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What items will I need for training?

These are the basic items that you will need in order to start training your dog.   These will be the tools that you will use for training.

There are many supply stores where you can obtain these from.

(You need to learn what these tools are by having a trainer explain the purpose of each item and having them teach you how to use them effectively and not abuse or harm your dog because you were not educated.)  

1. Stationing mat – slightly bigger than your dog.

2. Leather leash – nylon is not good for the purpose of training.  It will slip from your hands.  Leather is a proven tool that works.  It allows you to manage and control your dog.

3. Training collar:  Large, Medium or small.  There are many kinds so have your trainer decide after having your dog evaluated on what would be best for your dog.  Some dogs need only a regular collar.  Whatever tool you use, learn to use it properly and training will be a success. 

4.  Treats for training:  There are treats that are sold in a package similar to a large roll of sausage.  These are the best so that they don’t crumble and hit the ground as you are trying to get your dog to sit straight up – not crawling all over the ground and picking up the bits of crumble from a different kind of treat.

5. Regular collar that has ID tags on it.  It needs to have a metal loop that can be used with a tether.

6. Tether:  This would be used for different purposes for training or for holding your dog in a specific location for a given period of time unattended.

7.  Radio or CD's with calming music:  For playing classical or calming music.  This is important in order to get your dog to be able to focus his attention on you.  By having him in a more calm state the training is made easier for you.

8. Crate:  A crate is important and used for many reasons.  Transport, potty training, calming a dog down, a “time-out” if he makes a big mistake and sometimes if your dog just wants to be alone in his own room to take a nap.  Your dog will feel it is a safe place to be if the crate is properly used.  Canines once had caves to sleep in and this was their “safe place”.  

Giving a crate to a dog or puppy is a very good move.  It stabalizes the dog because it now has it's own place or it's own "room" within your home.  It's like giving your child his or her own room instead of sharing yours or the entire house.  

A crate is more useful if it has a door that can be opened and closed and below is an example of a good/not good crate to get.  The enclosed crate will give a sense of security to your dog whereas the "open" crate doesn't give your dog that "cave" of "safe" feeling.

The crate to the left can be covered with a blanket to create the semblance of a cave but from my experience the crate on the right is more effective and liked by dogs in general.

                       Not so good                                            Good