them space.

- Reach out to Dogby or a certified dog trainer in your area for help if you are concerned about your dog's behavior around food puzzles.

All about food puzzles

If you are new to food puzzles and want to learn more about them, this article can get you started.

The Quiet Mat

We created an entire page to help you and your dog make the most of the Quiet Mat.

Quiet Mat Resources