5 Pet Training Products I Can’t Live Without
It’s time to talk about dog training tools! Now, dog training as an industry has changed vastly in the past 10 years. Educated trainers are using modern and science proven methods over traditional methods that were used to cause pain and/or instill fear into the canine pupil. With this change in technique also came a change in the types of tools that progressive trainers recommend to their clients and use on their own dogs at home. This is a topic that I often discuss with clients and am asked about on a regular basis by other animal professionals, friends, acquaintances, etc. So much that I have whittled down my list of products that I love to recommend and use personally to only 5 items.
Treat Pouch
The right treat pouch can completely transform a training session. I have many, but my favorite to use is actually not marketed as a training tool. The DALIX Fanny Pack with 3 pockets is IMO the easiest to use and the most user friendly. Okay, okay, I know its a FANNY PACK, but hear me out! It attaches at the waist, making it MUCH easier to use during training, especially with boisterous dogs or big puppies that can jump up and dislodge a treat pouch that is attached to your pocket. (Dogs would disagree, because a dislodged treat pouch means potential loose and scattered cookies for them to snack on.) When I use another treat pouch I often find myself removing it from my pocket when I am talking to clients or not actively engaging with the dog to prevent this issue. However, this makes it likely that I will leave it somewhere it doesn’t belong. (At client’s homes, at the park, on the roof of the car, etc.) This model is also big enough and has enough pockets to bring along everything you need when you walk your dog or do a training session. Multiple kinds of dog cookies will fit easily, and it is large enough to bring a ball or another smallish toy to use to reinforce positive behavior as well. There is also plenty of leftover space to stash your poop bags, car keys, photo ID, etc.
DALIX 3 Pocket Fanny Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NH3NMMK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T0NPKMCN1RX0737BX4B2
2. Front Clip Harness
I love a front clip harness. I do, I do. Front clip harnesses are fantastic for dogs of any size or temperament. Because they fit across the chest they do distribute pressure in a much more comfortable way than a regular flat collar. They are also safer since they take the pressure from the leash off of the neck of the dog, greatly reducing the risk for injury. This is particularly important for small or toy breeds, puppies, and dogs with previous neck injury. Front clip harnesses have the attachment clip for the leash in front of the dog on their chest instead of on their back as used in a traditional harness. The difference in leash attachment is important! By having the leash clip at the dog’s chest, this gives the handler more control of the dog during a walk by reducing the amount of pulling the dog is doing. When the dog pulls in a traditional harness with a back clip, weight is distributed evenly across the dog’s back and actually can make pulling easier for the dog. When clipped in the front, the leash turns the dog slightly as they pull forward preventing them from putting their entire might behind dragging you down the street. These harnesses don’t magically teach dogs how to walk politely on their own, but they can make it easier and safer for you as you train them what they are supposed to do. The brand I recommend most often is the Freedom Harness or the Sense-ation brand.
The Original Sense-ation No-Pull Dog Training Harness (Blue, Large Wide) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G9LB4LR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZEBHBMDKBQ5STY4AJ2P0
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness | Adjustable Gentle Comfortable Control for Easy Dog Walking |for Small Medium and Large Dogs | Made in USA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BGJTWPQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7YRQRNXB5QG1SN9EMBWJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
3. 6 foot lead
I know that this response seems like a cop out. It isn’t though! This is my favorite and most utilized training tool. Most of my training sessions take place with the dog on leash, even indoors. This is because leashes can be used to keep dogs in close proximity to us. Keeping dogs close keeps them out of trouble, preventing them from approaching unfriendly animals, eating nonfood or dangerous items, etc. I also recommend using a leash tether when we adopt a puppy or new dog as a management technique to keep them safe and help encourage good habits as we train them. Any 6 foot lead will do, but I am partial to the Kong brand leashes! They are soft and easy to hold onto with a nice sturdy handle. Some types the brand makes even have two handles that may make walking a large or strong dog easier prior to training lessons.
KONG Traffic Handle Quick Control Leash (Purple) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089RQS9MJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NSRBNQS2MMB8D6QR2YJ5
4. Freeze Dried Dog Treats
If you’ve taken a class with me or discussed canine behavior with me, you probably know that I am going to talk about how important it is use a variety of reinforcers to keep your dog engaged and guessing about what they are going to get next. When you work with your dog, be sure to use a variety of small and soft treats as food rewards and to use toys and play to reward positive behavior as well. I love these types of treats specifically because they tend to be extremely high value to most dogs, and can help increase their focus and engagement. They also are limited ingredient, meaning that they only contain a handful of ingredients. Limited ingredient food and treats can be used more easily for dogs that have food allergies or sensitivities. Many brands now make a freeze dried option, but my favorite is Stewart. (As always, please check with your vet before adding anything to your pet’s diet, especially if they have experienced food allergies or sensitivity in the past.)
Stewart Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treat 4 oz. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07659K47Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_7DMQ0FNDPGT2S711HHTW
5. Long line
Long lines are basically just long leashes. You can find a long line in many different sizes, but most are between 15 and 50 feet long. They are perfect for working on cues in more distracting environments outdoors, while still keeping the dog safe. I also like using the long line to allow dogs to have a bit more freedom in safe environments as well. I personally like a long line that is lightweight and water proof. They come in many colors and sizes as well so that you can easily find one that will meet your needs.
Downtown Pet Supply Dog Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead - Great for Training, Play, Camping, or Backyard (15ft, 20ft, 30ft, 50ft, 75ft, 100ft, 150ft, 200ft) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005IA9X4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EEKS4ASSQ45QHCW1GN50