Training Tools

1. Tripod for Recording - This is one of the most underrated training tools because it allows us to watch ourselves and work through our trouble areas and send videos to our coach.

2. Long Leash - I usually get two long leashes, one for neighborhood sniff walks, and one for nature exploring

3. Martingale Collar - This is a safety collar that tightens to keep the dog from pulling out of it. It also has a locking mechanism that keeps the release tabs from being engaged accidentally.

4. Treat Pouch - I like something that stays open so that I can access the food source but that closes with ease as well. This AWP nail pouch has served me very well for years, is super durable, and has a belt clip and a belt loop depending on how secure you want it.

5. Tug Toy - I prefer Foam Dog Balls, Chuckit, Canine Culture Collective, or Ray Allen for a rope and ball tug/fetch combo.

6. Walking Leash - For my dogs, they each have their own 3/8-5/8 in thick, 6 ft long biotine leash. I love these because they're extra grippy and allow me to use a proper leash grip, but they just as easily can be dragged without damaging them. Redline K9, Viper K9, and Ray Allen all offer biothane or leather leashes.

7. Slip Lead - The slip lead is an excellent all around tool for moving a dog around really simply. I am looking for something that is narrow, with a good quality toggle that keeps the loop from getting too big. Mad Dog Products makes a really great product, as does Canine Culture Collective.

8. Prong Collar - I only purchase my prong collars from Herm Sprenger, and I always get the 2.25 mm gage collar. If the dog is larger, I buy extra links, and if the owner's hands don't have good dexterity, I always recommend a ClickLok Quick Release. Always a good idea to use a prong collar back up.

9. Ecollar - I am looking for range, quality, subtlety, and versatility. Dogtra and E Collar Technologies are my two top picks, specifically the Dogtra ARC and the Mini Educator. Don't buy a jug bow collar. The only shock collars I have used are SportDog collars, but these are for trained dogs usually.

10. Harness - I really don't use harnesses much in my pet dog training other than for service dogs, but Chai's Choice Truelove Dog Harness is my usual pick because it's small, light, understated, and good quality, and it comes in various colors and sizes.