Category: other pets

Being a dog parent comes with its set of challenges – you have to raise and train a life that doesn’t speak the same language as you! There are as many dog training philosophies and advice as there are breeds of dogs on this planet, so navigating through all of it can be rather confusing. What can help alleviate this confusion is an author who uses actual science to back up their technique, thought process, and education.

Annie Grossman’s How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science is not your typical dog training how-to: it’s an entire philosophy that uses behavioral science to help shape your pup into the perfect canine citizen – and can even help you, as the human, shape your own life. Arguably the most beneficial dog training book I had ever come across, I put Annie’s words to the test on my own pup, a 9-year-old mixed-breed from the local animal shelter.

Overview

Our Experience

I can right off the bat tell you, I am no expert on dogs even though I have had dogs my entire life. My current dog, Lorelei, is the first dog that is fully mine, and I am raising her on my own. It’s been a long road over the last eight years. As she came from the local animal shelter, I had to deal with all of her quirks and quips in the best ways I knew how. I wish How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science was something I had come across back then because I feel like it would have helped tremendously.

While waiting for the physical book to arrive, I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version on my Amazon account (via Audible), very well narrated by Eunice Wong. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, I partly thought this would be a step-by-step instructional… boy was I wrong! I found that this book is actually far more beneficial than a step one, two, and three because the author, Annie Grossman, explains how your dog thinks to you. Finding a better way of understanding and communicating with Fido leads to not only better training, but a better relationship as a whole.

The many real-life examples were so relatable to me, especially in the introductory section where she chats about some of the ways people behave towards dogs. So many of her examples reminded me of how my parents would try to discipline or train my childhood dog, and it was rather eye-opening. Once the book continued forth into dissecting various training methodologies, I was absolutely hooked.

All of the explanations were so easy to follow, and I certainly didn’t feel like the author wrote “above my head” in any capacity. It really did feel like we were just having a casual conversation amongst friends, sharing life experiences and the lessons that came forth from them. There are so many fun and witty lines that make this read even more engaging, especially on a topic that, if done differently, can often be deemed as boring.

Part three was very focused on at-home things to try, and even though I’ve had my pup for so many years now, it was still fun to give these lessons a shot. No matter the age of your dog, you can both still learn something new.

The physical book itself, once it arrived, was so beautiful – the digital cover doesn’t do the real cover justice! I really appreciated the cute cartoon dogs throughout the book, describing certain instances and expressing ideas. Everything was very well organized and laid out, and I really enjoy having a physical copy to reference back to rather than just an audiobook.

10/10, absolutely brilliant!

Pros & Cons

Key Features

Scientifically Sound Approach to Dog Training

Annie Grossman focuses on the science of canine (and human) behavior, how our pups listen and understand, and their natural behaviors that we need to learn. In the first half of the book, Annie Grossman dives into a series of common dog training methodologies and why they do not work (or at least, the aspects of them that are a bit flawed). It’s important to discern why some methods are seemingly effective but really aren’t, why certain ideas are considered outdated, and how changing your approach equals a beneficial response. The main concept is to make sure your training doesn’t leave your pup with side effects.

By understanding how your dog communicates and responds, you can effectively change their behavior – by encouraging them to be a bit different! This leads to success on both the human and dog sides of the equation.

Empathetic and Engaging Read

This is not a step-by-step dog training book. How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science is a philosophy, which is the best way I can describe it! The author shares many examples and stories about her life to express the point of each lesson and idea.

I found her writing to be very empathetic as I could relate to a lot of it. Engaging and interesting with bits of humor thrown in, and an overall enjoyable read! A lot of dog training books (especially those focused on methodology) are rather dry, but this one definitely isn’t. With quotes such as “We humans may think of ourselves as a reasonable bunch, but we sure do nutty things when it comes to dogs.”, how can you not be amused?!

Good Selection of Basic Exercises

I feel that the goal of this book is to lay down the foundation for effective dog training, and there are enough basic exercises sprinkled throughout that develop that grounding. The exercises are easy to follow, easy to do, and very beneficial – regardless of your dog’s age! Admittedly, these exercises do tend to be hidden in text, but the context helps develop the approach so it is worth the read to get to them.

About The Author

Is the How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science Book a Good Value?

Knowledge, especially good knowledge, is always valuable. How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science is even more valuable at costing a fraction of what a single dog training class would be! A physical copy is priced at $17.99, and the audiobook ranges from $7.99 to $17.99 depending on the platform. A single introductory dog training class for comparison is typically $25 per class on the inexpensive side and only goes up from there.

Although there is more work on your part than having a physical trainer show you what to do, changing your mentality about training your dog has so many benefits in the long run. That’s invaluable, no?

