Dog Training Equipment and Accessories  

   While we cannot possibly address the vast variety of tools used for training, we believe that is in your best interest to at least know a bit about dog training equipment, tools, and accessories. Below are a few examples of commonly available tools typically used in some form of dog training. Keep in mind that we do not advocate the use of all these tools in all situations, as not all these tools will help every dog in every situation. We believe that the careful selection of the proper tools based on you and your dog's needs and personalities is the best avenue to help you achieve the best results. Also note that the items detailed below are listed in no particular order. 

Leash

   Some might say that a leash, also referred to as a "lead", is the single most important tool for training your dog. Leashes vary greatly in size, color, the material of which they're made, and some are specially designed for specific applications. Some dog owners buy a leash based on color and/or style, whereas it may make more sense to consider the application of a leash when determining the proper leash to purchase.

   For example, while a leather leash with a fancy design is attractive, it may make more sense to acquire a leash constructed of nylon webbing if you live in an area where inclement weather is common, or you often take your dog to a lake or beach. On the other hand, while water will soften, discolor, or even prematurely weather the appearance of leather, you may find a leather lead to be more comfortable in your hand.

  Another important factor is the length of the lead, as some lengths are more applicable to training than others. An example of this is a 4 foot leash which provides ample length for the average-sized dog to walk near you when you're out an about. On the other hand, a 4 foot leash might not be quite long enough to be used during training, especially if your dog is the type that needs to be on a leash during training sessions that require your dog to be some distance from you.

   Distance-training leashes up to 30 feet in length are commonly available. However, it is worth mentioning that because each dog is different, it may not be cost-effective to assume that you will definitely need a lengthy leash. That would depend as much on your dog's learning abilities as it does on what it is you want to teach your dog.

   While you may ultimately end up with several different leashes, the best all-around leash to own first is a 6 foot leash with a secure clasp which gives you some room to work with, yet can quickly and easily be held short when you need to keep your dog close to you, such as when walking through a crowd.

   As your training progresses you can eventually move to a minimal leash, such as the custom leash shown below that is made here at Dog Training For Owners. Although this leash is designed to take up as little room on your person as possible when your dog is off-lead, this compact powerhouse is literally strong enough to hold a horse, should you find the need to leash your dog during an off-lead outing. 6-braid pliable nylon makes for a super-strong, yet soft and comfortable feel, while a quick-release clasp enables you to quickly release your dog without fumbling with the clasp. Knotted grip stops provide for a comfortable grasp anywhere along the leash's length when close quarters require immediate shortening of the leash. The length and handle loop are fully adjustable, and the knotted grip stops can be re-positioned to fit the width of any sized hand. As shown, this particular model is configured to a 3 foot length, and we can make them in any length you want.

Collar

   Like a leash, a collar of some sort should be worn by your dog during training. Many types of collars are available, and similar to leashes, several types of collars are designed for specific purposes.

   Most flat collars are adjustable, and once fitted, do not change in size without you specifically doing so. A flat collar is typically worn when a training collar is not needed. Many dog owners affix ID tags onto flat collars, and keep a flat collar on their dog at all times. While some dogs respond very well to training using a flat collar, some dogs learn faster with the use of a dedicated training collar.

   The most widely used training collars are the choke and prong (or pinch) collars. We don't necessarily advocate the use of these collars for all dogs in all circumstances; our aim here is to simply provide you with their specific applications, which can help prevent improper use should you already have, or are considering acquiring, one.

   The typical choke collar is constructed of a length of small-link chain, although it is also available in nylon webbing. A choke collar is fitted onto the dog in such a manner that when the loose end is pulled, the collar constricts around the dog's neck, thus the term "choke". Used properly, a choke collar is designed to get a dog's attention without inflicting harm upon issuing a command. As with all training tools, it is important to first teach a dog what you want him to do when the tool is applied. If used improperly, a choke collar is highly ineffective and results only in restricting a dog's airway.

   The premise behind a prong collar is to simulate the actions of a mother dog. When a puppy misbehaves or gets out of hand, the mother sometimes sharply grabs the pup by the neck. The prongs on a prong collar mimic the mother's teeth. Like the choke collar, when used properly, and under the right circumstances, a prong collar can be effective without causing pain or harm, even on an adult dog. On the other hand, incorrect application of a prong collar can be ineffective, and indeed result in unnecessary stress to a dog's neck, so it would be wise to find out how to use this tool properly.

   An electronic training collar, or e-collar, typically consists of a remote transmitter and a collar fitted with a receiver. When a button on the transmitter is pressed the receiver emits electronic stimulation. While e-collars have been around for decades, early models were often quite strong and offered very minimal, if any, adjustment capabilities. Today's generation of e-collars includes models with infinite adjustment, and stimulation levels that start as low as zero and slowly graduate to high levels of stimulation. When adjusted properly, an e-collar should emit a stimulation similar to the gentle stimulation commonly used in human physical therapy, and the highest level applied should only mimic a flea bite.

   Unfortunately, most people don't receive proper training on the use of electronic collars, thus, end up using too high of a stimulation level, hence the common misnomer, "shock collar". Used for obedience training, an electronic collar should NEVER be used to shock a dog!

   The design of e-collars has indeed come a long way from the days of yore. Several models of e-collars include vibration, tone and even voice modes. In each of these modes, the collar receiver emits no electronic stimulation. Instead, in vibration mode, the collar receiver vibrates like a pager. In tone mode, a tone signal is emitted, and in voice mode you can actually speak to your dog even if he or she is 2 miles away.

   Advocates of electronic collars swear that e-collars are actually more humane than the typical choke and chain collars, because no physical pressure of any kind is applied. But, as with all training tools, if a dog is not first taught what the stimulation, vibration, or tone means, an e-collar is warranted ineffective.

   If you are considering training your dog with an electronic training collar, please click here before making your final decision.

Food Treats             

   A food treat used as a reward for desired behavior during training can consist of anything from the same kibble that is fed to your dog for its regular meals, to boiled chicken, to specialty foods specifically designed as treats. Whatever your preference, like other training tools, your dog needs to be taught what a food treat means. If your pal doesn't understand why he receives a treat, he or she will not consider a treat as a reward. Used improperly, your best buddy can even learn to expect to receive food during training, which will negate everything you try to teach during your training, and leave you with a dog you cannot rely on to heed your commands.

Motivational Toys             

   Depending upon the prey drive, or enthusiasm, of your dog, a simple toy can be a great training tool. With that said, it is key to know how to discern which toy is appropriate for use as a training tool. Of equal importance is knowing how to turn a simple toy into a motivational training toy. As with all training tools, the wrong application of a toy during training will only serve as a distraction, and can undermine your training efforts.

   At Dog Training For Owners, we have the knowledge and experience to educate you about many types of training equipment, tools and accessories. We can help  demonstrate how they should and should not be used, as well as help you determine the right tools for you and your canine companion. 

   To find our more about how we can help you, contact us today.

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Feel free to ask to see our 8 month old German Shepherd puppy who will Come, Sit, Stay, Heel, etc. off-leash, anywhere, including at a dog park with other dogs running around like maniacs!