The Benefits Of Adding Dog Training Gear To Your Training Routine

Dog training gear can make your sessions more effective, fun, and successful. Some items are necessary for every owner, such as a collar, leash, clicker, and treat bag.

Other items, such as a long line, help with recall and off-leash behavior. Some benefits of adding these tools into your training routine are:

Safety

A good trainer will likely use a wide range of Schutzhund training gear to help you train your dog, so having some basics on hand is essential.

For instance, if your pup loves to chew on her leash (an expected behavior that drives owners crazy), you can use a no-chew collar to discourage the habit. You’ll also need a durable, padded lead. You should avoid retractable dog leashes, which can cause severe injuries if they get caught on something in the wild or snag on your dog’s neck and back while running around. Instead, consider a no-pull collar or Martingale collar.

Many trainers also use clickers, which emit a unique sound that your dog can recognize and respond to as a marker. A clicker is a valuable tool for marking exact training precision, but you could also try using a distinct phrase like “yes” that you can repeat often. Then there are also remote control dog training collars, which allow you to reprimand your pet’s bad behavior several feet away. The key is only using it as a last resort rather than letting the device replace your training.

Training

There are plenty of training tools out there that are optional, but many trainers and dog owners find them helpful. They include whistles (to teach dogs to come when called), long lines (for a more controlled and safer walk), dog harnesses for pulling training, clickers, treats, a treat bag, and sturdy walking shoes (for you).

Whether you want to reward chew-obsessed pups with an edible chew toy or distract a barking hound with a KONG, there are many options. Make sure whatever you pick matches your training method and addresses the behavior issue.

While some training tools are controversial—for instance, the e-collar, which “allows you to remotely control a collar that emits a stimulation on your dog’s neck, such as a mild electrical shock or citronella spray”—there are also some genuinely beneficial gadgets like agility obstacles, training targets, and gates that help manage behavior problems that cannot be corrected through positive reinforcement training alone. Remember that not all training tools are created equal; some may cause pain or distress, so be careful when shopping.

Fun

Training is a time to spend with your dog and should be fun for both of you. It is easy for dogs to get bored during long training sessions, and it can cause them to lose focus if the instructions could be more creative and exciting. Keeping it fun can also help the owner keep a good attitude about training and not view it as something negative that is taking away from playtime.

Try changing the routine with different games or activities to make training fun. For example, instead of taking your dog on a regular walk around the neighborhood, change things by going in another direction or visiting new places. This will increase your dog’s exercise, help them focus on the task, and stay interested in training.

Another way to make training fun is to use the classic hide-and-seek game. Have the whole family play this game with one person hiding and then calmly calling out the dog’s name to increase their listening skills.

Comfort

Many dog trainers use toys to make their sessions more mentally and physically engaging. A dog without things to do will create entertainment and chew the couch or your favorite shoes to shreds, so toys provide mental stimulation and physical exercise, boosting confidence.

Some handlers like to train with as little equipment as possible, but it should be used if something is available that will help protect the dog. For example, a search dog that runs full speed in the woods could benefit from a Kevlar chest protector that absorbs impact.

It’s important to avoid training aids that can cause pain or discomfort, such as choke collars or prong collars, which can damage the throat or neck. Front-attachment harnesses, which allow you to clip the leash to a central area on your pet’s front, are a good alternative and can decrease pulling. Some remote training collars work up to 600 yards away, allowing you to reprimand your dog from a distance conveniently. This can be particularly useful for dogs with fears, anxiety, or aggression, which cannot be treated with training alone.

Durability

Dog training gear is designed to withstand much abuse during vigorous workouts. Dog agility equipment, like jumps and tunnels, are built with high-quality materials that resist tearing or ripping during intense drills.

A good quality leash can keep your dog from pulling or running off and is a must-have for all dog trainers. Avoid retractable leashes, which teach your dog that it’s okay to wander at will, and instead opt for a standard six-foot lead. For K9 scent work or tracking, a waist lead – which fits around the handler’s waist like a belt – provides superior strength and grip even in wet, sandy, or dirty conditions.

Other essentials include whistles – which can help communicate with your dog, especially during long walks – potty bells, which help dogs mark where they should go to the potty, and heel sticks, which are handy for teaching obedience-oriented dogs the “heel” position. Lastly, crates are indispensable for puppy training and keeping your dog safe while you’re away from home. The right dog training gear makes all the difference in your dog’s behavior, confidence, and success.