Recommended Gear For All Dog Owners

 The collar is undeniably one of the most crucial tools in maintaining a secure connection with your dog. While there is a myriad of collars available on the market, I've developed a personal preference over the years.

During my time at a dog club, I was introduced to a collar known as a "fursaver." Typically crafted from brass, although stainless steel variants are also available, these collars feature elongated rings that allow fur to lie flat while in use. What sets these collars apart is their versatility; they can function as a fixed-size collar or be used as a slip/choke collar when necessary. Their exceptional durability ensures they can withstand rigorous use, and I can proudly say I've never seen one break.

Given their robustness and adaptability, I wholeheartedly recommend that every dog owner consider investing in a fursaver collar. When selecting a collar, especially for a larger dog, it's essential to be diligent. Inferior quality collars are prone to breakage. It's important to note that a collar and a pinch or correction collar are distinct items, and the fursaver collar should be the one attached to your leash for optimal safety and control.

 As important as a collar, a strong and sturdy leash is of the utmost importance. You want the leash to be thick enough to allow you to have a firm and secure grip without worrying about rope burn or it breaking. Ideally, your leash will be imbued with rubber to ensure a secure and firm grip, regardless of the weather conditions.

Depending on the task being performed, leashes come in many different sizes. I recommend that you get both a 6-8ft and a 14-20ft lead. With these two lengths of leash, you're able to perform a wide variety of training exercises while maintaining complete control over your pet.

When purchasing a leash, ideally, you will want it to be thick enough to securely hold, with rubber mesh intertwined for all-weather grip, and a secure brass or stainless steel clip to prevent breakage or rust. These rules are especially important when it comes to large and naturally protective dogs, as I am aware of instances where poorly made equipment has broken, leading to terrible consequences.

I would never suggest using a retractable leash with any large dog, as it can lead to a multitude of problems. If you do a lot of running in your training, another good tip is to cut the loop at the end of the leash. It isn't useful with large dogs, as you should be able to let go in an emergency. You don't want to be dragged, and I've also heard of dogs running around and tripping in the loop, causing a broken leg. Cut the loop where they link together to avoid these issues.

 A pinch collar is indeed an incredibly useful tool for corrections through positive punishment. It consists of a series of interlocking links with prongs pointing inward. However, it's important to note that a pinch collar should not be used as the main collar attached to a lead. Not only can it be uncomfortable for a dog, but a large or determined dog is known to break them. It should never be the sole point of securing your dog in any situation.

Using a pinch collar as a means to secure your dog should never be done in order to prevent unintentional harm to the pet. In my personal experience, I've found that the thinner the pinch collar, the less correction is required due to it pinching more effectively.

A recommended practice is to attach a small, perhaps 4-6 inch lead to the pinch collar, giving you something you can quickly grab in case a correction is needed. Essentially, the pinch collar remains on the dog's neck, with the additional short lead that you can tug when necessary for correction. However, it's essential to reiterate that a pinch collar should never be used to solely secure a dog.

 During training, you want a way to reinforce desirable behavior effectively. This can be achieved using various rewards such as toys, food, or praise. However, having a durable and portable bag to hold your treats or other rewards is always a great idea to streamline the training process.

One of my personal favorites is a fanny pack. While it may seem unconventional, it's an excellent way to have all the required gear on you without overloading your pockets with treats or training tools. The advantage of a fanny pack is its convenience and accessibility, allowing you to access rewards quickly and efficiently during training sessions. This can make a significant difference in how smoothly your training sessions go, as timing and consistency are crucial in reinforcing your dog's positive behaviors. So, despite their appearance, fanny packs are a practical and valuable tool for any dog trainer.

Having high-value treats on hand is a great way to ensure your dog is excited to perform the task at hand during training. The choice of high-value treat will depend on what your dog enjoys eating, which could include options like turkey, chicken, beef, or any other preference they have. High-value treats are particularly useful for reinforcing and motivating your dog during training, as they find these treats especially rewarding.

A helpful training habit that I recommend is using your dog's breakfast and dinner as opportunities for training sessions. This approach allows you to integrate training seamlessly into your daily routine. To make the food even more enticing, you can enhance your dog's kibble by adding some wet food or other appealing flavors. This not only adds variety to their meals but also increases their enthusiasm for training, making it a more enjoyable and productive experience for both you and your dog.

 A clicker is an incredibly overlooked training tool that deserves more attention. Its primary purpose is to indicate the completion of a task and the forthcoming reward. Essentially, it serves the same function as saying "good dog," but what sets it apart is its consistency. Regardless of how excited you are or the tone of your voice, the clicker always produces the same sound. This consistent auditory cue helps the dog distinguish precisely when the task has been properly completed.

The clicker operates on the principle of positive reinforcement, where the sound of the clicker becomes a clear signal to the dog that they've performed the desired behavior correctly. Over time, the dog associates this sound with a reward, making it a highly effective tool for training. It's a small, handheld device that can have a significant impact on your training sessions, improving communication and understanding between you and your dog. Don't underestimate the power of this often-overlooked training aid.

 Some dogs exhibit a much higher prey drive than a food drive. In such cases, it becomes essential to have your dog's favorite toy as a motivational tool during training. Understanding your pet is a crucial aspect of effective training.

You should have a good grasp of your dog's preferences, knowing what they like best, identifying their favorite toy, understanding their preferred activities, and recognizing any issues or challenges they may have. This awareness is key because it allows you to tailor your training approach to entice and motivate them effectively.

By leveraging their favorite toy or activities that excite them, you can encourage your dog to become the best version of themselves during training sessions. Recognizing and catering to your dog's individual preferences and needs is a fundamental aspect of successful dog training.