Ready to level up your dog’s training? Make sure you have the right gear. Here’s the best dog training equipment recommended by professional dog trainers and behaviourists to help you and your dog master recall, loose leash walking, and other vital skills.
Best Dog Training Equipment To Stop Pulling
Does your dog pull when you go out for walks? While it’s possible to teach loose leash walking with any collar or harness, it’s easier to communicate with your dog and keep their focus on walks with no-pull walking gear.
Keep in mind that most no-pull gear is designed to hurt your dog if they pull. We do not recommend prong collars, choke collars, or harnesses that are designed to tighten around your dog’s waist.
All of these items have been shown to cause reactivity or make reactivity worse. They do not teach your dog when it’s okay to walk ahead, only that any time they see something that excites them – such as another dog, a squirrel, a person, or an interesting tree, they get hurt.
Proper walking gear helps you direct your dog’s attention on a walk, but it too is not a way to replace training. Rather, it allows you to keep your dog focused so they’re able to stay in-sync with you on walks and listen to your cues.
A front-clip harness such as the EasyWalk is great for both first-time dog owners and experienced dog trainers. When the dog pulls, they end up facing you, making it easier for you to redirect them.
Front-clip harnesses can cause orthopedic damage over time if not fitted correctly. Make sure the front of the harness does not droop, impeding your dog’s gait. Alternate sides, having your dog walk on your right some days, and on other days, on your left side.
Halti head collars are very similar to a halter you’d use to lead a horse. You clip the leash under your dog’s chin, and this makes it easier to steer your dog. Where the head goes, the body follows.
It takes some training to help your dog get used to wearing the halti head collar. Your dog may, at first, paw at the strap over their nose, but with short sessions and plenty of positive reinforcement, they’ll be excited to put it on before walks. A halti is not restrictive like a muzzle; your dog will be able to pant, drink water, and eat while wearing it.
Best Dog Training Equipment For Recall
Do you want to be able to trust your dog off-leash, knowing that they’ll come back when called no matter what? Start with a long line. It gives your dog more freedom than a standard leash while allowing you to reel them in should they try to run off.
Successful recalls should always be generously rewarded with high value treats. Though what’s “high value” varies from dog to dog, we find that most dogs love food rolls.
Though food rolls are normally solid enough to form cubes that you can carry with you on walks, they will make your pockets smell deliciously meaty. We like to carry treats in a dog walk carryall. It can be worn in three different ways, and it even has a built-in poop bag dispenser and plenty of room for your keys, wallet, and phone.
Book Your Free Consultation Today!
Now that you’re equipped with the right gear, you’re almost ready to start training.
The best tool to have in your arsenal is the guidance of an experienced force-free trainer. Online private dog training is the most affordable and easiest way to make sure you’re using equipment correctly, working at your dog’s unique pace, and setting your dog up for success.
Ready to get started? Get your FREE dog training consultation.
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