Dog Training Gear

I’m often asked what the best gear is to use when training dogs, both as a dog owner and. a professional pet dog trainer, teaching group classes, workshops and one to ones. I’ve compiled a list below to make it easy for people.

I’ve tried and tested many many different types of dog training equipment over the years so here’s some of my faves.

1. Treat Pouches

Treat pouches make life so much easier – having easy access to different types of food reinforcement means you can be ready to reward your dog at the exact moment or soon after they do the right things, and it stops your pockets getting disgusting!

2. Whistles

ACME training whistles are brilliant for teaching a reliable recall cue, an emergency stop and more. I favour a 210.5 but it doesn’t really matter unless you’re training working dogs.

You can also use their silent whistles (535 pitch) as a marker or bridge to train instead of a clicker.

TOP TIP – get a piece of aquarium or plastic piping so you can hold the silent whistle in your teeth.

3. Training Vests and Gilets

Now, not only do training vests, gilets, bodywarmers, whatever you wanna call them flatter those of us who could do with a bit of help, they also have pockets for EVERYTHING.

Phone, keys, dog toys, licker, treats, target sticks you can fit all sorts in here.

My favourite has been the Hurtta over the years but prices of these have gone sky high now and I don’t recall paying so much for mine, they do last well and I’ve gone through a few now, but I’ve also linked to a few cheaper options.

After all, you’re likely to get muddy, slobbered on, potentially ripped by an OTT dog at some point, so there has to be a bit of a limit on costs.

4. Tug Toys

Good quality tug toys are a great way to increase motivation and reward your dog, and work especially well with more play motivated dogs. You want to be able to move the toy away from the dog to get them chasing and mimic hunting behaviour.

I control the access to these toys, I don’t leave them with them dog so they can shred them, but it also makes them more valuable when I do bring them out to play with.

Also, I often buy 2 at a time when I can so swapping and dropping super easy, especially important for dogs who like to possess and resource guard or for pups learning the ropes when teaching two toy drop.

5. Good Quality Lead

Leads are a really personal thing, for years and years I have used the Halti basic training lead, it’s cheap and adaptable so I can easily change the length.

I’ve also had a bit more of an upgrade lately and switched to the Julius K-9 grippy training leads.

Let me know in the comment what other products you’d like to know about or pop me a message on Facebook or Instagram.