Recommended "needs" to start training your dog!

Training is an important part of being a responsible dog owner! Regular training can help to add structure to your dogs day, build your relationship with your dog, and can just be plain fun!! But with all of the different products designed to catch your eye, how do you know what to get in order to start your training journey? Don't worry, you're not alone in feeling lost - most of my first-time clients have the very same question: "What do I need to train my dog?"

If there's a fancy new treat pouch or leash, you can be sure I'm the sucker who bought it to try it - so I've decided to compile a list for you of all my tried and true introductory training "needs" to start working with your dog. Note: I am not affiliated with any of these companies or products, and I receive no money from any purchases made as a result of this blog post. I just really like all of these products and they've worked well for myself, my dogs, and my clients. Please always use your best judgment - shop around for the best product reviews, the best prices on products, and don't be afraid to disagree with any of my likes! After all...this blog post is solely about my opinion. :)

Rewards

If you've trained with me in the past, or read a little bit about my methods on my website, you know that I am a huge fan of rewards-based training. What exactly is a reward? Most commonly, these are training treats! Yummy treats can help keep your dog motivated to continue training and can be used to show them they're on the right track with doing what you're asking them to do. Here are some of the yummiest training treats that Buck and Scout (my two picky goofs) have given 2 paws up!

Vital Essentials - Mini Beef Nibs : These come in a variety of protein types/flavors; my picky Buck LOVES these!

Cloud Star Tricky Trainers - great flavor variety and a little bit of crunch!

Full Moon Savory Bites - there are other protein varieties, but my dogs love their chicken so these have become a must-have for training!

Ziwi Good Dog Rewards - air-dried goodness that my pups love to work for!

Pupford Freeze Dried Training Treats - these little bags pack a ton of yummy treats! Good variety of protein options (salmon and rabbit along with chicken and beef). The packaging on Pupford products also gives an easy visual for what to use for training vs. what to use for a nice treat every once in a while for new pet owners.

Treat Bag/Treat Pouch

Great, so now we've picked out our treats but...do I have to carry that plastic bag with me everywhere?? Nope! I am a huge fan of a treat pouch - especially ones that can carry my keys and phone along with treats and poopy bags. As a woman on the go, I like knowing I can shove everything in one bag, grab my pups, and be on my way!

Viklluyr Dog Treat Pouch - this is my all-time favorite...and I've bought A LOT of treat pouches! It has two separate pouches to carry two types of treats (1 high value, 1 lower value...or even 2 different types if one dog has allergies!), numerous ways to configure the strap (EMBRACE THE FANNY PACK LIFE! Or, you know, wear it over your shoulder), and a front AND back pocket to keep personal belongings and poopy bags stashed safely.

Olly Dog Goodie Treat Bag - really great color options, a stream-lined/smaller design and magnetic closure? Sold! I do love OllyDog products and they make some larger treat bags as well.

Leash

Chances are you already have a leash for your pup, but here are some that I recommend for specialized use (and one that I just really love for every day).

Multi-functional Waterproof Euro Leash - you can fit this leash in a variety of ways, it's waterproof, lightweight and still it's strong enough for me to feel confident using on my large reactive dog when we're out and about in the world. This is currently one of my favorite leashes!

Lupine Pet Leashes - a variety of colors and leash types; Lupine Pet makes a really great product with an amazing guarantee: any damage, even if it's chewed, and they'll replace it!

Collars

Again, you probably already have a collar for your pup - but if you're looking for a new one, here are two I'd recommend (and use!). Disclaimer: I do not recommend leaving a collar on a dog in the house unattended; my dogs are naked in the house all day every day if I am not at home. Read more about this here.

Martingale Dog Collar - Martingale collars are great safety options if your dog is prone to slipping out of his collar. Please note: NEVER leave your martingale collar on unattended and DO NOT use to tie out your dog. Ideally, these are for use while training/while walking ONLY.

RUFFWEAR Flat Out Dog Collar - buckle or belt-fasten design; the choice is yours! Ruffwear makes great looking and great preforming products for dogs. Plus, there is a separate tag attachment point for your dogs ID and rabies tags - how cool is that?

Harness

If you prefer a harness, or if you have a dog that is a heavy-puller, a harness might be a great option for you! Contrary to some misinformed trainers, harnesses do not increase the dogs propensity or ability to pull if you use them as a training tool and not a one-stop-shop to "fix" the issue!

RUFFWEAR Front Range Dog Harness - a lightweight, comfortable option for your dog. This also has multiple adjustment points for those hard-to-fit dogs. Best part? The front-clip leash attachment point is great for dogs that PULL on walks; you can gentle redirect their center of gravity to alleviate pulling (not sure - book me to train and I can show you!). Don't need the front-clip? No worries, this harness also has a traditional back-clip. I have two of these harnesses - one for each dog! :)

Gentle Leader Head Harness - some dogs need a little extra help when it comes to pulling, and a gentle leader can be a good option for them. It functions similar to a halter for horses/livestock, but does take some time to desensitize your dog to the feeling.

2Hounds Freedom No-Pull Harness - another great option for training your dog not to pull. The unique design is built for comfort for your dog and ease of use - the 2-point connection system and design discourages pulling behavior.

Well, what do you think of the above recommendations? Anything you'd add to the list?? The bottom line is any equipment that you can afford, has your dog's safety and comfort in mind, and that you enjoy using is likely just fine. You don't have to spend a boatload on treats & equipment - if you love your $10 nylon 6-ft leash and your dog loves his string-cheese treats as a reward, then you're good to go! Training isn't made with equipment, but with consistency, trust and communication. That's where hiring a good trainer, who understands your goals, can help elevate you and your pup to that next level!