Dog Training Tools: Dogs Love Dog Treats
Dog treats are a crucial component for those who use positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training and are one of the indispensable dog training tools.
Treats are an affordable way to maintain a dog’s motivation and reward them for good behavior. With a wide range of options, it is simple to find a treat that your dog loves and will work for.
When using treats for training, it is recommended to opt for small and easily consumable treats to avoid wasting time during training sessions. Keep the sugar to a minimum as it is bad for their teeth, just like for humans!
A Safe Place: the Dog Crate
A dog crate plays a significant role in dog training. Crate training is one of the most straightforward and fastest ways to house-train a dog. -Dogs do not think of a crate as a ‘jail’ for punishment. This is one of the differences between puppy, dog and human thought processes that is worth remembering! It is important to know your pup’s developmental stage.
Crates also provide a safe space to confine your dog when unsupervised, preventing problem behaviors such as destructive chewing and inappropriate chewing. The crate should be a happy and comfortable place for your dog.
The Clicker: Understandable (by Dogs) Training Aid
A clicker is a small handheld device that produces a clicking sound used in clicker training to signal a dog’s good behavior, followed by a treat reward.
Clicker training is a quick and efficient method of dog training. While a clicker is not a necessity in training, it can help to ensure accurate communication with the dog, as the sound of the clicker is associated with a reward in the dog’s mind.
The Essential Dog Collar or Harness
Amidst the chaos and turmoil of teaching a new puppy to walk on a leash, harnesses emerge as a lifesaver for pet owners and trainers alike. These handy tools provide a crucial safeguard against the discomfort and pain that often result from flat neck collars when a puppy is pulling in every direction.
Not only do harnesses prevent choking and neck problems, but they also offer added options, such as front clip attachment points, which can help deter pulling.
But a harness is not a magic cure for leash pulling, it’s rather a helpful tool for effectively training proper leash behavior.
There are various types of collars and harnesses, and the choice depends on the type of training being done. A flat collar or martingale collar works best for positive reinforcement training, while a head halter or harness is suitable for dogs who are difficult to handle on walks.
- Flat-collar harness: A simple design that fits over your dog’s head and rests across the chest, providing a secure and comfortable fit.
- Front-clip harness: A harness with a clip located on the front of the chest, making it easier to control dogs that tend to pull.
- No-pull harness: A harness designed to discourage pulling by applying pressure to the dog’s chest and torso, instead of the neck.
- Back-clip harness: A harness with a clip located on the back of the dog, providing more freedom of movement for dogs that enjoy pulling.
- Step-in harness: A harness that is designed to be easy to put on, with a step-in design that requires your dog to simply step into the harness.
- Vest harness: A harness with a vest-like design that provides extra support and comfort, making it ideal for dogs with mobility issues or anxiety.
- Head halter: A harness that fits over the dog’s head and muzzle, providing extra control over the head and neck, making it ideal for dogs that are prone to pulling.
- Sled harness: A harness designed specifically for sled dogs, with strong straps and padding to provide extra support and comfort during extreme outdoor activities.
The Indispensable Dog Leash
Leashes are an essential tool in dog training and play a critical role in the training of good walking behavior. A dog that has learned to walk on a loose leash is more likely to receive plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, which leads to good behavior.
Dog leashes come in various types, materials, and sizes and the material used is a key factor to consider.
The four basic materials are
- leather,
- nylon,
- chain, and
- fabric.
In terms of size, standard leashes can range from 4 to 8 feet and their length affects the level of control the owner has over the dog.
Most leashes have a flat structure, but round rope construction can provide extra strength for strong dogs.
Other factors to consider when choosing a leash include the size, age, and training level of the dog, as bigger dogs need thicker leashes and younger dogs may require a stronger leash to prevent pulling.
The use of retractable dog leashes is not recommended for training purposes, as it can pose a significant hazard.
A sudden grab of the leash during a panic situation could result in severe rope burns and even lead to a visit to the emergency room.
The retractable design of these leashes also reduces the level of feedback provided to your dog, which can contribute to undesirable behavior, such as pulling.
