Dog Training Tools

The supplies and tools needed to train your dog are varied yet relatively simple.  Dog training tools can include more than the essential basics.  The bare basic dog training tools area collar and leash.  As with all tools there is a multitude of examples available depending on need and the depth of your pocket book.  Generally speaking, the tools required for dog training a few and relatively inexpensive.

Dog Training Tool – The Dog Collar

Most of the dog training tools you will acquire will last for years.  The exception to this may the dog collar.  The dog collar must be sized correctly.  As your dog grows the size of the collar is going to change.  It is extremely important to periodically check the collar of your puppy to insure that the collar has not become too tight around the dog’s neck.  Young puppies can grow quite fast requiring adjustment of the dog collar.  The collar should be tight enough that the dog cannot remove it over its head.  It must be loose enough that it is NOT a choking hazard.  A good rule of thumb is that you need the collar loose enough to put two fingers between the dog’s coat or skin and the collar.

Puppies that are just a few weeks old should NOT be subjected to wearing the collar 24/7.  Puppies this age are growing very fast.  It is too easy to forget to check the collar’s adjustment creating a choking hazard.  A puppy is more accepting of a collar during its puppy phase than it will be as an adult.  Introducing a collar to the puppy is important even if the use of the collar is for limited periods.  Over the puppies growth phase, you may find yourself needing to buy new collars as the puppy matures.

Dog Training Tools

Dog Training Tool – The Dog Leash

There are a multitude of leash types and styles available.  As a general rule the dog leash length should be about 5 feet.  This length is the best for training purposes.  Some dog owners like to use an extendable leash.  This type of leash should be used only after the initial leash training.  The dog needs to master the leash starting position and leash walking before being introduced to a long extendable leash.  Tools are created with a specific use.  Just as with any tool the collar and leash have specific needs that must be addressed in making the decision as to the appropriate collar and leash for the circumstance.

Dog Training Tool – The Dog Crate

The vast majority of dog trainers and dog breeders recommend crate training for indoor dogs.  Dogs instinctively want to be clean and not defecate where they are going to sleep and eat.  This one factor makes the use of a dog crate an excellent tool to use in housetraining your dog.  Over time the crate becomes a safe harbor and place of refuge.

There are two basic types of dog crates.  The first type is a metal cage created with wire strands forming the shape.  The second type is a plastic container with a metal wire door.  An advantage of the second type over the first is versatility.  The latter style was designed to meet the requirements of the airline industry in transporting dogs and other animals on commercial aircraft.  This crate is useful in transporting your dog whether on an airliner or in your car.  This crate is also relatively easy to clean.  Both crate designs can be easily placed in a room corner.  The deciding factors in choosing a crate may rest solely on personal preference and east of acquisition.

Dog Training Tool – Toys and Treats

When are we in a play mode versus a training mode with your dog?  The reality is we are always in a training mode.  Your dog is taking in every move, emotional feeling and cataloging them.  He is continually learning about you and the rest of his family pack. 

Never do anything in play that you do not want your dog doing at other times.  Mixed actions create confusion for your dog causing him to do inappropriate behaviors.

Toys and treats are excellent dog training tools.  You need to determine your dog’s preferences in respect to the toys and the treats.  Determining which dog toys your dog enjoys the most will help you in training your dog.  The same is true of dog treats. 

Which tasty treats does your dog truly want?  Whichever dog toy and treat your dog wants most are the items you should reserve exclusively to train your dog.  Toys and treats are used to motivate your dog to perform specified tasks.  It is the items your dog wants above anything else that will create the greatest motivational incentives.