Equipment Recommendations
1) Treat bag
Since I use fresh treats, I also use a quiet silicone bag, or two, to hold my treats in my fanny-pack treat bag. My go-to is this Zip-Top snack bag
I like the Zip-Top snack bag in particular because it fits in my fanny pack, is reusable, stays open for easy access to treats and is most importantly, QUIET. The crinkling of a plastic bag can distract your pup during training or accidentally reward the wrong behavior.
Some other treat bag options:
An easily accessible pocket is okay but not ideal, as it can take valuable time to find your pocket, and then find the opening of your treat bag.
Please don't plan on holding the treat bag in your hands during training sessions, as this can be a distraction for your pup, and you’ll need at least two hands for training.
2) Treats
For an hour long training session
Come with a hungry pup
Come with at least 2 cups of very small cut/diced (around 1/8 inch) but easily handled, and high-value treats prepared.
I find it’s handy to have a few different choices, so you can change it up and keep your pup interested throughout the long training session.
Fresh treats are the most exciting:
hot dogs, cheddar and low fat mozzarella cheese, turkey, chicken, ham, meatballs, deli meats, or salami. Variety is always more exciting for your pup!
It’s easiest if the pieces are evenly sized and easy to handle (e.g. cubes and not shreds) so not too many treats fall on the ground, which is distracting for your pup.
Packaged treats I recommend if fresh is inconvenient:
Air dried dog food that’s soft enough for training
Weird but it can be more interesting for some dogs due to the higher fat content.
Happy Howies Treat Log (Multiple)
Squeezable dog treat pouches are also a portable and effective option! Especially for dogs who tend to bite down hard when they’re eating a treat.
I tend to stick to the pouches with the simpler dog-approved ingredient, just make sure to check the ingredients for anything your dog may be sensitive to.
Refillable DIY pouch options
Please let your trainer know if your pup has any food allergies.
3) Harness (front clip) - Make sure to measure your pup, as a good fit is essential. Adjust the harness so you have space for about two fingers under each strap. Here are my preferred harnesses in order of preference:
My top Harness choice for Medium-XL Pups
If your pup is in between sizes, go for the smaller size.
A good harness option for XS-Medium Pups
A great choice for extreme pullers, extra large pups and/or reactive pups This walking tool does take some more getting used to than the body harnesses and special training is required before use.
Popular but I don’t recommend:
A good choice for very specific body shapes but otherwise can fit loosely around the chest and is less effective for managing pulling.
This harness loosens often which makes it much less effective and can restrict shoulder mobility, which stresses the joints and muscles.
Prong collars
This type of equipment can send conflicting and negative messages to your pup and is significantly less effective at managing behavior than my recommended equipment.
I don’t condone prong collar use when working with clients.
4) Flat 6 foot leash
I like a flat leash the most for my finger and hand comfort as well as for the most control and least slippage.
5) Long Line great recall practice and safe off-leash simulation for distractible or unpredictable dogs and puppies. No need to buy this if these aren’t your training issues.
I love this one because it's waterproof, really sturdy, is far less likely to cause rope burn than nylon webbing, it practically self-cleans, and doesn't get wrapped as easily as nylon webbing around your pup.
Wider (3/4" thick) is better for larger/stronger pups.
Slimmer (1/2“ thick) if preferable for medium to smaller pups.
I suggest getting a loud color like red, orange or yellow so you don’t accidentally step on or get caught up in the excess line.
6) Travel bed: This is an essential tool for over excited pups or dogs with impulse control challenges.
Low-profile mat that’s easy to move and bring to new places.
Check to make sure your pup can lie down and fit comfortably on the mat/bed without spilling off. Here are some ideas and examples:
Non-slip bathmat or kitchen mat
something similar to this: Basic Bath Mat
A towel
7)If you need them:
Puzzle toys
Kong or hollow beef bone filled and frozen
Fill with peanut butter, leftovers, ground beef and other goodies. Here is a document with a bunch of fun kong stuffing recipes that you can use for bone stuffing as well.
DIY puzzles are great too, aka an empty egg carton with kibble sprinkled inside - messy but really fun!
Check out the Canine Enrichment Facebook group for more great ideas.
Muzzles and Fox-Tail Masks