Dog Training (Digital Book)
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Think about a personal goal you’ve set for yourself. It could be anything! Whether you’re hoping to exercise more, eat healthier, or learn a new hobby, your goal likely requires a variety of tools to support you.
The same goes for dog training. You and your dog will achieve your training goals much faster with the right equipment. The good news is that you can find some of these tools around your house or inside your fridge! You can save a lot of money by getting a little creative.
Let’s explore the equipment I use with my dog, Roxy. For those looking to save some cash, I’ll also suggest ways to scrounge together what you may already own.
Below is a quick shopping list of everything I recommend. If you’d like to read on for more in-depth information, keep scrolling!
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There is an overwhelming amount of dog training equipment to choose from. And the tools you use to train your dog will influence the approach you take to your pup’s education. A shock or pinch collar, for example, will make training very scary and painful for your dog.
That’s why it is important to choose the right equipment. Gentle training tools support a gentle training approach–which is the foundation of 1 Minute Dog Training! Instead of using a prong, shock, or choke collar, there are many safe and effective alternatives I recommend.
Flat Collar
A flat collar is what likely comes to mind when you think of a dog collar. These collars are far better than pinch, chain, prong, and especially shock collars.
I love this collar for my dog. I have our family name and my phone number embroidered on the collar. This brand creates comfortable, high-quality collars that can last a lifetime.
I recommend embroidering your dog’s collar instead of using a dog tag. Why? Because you know the ID tag cannot break off. If you get separated from your dog, someone could easily contact you.
I also think it’s better to include my family name on the collar instead of my dog’s name. I’ve heard stories of people keeping a lost dog who didn’t respond to their name. These people might be more likely to return a lost dog if they don’t know the pup’s name.
Many people keep their dog’s flat collar on at all times. You only want to attach a leash to your dog’s flat collar for short trips, like a potty break in your yard. For lengthier leash outings, reach for a harness instead.
Harness
Does your dog pull on the leash? Many dogs do, especially in the early stages of leash training. The strain this causes on a dog’s neck can cause serious injuries.
For walking your dog, a harness is better than a flat collar. A harness has a lot more material than a collar, fitting more like a shirt than a necklace.
They help relieve tension from your dog’s neck when walking on a leash. If you want to learn more about my leash training method, click here!
I’ve used this harness for years. It’s af
fordable, high quality, and my dog is very comfortable wearing it.
It also has a front clip, which is one of the best tools for leash training. If your dog pulls when the leash is attached to the front clip, the harness will cause your dog to turn around. Your pup will quickly learn that not pulling means the walk keeps moving forward!
Head Collar
A head collar is a very humane type of training collar. They are like a halter for a horse. This tool allows you to easily communicate with your dog without choking her.
Head collars keep your dog focused, and they are an important tool for leash training. In my experience, dogs are much less likely to pull on their leash when wearing a head collar.
These collars fit around your dog’s snout, so they might take some getting used to. Many dogs are very sensitive to being touched on their face. So, I like to slowly introduce dogs to their head collars.
I recommend working with the head collar indoors before you take it for a test run around the block. Here are my first steps:
- I start by making the head collar my dog’s best friend. If she sniffs or even looks at it, I give her heaps of praise and a treat.
- I put it on her face gradually, and take it off when she resists.
- I praise her frequently as she adjusts to the sensation.
It doesn’t take long before she links the head collar with walks and treats and praise, which is exactly what you want. I’ve found that dogs quickly adapt to wearing it, and only resist it in the very early stages.
There are many different types of head collars on the market. I use a Gentle Leader.
Leash
You will also need a leash to attach to your dog’s collar, harness, or head halter. I recommend a long leash like this one. I also like this one. For the DIY readers, you could easily use a piece of rope that is at least 10 feet long.
Please do not use retractable leashes when training your dog. Although they are convenient, these leashes are very easy to misuse. Retractable leashes can injure both you and your dog. It’s better to be safe than sorry! So, I stick to a standard long line leash.
Treats
Remember that goal you thought about earlier? Now, think about how you reward yourself for working towards it. Maybe you treat yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant once a week. Or you savor that cookie that tastes so much better after a challenging workout.
Well, once again, dogs are like this too. Most dogs are highly motivated by food. So, I like to leverage my dog’s training sessions with her love for snacking.
Once she gets the hang of things, I replace treats with free (and less fattening) rewards like love and affection.
In those early stages of training, I use small, single ingredient treats made from wholesome nutrients. I am almost embarrassed to admit how many times I’ve purchased these treats.
I just checked, and I’ve reordered these treats 70 times. That means that I’ve spent over $1000 on these treats over the years. But it’s money well spent! My dog absolutely loves them.
And so many treats are over-processed and full of chemicals that can harm your dog. Did you know that half of all dogs develop cancer by the time they are 10 years old? It’s really important to be mindful of what we feed our pups. These treats are human grade, grass fed, all natural beef.
Speaking of human grade treats, you might be surprised to find a handful of dog-friendly snacks inside your own fridge. Blueberries, carrots, and frozen peas make excellent training treats, just to name a few.
Feed your dog human food with caution though, because many things you eat can poison your pup. Here is a list of foods you should never give your dog.
One of my favorite ways to reward dogs with food is by rationing their dinner. If you feed your pup commercial dog food, individual pieces of kibble are great treat alternatives. You won’t pay a penny more than what you’re already spending. Better yet, this encourages your dog to work for her meals, which is intellectually stimulating and great for her mental health.
Again, I think it’s important to slowly wean off the treats when training and replace them with greater rewards: Touch, affection and love. You want your dog to listen because he wants to. Many dogs will only listen for treats.
I start by switching up which rewards you use. I’ll alternate between treats, TTouches, and praise. Your dog will prefer touch over treats before you know it!
And I still give my dog treats from time to time. She loves them, and I love giving them to her. I just prefer giving treats in moderation, especially since I’ve established a solid relationship with my pup.
Final Thoughts
Remember that training your dog is all about building a positive relationship. With the right tools and a sprinkle of creativity, you can create a fun and effective training routine. Choose gear that’s comfortable and safe, steering clear of anything that causes discomfort or fear.
And remember the power of patience and positive reinforcement – it’s the key to unlocking your dog’s full potential. So, whether you’re working together in 1 minute sessions or whipping up homemade treats from your fridge, here’s to happy training and a lifelong bond with your pup!
