At A Glance
Last Updated on: Mar 02, 2023
So the time has come to begin training your dog. Of course, you have some basic training supplies like a collar and leash, but you’re not sure where to begin. While some dog training tools are optional, there are a few basic ones you cannot do without.
In this article, we bring to you a comprehensive dog training equipment list. We’ll go over the essential gear you will need, like a suitable leash and dog collar, and the best training aids to add to your training toolbox.
This will ensure that your training sessions are both productive and enjoyable, allowing you and your dog to get off to a good start.
Chances are, if you’re a dog owner, you will already have a leash of sorts for your dog for everyday use, such as for walks or exercise. But not all leashes are created equal, especially if you are trying to teach your dog a specific skill.
In fact, the two basic functions of a leash are to communicate with and handle your dog during training and to keep your dog under control and out of trouble when out in public.
If your dog suffers from anxiety, is on calming aids, or has a timid personality, dog training will benefit them.
Your first consideration for the correct type of leash for training your dog will be based on what breed of dog you own. More powerful breeds, such as the Neapolitan mastiff, require a far sturdier and wider leash than, say, a tiny Silky terrier.
According to professional dog trainers, the lead you choose should be lightweight enough to use with a puppy but tough enough to restrain an adult dog.
However, the wide range of leashes made of different materials found today on the market makes picking the right one a little more challenging.
No-nonsense nylon leashes and leather leashes are great choices as both are made of durable material, while rubber and cotton dog leashes are less sturdy and more flimsy.
The only drawback with leather leashes is that they are more expensive than their nylon counterparts, but leather leashes can last a lifetime.
A six-foot leash is an ideal standard for obedience training work for dogs, although standard leashes can range anywhere from four to eight feet in length.
When considering leash lengths, look for one that allows for a good, solid grip and allows your dog freedom of movement to roam. But make sure it is short enough to take control of the dog if necessary.
Longer leashes, sometimes referred to as “lines”, range from 20 to 100 feet or more. They are a great option for giving your dog a sense of freedom and free rein while still keeping it in check.
Newbie dog trainers often overlook these long leashes, but they are helpful when working on your dog’s recall abilities.
Retractable dog leashes are another option on the market, but note that these leashes are not ideal for training.
In fact, not only do retractable leashes encourage pulling as your dog gets used to the constant low-level tension on the line, but they can also cause you serious injuries, such as rope burn.
Training treats have got to be a vital part of your dog training toolbox. Knowing a tasty reward is on the way motivates a dog to respond to commands and elicit good behavior.
Bite-sized soft treats such as cheese or bacon will generally do the trick. In fact, the stronger the treat smells, the better. Unfortunately, soft kibbles will just not cut it if you are training your dog in a distracting environment.
Try training your dog once or twice a day, if time permits, for 15 minutes, which is probably more than enough time to start achieving good results.
Switch to a different treat occasionally so that your dog does not get bored.
Additionally, slow-eating dog training treats-like bully sticks or dog toys that you can stuff with food that your dog can savor for long periods-are ideal for training them to lie in their crates or to encourage them to lie quietly beside you.
Collars and harnesses play an important role in dog training.
Dog collars are a convenient way to restrain your dogs during any outdoor activity. You can also choose from a variety of electric fences for dogs, which are great for your pup’s safety and an amazing training tool in the right hands.
Just like dog leashes, there is a dizzying array of dog collars and harnesses on the market today.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, a flat collar should fit comfortably around your dog’s neck. It should not be too tight or too loose. Ideally, you should be able to get two fingers beneath the collar.
First, you have the standard, simple flat collar, which you can attach to a leash.
However, this type of collar is unsuitable for some dogs with narrower heads, who can wriggle out of it.
The martingale collar tightens around the dog’s neck when it pulls on the leash.
The pressure does not choke the dog; instead, it makes it uncomfortable enough if they pull to discourage this behavior.
A head halter or harness is another great option if you need something more secure. It is best for strong dogs who are tough to handle on a walk.
What is great about the harness is that you can snag it with front clip options, which can help when your dog pulls.
Lastly, you have prong collars that dig into the sensitive skin around the neck of the dog.
And while they are still legal in the US, institutions such as the Humane Society discourage their use.
You’ve got the smelly dog treats on hand, but how do you carry them when out on your walk or during obedience training with your dog?
Yes, you can keep them in your pant pockets, but it will make them harder to get to, and you will end up with smelly pants to boot.
Enter the treat pouch or bag on your dog training equipment list. You can clip these convenient and portable pouches to your pants or buckle them around your waist.
Washable, stink-resistant, and sometimes with multiple zippered compartments, these treat pouches and bags come in various designs and colors.
Some even have a built-in poop bag dispenser, so when you and your dog head out, you have everything securely at hand.
It’s an easy, convenient way to store treats and dispense them quickly, which is important when working on agility and precise training commands.
The clicker is a small device that fits into your hand that you can click when your dog performs the desired behavior during training.
Clicker training is an easy, effective, and popular dog training method. It creates an association in your dog’s brain between the click and the edible treat it receives.
Many professional dog trainers swear by clickers and claim they allow you to train your dog that much faster.
In fact, during the “charging or loading process”, when the dog associates the click with the treat, the association very quickly becomes so strong that just the click sound is reward enough for the dog.
It can also be used for shaping, which involves building a more complex behavior by breaking down the desired response training session into small steps, such as teaching your dog to roll over.
Remember to plan your training sessions thoroughly and remember that every time you press the clicker, your dog will feel good and expect a treat, so don’t disappoint.
An essential part of your dog training equipment list is sturdy walking shoes for yourself.
Purchase lightweight, waterproof trail shoes that are durable and comfortable and provide the right support for your back and feet.
Basic training can be easy if you have an intelligent and motivated dog, but when you get to the more advanced types of training, you will require the knowledge of a pro.
So if you fancy yourself as the next dog whisperer, seek out training guides by animal behaviorists and dog trainers.
Online forums and blogs are great sources of advice, as are books that cover desired behaviors in your dog and what is involved in their training process.
Watching dog training videos will send you well on your way to excelling in dog obedience training.
Finding the right supplies, rather than expensive ones, helps improve the bond between you and your dog while training them.
Most dogs are open to learning, and although some can be more stubborn than others, proper training will provide them with both confidence and mental stimulation.
All dogs, regardless of breed or size, will display undesirable behavior at some point in the training process, as the desired behavior may be at odds with their instincts.
However, refrain from negative reinforcement and punishment on dogs, as they can traumatize them and cause high levels of stress and behavioral problems like aggression. As shock collars, electronic and e-collars are potentially harmful and inhumane, we strongly oppose their use.
So be patient, and soon you’ll have an even-tempered and well-trained dog that you share a wonderful relationship with!
I am a full-time mum of two kids and a beautiful golden retriever. Writing is my passion: from food journalism to pets, parenting tips, etc. I can write on just about everything under the sun. I have been writing for the past 7 years and during that time, I have been a regular contributor to several blogs and pet magazines. I have also written feature articles, POV pieces, and dabbled in a few different formats of writing over the years.