How We Tested

Testing was relatively simple. Learn the material and put it to use! I started by listening to the audiobook while waiting for the physical copy to arrive, and spent the time on my long commutes absorbing all of the information I had heard.

Upon coming home, I would put it to the test on Lorelei, who immensely enjoyed the quality time we were spending together in pursuit of training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

I Am a First-Time Dog Owner: Is This Book For Me?

Yes! Anyone can benefit from the information in this book, especially first-time dog owners. You will learn how to better understand your dog, which leads to a stronger relationship and better training.

What Behavioral Concerns Does This Book Target?

This book isn’t intended to address any specific behavioral concerns – it is an overall philosophy on how to understand your dog’s behavior and convince them to do what you want them to. With a mix of positive reinforcement, influence, and proper communication, you can shape your dog into the best version of themselves.

Is This a Step-By-Step Book?

If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to tricks and commands, this book is not it. How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science is a detailed explanation of the science behind dog training, although it does feature some great exercises to practice with your dog. There are a few minor exceptions to this as there are instructions on some very basic things, but overall, this is not an instructional book.

How Easy Is The Science To Understand?

You most definitely do not need to be a behaviorist, biologist, or other kind of scientist to understand How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science! Grossman does a fantastic job of breaking all of the complex ideas into simple and easy-to-understand concepts.

Conclusion

Raising a dog can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be. How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science gives you lifelong tools to help set you and your dog up for success, in ways that I haven’t seen other dog training books do.

Even though I’ve had my dog for eight years, I had my eyes opened on a lot of things just by reading this book. This is an exploration of methodology, not just a how-to. Every dog owner should give this a read (or a listen)!

The post How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science Book Review 2025: Canine Coaching Made Positively Simple appeared first on PangoVet.

When it comes to dental health, our dogs need daily care just like we do. But not every pet will open up and say “Ahh” when they see the toothbrush. That’s where a daily chew to reduce plaque, freshen breath, and support gum health can be a blessing. Few dental chews on the market can achieve all these benefits, and even fewer are doing it with healthy, all-natural ingredients. That’s why the new Plaque Patrol chews from Finn–a pet wellness company that formulates their products in partnership with veterinarians- are worth adding to your daily dog care repertoire. With every ingredient carefully chosen and nothing artificial added, Plaque Patrol is a well-rounded chew for health benefits that may even go beyond the mouth.

Overview

Our Experience

As a former veterinary professional, I know my dogs need daily dental care to maintain good oral health, but I admit I am not good at remembering to do it. Thankfully, the pet care industry has a lot of options to help us pet parents through products that are both convenient and effective.

Recently I got to try out the Plaque Patrol chews from Finn for my three dogs: Turtle, Rooney, and Candy. I found these daily chews not only convenient to give but they also have a wide range of benefits that go beyond clean teeth. That’s because the carefully selected ingredients don’t just target bad breath–they can provide other health benefits as well.

We received two sizes: 24 lbs-and-under for Rooney and Candy, and 25 lbs-and-up for Turtle. The smaller sized chews were just under 4” long, weighing 0.5 oz, and the larger size was just over 7” and 1 oz in weight. Both sizes are dark green in color and minty smelling but also contain natural bacon flavoring for increased dog appeal. All three of my dogs loved these daily chews and took them eagerly out of my hands before retreating to their separate corners to consume them.

These chews have a firm but slightly pliable texture and are grooved to maximize contact with teeth surfaces. They did not take long to be chewed up and swallowed by my dogs, with all three pups finishing their individual chews in less than three minutes. Obviously, the longer the chew lasts, the more effective it will be at removing plaque, which is the softer precursor to stubborn tartar. If they were a bit tougher, the dogs would spend longer chewing them, thus removing more plaque from their teeth.

Aside from this observation, I was very pleased with this product. Although certainly not capable of removing the brown tartar from my dogs’ teeth (only a veterinary scaling under anesthesia is going to achieve this), these chews did instantly freshen their breath. I also noted that several of the ingredients in this product have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which support overall health and immunity, not just oral health. And the best part was, my dogs LOVED these. There’s nothing better than a health supplement that seems like a treat!

Pros & Cons

Key Features

How to use

These chews are easy to administer. Simply give your dog one chew per day. Not only will your dog’s natural chewing behavior allow this product to reduce plaque buildup on the teeth through direct contact, but the ingredients in Plaque Patrol are carefully curated based on their individual benefits. By ingesting these chews daily, your dog can experience many positive health-supporting effects.

Ingredients

The bulk of these chews are made from dried potato, coconut glycerin, potato and tapioca starches, and gelatin. These are safe, natural ingredients–not highly processed animal hide treated with potentially toxic chemicals.

To freshen pet breath, Plaque Patrol incorporates parsley and spearmint oil, which also both contain many vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants for overall health. And parsley possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which support healthy gums.

