Premier dog training in Northern California serving Sacramento,
   El Dorado and Placer counties. Licensed and insured.
Association of Professional Dog Trainers Pet Partners Therapy Dogs Style Magazine Award to Kevin Limm
Home | About Us | Our Philosophy | Testimonials | Videos | Photos | FAQs | Training Tools | Nutrition | Resources
Phase Training | Dog Training Classes | Puppy Training | Day Training | Board & Train | Service Dog Training
Socialization | Seminars | Workshops | Therapy Dog Certification | Expert Witness | Contact Us
Dog Training Equipment and Accessories
Things to Know
     While we cannot possibly address on this website the vast variety of tools used for training, we believe that it's in your best interest to at least know a bit about some of the more common and popular 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. But, remember this - regardless of which training tool is being used at any given time, that tool should NEVER be used to punish a dog. A training tool should be used simply to get a dog's attention. Once you have his/her attention, it is then up to YOU to clearly communicate to the dog in a way it clearly understands what it is you are asking of it.  

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 particular application of a leash before acquiring one.

   For example, when choosing a leash to use to walk a dog, a leather leash with a fancy design may be attractive, but it may make more sense to acquire a leash constructed of a more weather resistant material 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, some people find a leather lead to be more comfortable in their hand. Keep in mind that leather also stretches a bit when pulled tight.

   Another important factor is the length of the leash, as some lengths, while satisfactory for walking a dog in the Heel position, are not well-suited for training. An example of this is the common 4 foot leash which provides ample length for the average-sized dog to walk close to you. On the other hand, a 4 foot leash is really not long enough to be used for basic obedience training, and is surely not long enough for training that requires your dog to be some distance from you. In fact, a 4 foot leash might not even be long enough to allow your buddy to do his or her "business" while casually out and about.

   Distance-training leads 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 initially assume that you will definitely need a lengthy leash. Whether or not you need a lead of such length is dependent upon what it is you want to teach your dog.

   So, 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, as a 6 foot leash will give 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 leash of minimal length, as well as decide on more advanced types of clasps. In fact, our exclusive, custom PowerLead leash, shown at right, is super-strong, adjustable, offers different clasp options, and is a beautiful leash that's comfortable in your hand. Best of all, it's made right here in the USA at Dog Training For Owners.

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 upon issuing a command, without inflicting harm. 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. Often, when a puppy gets out of hand its mother simply grabs it by the neck, and the pup typically stops whatever it is doing. A mother will also pick up pups by the scruffs of their necks and move them, such as if she senses danger. Thus, the prongs on a prong collar are designed to mimic the mother's teeth. When used properly under the right circumstances, a prong collar can be effective without causing pain or harm. On the other hand, incorrect application of a prong collar can be ineffective, and indeed result in unnecessary stress to a dog's neck, and damaging to your bond with your dog, 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 using the proper model collar, adjusted properly, an e-collar should emit a stimulation similar to the gentle stimulation commonly used in human physical therapy treatment, 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 the wrong model of collar and 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 even the typical choke collar, because no physical pressure of any kind is applied. But, as with all training tools, if the owner/handler/trainer is not proficient at using an e-collar, and a dog is not properly 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.

Treat Bag             

   We recommend treat bags be used during the "treat" stages of training. A good treat bag should make it easy to deliver treats to a dog in a timely manner, as well as keep your clothes and washing machine from potentially getting  smelly.

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. Not only will we help you select the appropriate training tools for your particular dog, we will show you how to use them effectively as educational tools, so you don't end up using them to punish your dog!

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

 
 
What is a PowerLead?
 
   Our exclusive PowerLead is specifically designed to combine strength, function, comfort and beauty in a compact form. Super-strong, yet soft and pliable 16-strand, flat diamond-braid construction makes for a beautiful leash that's comfortable in your hand at an incredible 3/4" width and 1/4" thickness, yet this compact powerhouse is literally strong enough to hold a horse!

   Clasp options include our Scissors clasp, which at 1"x7/8" is compact and lightweight, yet exceptionally strong and secure...

...while a simple pull on our 2-1/4"x1" Quick-Release clasp enables you to instantly release your dog without fuss.

   The length of the PowerLead is adjustable, as is the handle loop. Knotted grip-stops can be added anywhere along the leash's length for a comfortable grasp, which is especially helpful when sudden close quarters require immediate shortening of the leash. The grip-stops can be positioned to personally accommodate the width of your own hand.

   PowerLeads are custom made to any length; pictured above is a PowerLead made to spec at 3 feet long, pre-configured with 4 grip-stops.

   Beauty need not be compromised by utility and function, either, as PowerLeads are available in stunning color combinations.

Click here for complete PowerLead details and options.

 

 
Quick appointments available for Sacramento and surrounding areas including Fair Oaks, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Granite Bay, Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Shingle Springs, Placerville, Lake Tahoe and more. We are available for travel to other areas of California and Nevada on a case by case basis. Contact us for details.