A well trained dog is a better companion and the right equipment is foundational. Here’s our recommendations for dog training equipment. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We have created a range of options to offer our clients a variety of choices. If you’re uncertain about the most suitable tools for your needs, please feel free to contact us for personalized guidance!
Leashes
Your leash is the way you communicate with your dog. Leashes for dog handling should be be made of a thin, durable material with high quality steel or brass hardware. Biothane is easier to clean and better for dragging if you have a puppy. You can order very thin widths using this link for biothane if you need the leash for puppy training.
Training Leads
Dragging a lead (aka line) is an essential part of our training program for dogs who are working on building a reliable recall. Small puppies should drag a thin training line or a cat leash.
Flexi-Leads are only an option if you are working with Leah on remote collar training. Please do not purchase this training tool if you are working with Lori.
Slip Leads and Training Tabs
Slip leads provide a way to leash a dog immediately out of the crate without needing a collar. A long line slip lead is a tool of choice for Leah if the dog isn’t wearing a secure, belt buckle style collar. Training tabs are useful in the later stages of electric collar training and when playing with your dog.
Collars
A belt buckle collar is the safest option for leash work. A plastic quick release collar is for hanging tags and not for leash work. Use quick release collars for puppies and for dogs who are working with other equipment when walking or hiking. Starmark Collars are an alternative to the Herm Sprenger Prong Collar for leash handling and should be worn in addition to a flat buckle collar.
Harnesses
Harnesses are useful for long line work and for leash handling with certain dogs. All of these harnesses are back attaching harnesses EXCEPT for the Easy Walk Harness. The Gooby Step in and the Voyager Step in are good options for small dogs.
High Value Food for Training
Most of these options are beef but feel free to choose any protein which suits your dog.
Alpha Dog Supplements
We use these supplements for our own personal dogs. We used Opti Pup for Raven during her first year. We currently use Balance for all 3 of our dogs and Buddha takes Free Range.
Use code ABC15 to save 15% on your entire order at Alpha Dog.
*Alpha Dog is not an Amazon Order
Crates/Pens/Placeboards
These links for crate options have different sizes available. If your dog chews bedding, Kuranda dog beds fit in most wire crate sizes. Measure your dog and your space before purchasing.
Travel Safety and Accessories
Your dog should be secure when you travel. These items offer different levels of security depending on your preference. We highly recommend a travel kennel for highway travel. Our own personal dogs always travel in a travel kennel.
Treat Pouches
Having a concealed pocket to keep food or toys is helpful when training. A hoodie with deep pockets or a kitchen apron works. Fanny packs work, but here’s a training tip – the reward needs to be easy to access when you are teaching!
Toys for Interactive Play – Chase
These suggestions are for retrieval games with your dog. All toys on this list should be kept away from your dog and brought out for playtime only. If you’re working with Leah on disc sports, start with the soft disc for rollers before graduating to the plastic dog sport discs. Leah’s favorite motivator if a dog is graduating from ball to disc is the PetSpy Ring. We advise against small toys for puppies because they can get lodged in the dog’s throat. We work as much as we can with full sized equipment.
Toys for Interactive Play – Tug
These suggestions are for possession games and should be kept away from your dog except during play. The options in white buttons are for puppies or for building your game. The options in bold are for dogs who are more committed during play.
Snuggle Puppy
This is one of the only gimmicky things that we have found actually works. For very young puppies, this warm, active toy can be soothing. Pay attention! Make sure your puppy isn’t chewing the snuggle in the crate.
Chew Toys/Bones
Here is a list of possible pacifiers for your puppy in the crate or for your dog when on place. Beware of small versions of these items, they are a choking hazard. Any of these items can turn into a choking hazard eventually, throw away old bones and wash synthetic chews regularly. Always supervise a dog with a chew toy or bone.
Stainless Steel Bowls
Inexpensive, stainless steel bowls are by far the best option for feeding. Avoid plastic or stands to hold the bowls off the ground. These features are unsanitary unless you are able to wash them after every feeding.
Grooming Tools
Grooming is part of dog training. Being able to touch and handle your dog for nail clips, a wash or a sanitary trim is an excellent skill. Below are our staple grooming tools.
Brushes and Combs
These are our desert island tools. There are, of course, many gimmicky options but in reality, a slicker brush and comb are most used in our arsenal.
Nails
These red handled clippers are the only ones we use. A small container of styptic powder is best if you have one dog. It very easily clumps. Styptic powder is necessary if you are tackling nail trims yourself.
Shampoo and Conditioner
Ever wonder about the signature Lori-groomed-my-dog smell? Look no further. Lucky Braids is Leah’s favorite shampoo, it has less scent and we have found that it works well for dogs with skin sensitivity. The benzol-peroxide shampoo is for dogs with more extreme skin issues. Ear wash is great to have on hand to prevent infections.
Our Favorite Blower!
Dogs who are in need of regular grooming must tolerate a high speed blow dryer. Dogs who don’t necessarily need a professional for grooming like short coated breeds or medium coated breeds can still benefit from being completely dry after a bath. For example, if your dog has a hot spot or is susceptible to skin infections, it is great to be able to dry them thoroughly. Unrelated, high speed dryers are great for blowing dog hair out of our vehicles, almost as valuable as a vacuum!