Plaque Patrol chews contain shiitake mushroom powder, which although not considered a necessary nutrient by AAFCO, contains antioxidants, is an anti-inflammatory, and can benefit immunity on top of supporting a healthy mouth.

The Finn brand is cautious not to add anything harmful to their products, and they didn’t drop the ball with Plaque Control. There are no synthetic chemical preservatives in these chews–only natural rosemary extract. And no synthetic flavorings, just a natural bacon flavoring your dog is sure to love.

What to Expect

Depending on the size option you purchase, you will receive either 15 chews or 20 chews. They will come in a resealable “Plastic Negative” bag, which means Finn regularly contributes to collection efforts of plastic litter from the environment to offset any plastic production by the brand. Shipping boxes are also made of 100% recycled materials, making this a brand you can truly feel good about supporting. Once you receive your Plaque Patrol chews, simply give your dog one chew per day as a treat. With regular usage, your dog can have fresh breath and cleaner teeth, though if your dog already has noticeable tartar buildup, you should have this addressed by your veterinarian first.

About Finn

The New York-based Finn was founded in 2020 by James Shalhoub, Alex Song, and Colin Darretta. These cofounders already had experience in the human wellness space but saw a need for better products in the pet industry–products that were safe, effective, and appealing to pets. The brand found success quickly and has not only been profiled multiple times by Forbes but has also been featured by The Dodo.

Today, their product line includes a variety of wellness supplements for dogs that they describe as “Loved by Pets, Endorsed by Vets,” and they tout the formulation of their products as science-based and results-driven. Not only have their supplements earned the NASC quality seal, which guarantees label claims are accurate and the products are safe, but Finn also goes out of its way to use recyclable packaging and is even certified as a “Plastic Negative” company.

Furthermore, this company donates a portion of its proceeds to local rescue organizations. When a brand has such a positive impact on the world around it, it’s not surprising why people love it so much.

Is Finn Plaque Patrol  Good Value?

Although the price of each bag of Plaque Patrol is comparable to dental chews from some other popular dog wellness brands, I had hoped that the use of potato as a main ingredient might have brought the costs down a little more. Finn’s Plaque Patrol does provide multiple health benefits in addition to fresh breath, making it a great product, but one that could be improved further with the inclusion of a healthier carbohydrate source, such as sweet potato.

Finn’s ingredient choices leave room for improvement. For this reason, I was not sold on the price tag of this product. Though certainly capable of providing dogs with multiple health benefits in addition to fresh breath, I would like to see an elevation of the leading ingredients or an increase in product volume before I promote the price point of Plaque Patrol. Fortunately, this product is brand new, so I expect this “results-driven” brand to continuously improve their formulation.

How We Tested

I tested Finn’s Plaque Patrol on my three dogs (three mixed breeds of various sizes) for a little over two weeks. I gave each dog one appropriately sized chew daily as a treat, which they all enjoyed, but consumed quicker than I would have liked. The chews did noticeably freshen their breath, and likely did reduce invisible plaque buildup, which is what the label claims. Note that this product does not remove the built-up brown tartar on dogs’ teeth, since existing dental calculus needs to be removed through a professional veterinary scaling. As a healthy treat and a way to support my dogs’ oral health, Plaque Patrol is an effective dental supplement in my book.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much is shipping?

Shipping costs will depend on your zip code, but shipping is always free when you spend more than $40.

Is there a subscription service?

Yes, Finn offers recurring orders through their website which can earn you 15% off. Their products are also available through Chewy and Amazon, which offer subscriptions as well.

What if my pet doesn’t like these chews?

Finn guarantees your dog will like their supplements or your money back. Just send an email to their customer service, and they’ll get you all taken care of.

Can my pet still have Plaque Patrol chews if they’re missing teeth?

If your dog has any existing dental issues, it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian first before giving this type of chewy supplement. However, if your dog is missing a few teeth but has a healthy mouth otherwise, there should be no issue using Plaque Patrol.

Do I still need to brush my dog’s teeth if I’m giving these chews daily?

For doggie dental health, brushing is BEST and should be combined with regular oral exams by your vet. However, if your dog doesn’t tolerate brushing, or you only remember to brush your dog’s teeth occasionally, this is a great product to pick up the slack and a healthy treat that your dog will definitely appreciate.

Conclusion

Finn Plaque Patrol is a brand-new dental chew available in two sizes. It is formulated with all-natural ingredients and can support not only oral health but also total body health. These chews are designed to appeal to dogs through their tasty bacon flavoring and also stimulate a dog’s natural desire to chew, making Plaque Patrol an easy way to support your dog’s dental health daily.

The post Finn Plaque Patrol Dog Dental Chews Review 2025: A Vet-Approved Look at Daily Oral Supplements appeared first on PangoVet.