Dog Training Tools of the Trade
Since it is National Train Your Dog Month, I thought our readers might want a little more insight into the dog training “tools of the trade” we use as dog trainers. Previously, I did a series about the psychology behind training (Positive Reinforcement, Positive Punishment, Negative Reinforcement, Negative Punishment) – but these are the actual things we use to help train dogs and get great results. Remember: it’s all in how you use them, every dog is different (so we may not use all of these on a dog), and we have a multi-method system that gives us different options 😉
Basic Obedience Training
- 6-foot NON-RETRACTABLE leash. Retractable leashes offer no control for the owner, and yes, you are supposed to be in control. Plus, we have seen plenty of rope burns across the backs of legs where a dog wrapped around and then ran. Ouch!
- A Collar, harness, or gentle leader. Collars can very in types, depending on the dog. Variations are: flat buckle, combination collar (or “check-choke, as I have seen them labeled), choke chain, prong collar, e-Collar.
- We prefer collars since they help control the dog’s head when used properly (similar to a bridle on a horse). When you control the head, the rest of the dog’s body generally follows 😉
- Harnesses and gentle leaders can work, but sometimes it takes longer for the dog to get used to them and they are too distracted trying to get out of them/get them off to do any training. If they are successful ONCE getting it off, then they have self-rewarded and they will always try to get it off – and therefore are too distracted to train.
- The other down-side to harnesses and gentle leaders: they can run the fur off your dog in the area they constantly rub against (nose, shoulder, chest, etc.).
- Treats. Any treat your dog enjoys, we don’t mind bringing this element in 🙂 And yes, we do try to teach you how to wean them off the treats 😉
- A Clicker. This is great for treat-based training. Short explanation: you pair the click with a treat, and the dog works for the click.
- Long-line leash. We use this for our long-distance come to help reinforce them coming to you 🙂
- Praise. LOTS AND LOTS OF PRAISE! ALWAYS praise your dog with they do something correctly! Don’t you like to get praised for doing something right? Doesn’t it make you want to do it again? Yup, praise makes training FUN for your dog!
Off-leash Obedience Training
- Long-line leash. You can reinforce commands at a distance from you when you handle this properly.
- e-Collar. We start on-leash first, then we can introduce and e-Collar if needed to reinforce. As I mentioned earlier, every dog is different, so not all dogs need this.
Related: Training Programs
Agility Training
- Treats. Obviously, you want to reward those baby steps as you train the agility equipment.
- Clicker. This helps extend the time of “you did that correctly” to when they can get the treat. For example, if they are across the yard, but they executed the command correctly, you can click to let them know it was right…then they know the treat is coming when they get back to you.
- Reward toys. Great for when they’ve completed the whole course. Make sure it is something they LOVE and will want to work for!
- Agility equipment. You can grab these online, but if you want to teach agility, you have to have the set-ups 😉
- Leash. To keep your dog’s attention, sometimes you have to train on the leash first to help guide them. You can wean it off later once they get the concept 100%.
Tricks
- Leash. Again, it helps keep your dog’s attention and focus. Depending on the trick, you may need it to help guide you.
- Clicker. Again, marks the time the did it right to let them know the treat is coming.
- Treats. They gotta WANT these to work for them 🙂
There are a few more tools in our tool-belt, but I can’t give away all our secrets 😉
Need help training any of these skills or work on problem solving? We would love to help!
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