If your dog is exhibiting pulling behavior, it’s crucial to switch to a no-pull harness and focus on teaching proper walking etiquette through consistent training.
The Long Leash for Training
Often disregarded, long leashes can be a versatile and impactful addition to any training toolkit.
With lengths ranging from a mere 20 feet to an incredible 100 feet or more, these lightweight lines provide the illusion of off-leash adventures while maintaining control over your canine companion.
They are ideal for practicing recall and refining off-leash etiquette. long leashes offer ample space for exploration without demanding absolute obedience.
Don’t miss out on the many benefits these leashes have to offer.
The Convenient Treat Pouch
A treat pouch is a handy tool available at dog supply stores, making it easy to have treats close at hand during training sessions.
By keeping treats close, the timing of reward can be more precise, and the pouch can be hung on a belt loop for easy access. Having a treat pouch also eliminates the risk of washing dog treats in your pocket.
The Benefits of Chew Toys
In the good ol’, bad ol’ days, a bone or a stick made up the complete list of dog chew toys (and most dogs dined on food scraps!). Now is different, of course, and dog toys are a sizeable part of the billion dollar pet dog industry.
Sticks and bones are still respectable chewing material, and now Chew toys, like treat dispensing toys, provide entertainment and stimulation for dogs and give them something to chew on. They also leave no mess in the house.
Chew toys are now a necessary part of dogs’ routine because of their modern change of diet. Harmful plaque builds up on teeth and gums as a result of the sugars in their diet, and chewing builds blood flow to the gums and helps break down dental plaque.
Their are many different kinds of Chew Toys for dogs on the market, usually made of plastic.
If your dog is a powerful chewer choose harder toys, and vice versa for small, fine boned dogs. Older Pets require soft, smooth and squishy, vinyl or latex toys are great for older dogs because they’re easy on sensitive teeth and gums.
Choose a toy which will be easy to chew and can fit in your dog’s mouth.
Dogs who have a tendency to chew should steer clear of tennis balls due to various reasons. Firstly, the yellow fuzz on the ball can lead to the wearing down of tooth enamel if chewed on. Secondly, a study has found that certain tennis ball brands contain lead, as mentioned in this Bark.com article about lead and toxid dog toys. However, it’s unclear how many balls and brands were tested in the study
A long list of products to be found on Amazon or similar, by searching for “Dog Chew toys”. Here, it may be more interesting to see a summary of Dog Owners’ comments on a well-known vet’s site, discussing their experiences:
- Regulations on products sold by China are needed to improve safety of chew toys.
- One dog owner has experienced difficulty finding a chew toy that their dog cannot destroy or swallow, suggesting a need for more durable toys.
- One dog owner has found Starmark brand silicone toys and Chuck-It strato balls to be the most durable.
- The large red rubber “jolly ball” is suggested as a durable option for destructive chewers.
- Another dog owner has found a few chew toys that have been able to withstand their dog’s chewing.
- Boiled wool may not be the best material for a homemade dog toy due to the potential for dogs to chew off and swallow pieces.
- The safety of beef cheek rolls for dogs is uncertain, and the “thumbnail test” and lack of excessive flavors or coatings should be considered before giving to a dog.
- One dog owner recommends heavy, non-flavored chew toys for serious chewers that do not result in excessive thirst.
- Leaving dogs completely unsupervised with a chew toy can be dangerous and may pose a choking hazard. He suggests using a stuffable interactive toy, such as a properly sized Kong or Toppl for the times when you can’t supervise her with a chew.
Calming Aids for Anxious Dogs
Dogs sometimes become anxious when particular events occur, especially if they have socialization problems. Many become frightened, for example, during thunderstorms or fireworks.
For these occasions you can use one of the various calming aids in their training routine.
To alleviate anxiety, there are a variety of specialized products, such as the Thundershirt, a wrap that has been shown to provide comfort and ease fear in dogs.
Other options include Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP) collars and sprays, aimed at calming the nerves of scared dogs.
To enhance your dog’s behavioral wellness, it may be worth considering consulting with a veterinarian about supplements like Solliquin, which have been known to have a tranquilizing effect on dogs.