The Best Dog Training Supplies

Last Updated on July 12, 2021

If you have a dog that is in need of training, it’ll be helpful to prepare yourself and your dog for success. A trained dog is often a happy dog which leads to a happy owner. Check out these helpful dog training supplies to get you started off on the right paw.

Dog training supplies can help make the process easier for you and your puppy or dog. Training treats, collars, leashes, and harnesses are often necessary tools to help your dog build confidence and skills.

The Best Dog Training Supplies

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Training Treats

Using treats to help with training is often a very effective method. Most dogs are food motivated. When you promise a yummy treat, they are willing to do what you want.

You have to be careful when using treats to make sure they are still eating their dog food. It’s just like people – if we fill up on snacks, we tend to not eat nutritious meals. However, training treats come in so many sizes and flavors, and when used appropriately are good tools to have.

A helpful hint is to buy bigger sized treats and break off tiny pieces for training. This is especially helpful with smaller dogs as they will get full faster. Full dogs are not very food motivated to do what you’re teaching them. Small pieces help avoid this problem.

You definitely want to include them in your dog training supplies and don’t be afraid to get a variety of flavors – switch it up and keep your dog guessing on what delicious treat is coming.

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E-Collars for Dog Training

E-Collars are often misunderstood and used incorrectly. If you aren’t familiar with an e-collar, it may be best to enlist the help of a professional dog trainer. They can assist with learning the proper way to use it.

They are not intended to use for punishment. Again – a trainer is the best person to get you started using one. However, you can often purchase an e-collar affordably on your own. Then get help learning how to use it the most effective way.

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Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes

Of course, you don’t want to skip over the collars and leashes when training. And some dogs do better with a harness as opposed to a standard collar.

Make sure you have your pet’s name and a contact number on a tag in the event that they run away.

There are so many types of collars to get – cloth, nylon, leather, chain, you name it, they probably make a collar out of that material.

Ideally for training your dog, you want to stick with a shorter leash, especially for beginning training. You don’t want them to have too much slack on the leash when they are learning to stay with you while walking.

Long Lines For Recall

If you are in the training stage of having your pup come when called, a long-line training leash is incredibly helpful.

You can buy them in varying lengths and it’s a great way to safely train the dog to come when you call or give them a particular command. It gives you peace of mind that they are still confined, but you can test their skills at 20, 30, 50, or even 100 feet away.

If you’ve ever had a dog that was a flight risk, you know how scary it can be if they get loose. Training them on a long line like this one can help to prevent those risks for you and your beloved dog.

Training Bells for Potty Training

Along with obedience training in puppies comes potty training as well. It’s sometimes one of the more difficult and frustrating parts of getting a new puppy.

However, you’ll be surprised at how quickly they will pick up on it especially if you incorporate a training device like a bell on the floor or hanging on the door.

If you are consistent with ringing the bell each time you let them out, they will learn to associate that ringing the bell means going out to potty. There are several styles including this floor version and these hanging doorbells.

Training Mat or Elevated Surface

Sometimes it’s helpful to build your dog’s confidence by having a particular place to go or skill to master such as climbing onto a block. If you don’t have a block, use a stool, or a box – whatever works for you and your pup’s size.

Try having a specific mat or bed that is solely “their place”. Teach them, again and again, to go to their place. Go to the place or climb on the elevated surface, reward. And repeat. Over and over again.

An option like this elevated bed might work for both skills. This can be especially helpful if you have a dog that goes crazy when someone comes to the door. Eventually, you’ll teach them to go to “their place” when someone is coming in the door.

No one likes to be bombarded by an unruly dog when going to someone’s house. Or if they have small children that are scared of dogs, this will help alleviate that fear. The dog will know he/she stays in “place” until you give the command otherwise.

Hopefully, this list of dog training supplies will help you and your puppy or dog develop a strong and healthy relationship.

It can be frustrating sometimes. Have some patience and most importantly be consistent. Get help from a trainer if necessary. Getting a dog is a commitment that will hopefully last for years. If your dog has good skills and training, it will be a more positive experience for both of you!

See also – How much exercise does a puppy need? Don’t forget that mental stimulation with training is often just as good or even better than physical stimulation!