There are only a few supplies you need to get started but those few are important ones. We can discuss these at your evaluation but if you need something as basic as a collar or leash before then, I give my recommendations below. The items you will need for training are:
- safe and comfortable collar
- not stretchy leash
- clickers
- treat pouch
- long line
- good treats!
- crates and ex pens can be found on the Management Aids page.
- there is also a page with Interactive Food Toys and Chews
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Collar or harness- For a collar to be comfortable and safe for your dog, it should be flat. By this I mean no chain, prong, etc! Martingale collars are designed to be fit so that they snug up tight enough not to slip over the head if the dog pulls back, but not tight enough to put pressure on the sensitive parts of the neck which both cause pain and physical damage. It's important that a martingale collar also has a buckle snap so that if the dog ever gets caught on something like a branch, you can undo the collar to get it off.
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Another option is a well fitted harness. If you don't already have one, we should discuss the different types, uses, and risks of harnesses.
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Leash- A six foot leash is a convenient length for walking. You can hold it up easily to avoid tripping when working on polite walking right next to you, or you can give the dog some room to get off the side of the trail or road to do their business. Leashes come in all kinds of colors, materials, and styles. Please avoid any that expand or lengthen if the dog puts pressure on them. This teaches a dog to pull! Flexi leads can be very dangerous so please avoid them. (Read more about the dangers here.)
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Clickers are used to communicate clearly to the dog what it is we like! The ones with a raised button can be a little easier to manipulate but the StarMark clickers don't click in your pocket by accident so that's the one I keep in my pocket at all times.
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A treat pouch is a necessity! Trying to keep treats in a pocket makes them hard to get to in a timely way and can also causes unfortunate incidences of laundry having holes chewed in it if it smells like treats! You want a pouch with a big opening so you can get your hand in and a treat out quickly and easily. The ones with a belt stay in place much more securely than the ones which just clip on.
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A long line is essential for keeping your pup exercised, safe and with you until a solid training relationship has been formed. I often make these myself with nylon rope and a snap that I get at a hardware store. In that way I can adjust the thickness and weight of the rope and snap to the dog (large dog vs small breed puppy!) There are also some commercially available.
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Last, but not least, TREATS! Good tasting treats will motivate most dogs to do their best. Some dogs will work for their own kibble, but we also need some special treats for behavior which is difficult, like listening to your cue when there is another dog, or a squirrel, or a kid, or any other number of things in the area. You can use tiny bits of cheese or hot dog for his, or purchase dog treats.
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