Recommended Basic Dog Products
Depending on the method you use to train your dog, you will need some basic dog training products to help you and your dog work together more easily. Items such as clickers, leashes of different varieties, halters, collars, muzzles and treat carriers all have their place in the trainers world and can prove very useful in your dog training sessions. Let's take a few minutes to look at some of the various tools of the trade.
While not all these tools are always necessary, we'll discuss how each may be of use to you so you can decide if it is right for you and your dog.
We'll start our discussion with the clicker. This handy device is usually made up of a small plastic box with a springy piece of metal inside. It makes a clicking noise when you press down and then release the metal. This sound is a quick attention getter for most dogs and once they are taught to recognize the sound, they can discern it even over much background noise or relatively long distances. It is used a great deal by trainers who focus mainly on positive reinforcements. My terriers respond well to a clicker.
The second thing to discuss are a variety of leashes. These handy tools can range from a very short leash with less than eighteen inches of length to an extremely long leash of twenty feet or more. The shorter leashes are used for more control when working on training an animal for up close behaviors such as the Sit, Heel and Stay commands or when walking through large crowds where you want tight control of your dog. The longer leashes are used for behaviors that allow more freedom, such as the long recall. I do not recommend a retractable leash for training. I use a light twenty foot nylon leash. Choose a leash that feels good in your hands and that you can grip firmly and comfortably.
Related to leashes, the halter, which is essentially an extension of the collar, allows more control for the owner and less strain on the dogs' neck. Halters are also made use of for working dogs such as Seeing Eye dogs and police or military animals. They are especially useful when working with larger and very strong dogs. Note that the improper use of a halter may actually cause your dog to pull more so make sure you learn how to use it properly.
Dog collars are available in a large variety of materials and styles for different uses. Most are made of either leather or nylon with some metal made for certain training methods. For ease of getting them on and off, I use nylon collars with easy to fasten clips as my dogs are small and unlikely to break the plastic clip. Leather collars with a sturdy buckle are very secure for large strong dogs. Check with your trainer for the type of collar they recommend.
There are electronic training collars available that give off a sound, shock or chemical such as citronella spray that dogs find annoying. These are negative reinforcement products that I prefer not to use.
Some trainers also use muzzles as a way to curb nipping behaviors. You may want to consider getting your pet used to a muzzle as many veterinarian offices now use them to avoid injury to the staff during procedures such as nail clipping or shots. It can be very stressful on a pet who has never encountered the device before. Muzzles are also useful in training dogs to stop barking and to avoid aggressive behaviors and injuries when a gathering of many animals is expected or when introducing your pet to a new animal in the household such as the family cat.
The last item in our list is a neat little item I find really useful when training - special treat carriers. These carriers provide a clean way for you to carry a whole days worth of treats on your side without having to dirty your pockets or have your hands full constantly. They are an excellent choice for outdoors types who take their dogs on back packing adventures or for a days hunting as they provide an ample supply of treats and they are relatively light and easy to carry. I have a small carrier that clips to a belt loop that carries enough treats for a few hours walk with training added in as we go.
These are just the basic dog training products that you will need to make the task of training your dog easier on you and your dog. If you are taking a formal class, make sure you check with the trainer to find out what type of dog training equipment they recommend.
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