Typical Tools of the Trade for Dog Training your Pet
To properly train your dog, you need to have few tools on hand. You do not need to spend a fortune on training your dog, and a few simple tools will help you along. Listed below are some of the typical training tools you will need:
Collar and leash: A collar or restraint system is necessary for you to gain control over your dog. There are several styles from which to choose, and it is up to you to decide what you are comfortable using. A basic collar that attaches around the neck with a buckle or clasp is the most common style. It has a metal loop near the clasp to attach tags and a leash. The harness is gaining in popularity, as some believe it is healthier for the dog. The harness attaches around the neck and under the legs, and puts less pressure on the dog’s neck when the leash is tugged.
Treats: Most dogs are motivated by food, so keep plenty of treats on hand when training your dog. The treats can be little morsels of chicken, pieces of dry dog food, cheerios, etc. When using them for rewards during training, try to keep the size of the treat to a minimum so as to not over feed your dog.
Crate: A crate is a must have for puppies and even older dogs. Crating your dog will help with house training for those times you cannot watch your dog closely. You dog will also enjoy having a space just to himself that he can go to for comfort and security.
Baby gates: Baby gates are useful to block off areas of the house where you do not want your dog to be. This is especially helpful during the house-breaking period of time. Your puppy does not need to have unlimited access to your house and carpet. Keeping him contained in areas with easy to wash flooring will save you time and frustration. It will also save your carpet from becoming a favorite potty place.
Clicker or whistle: Depending on the method you plan to use for training your dog, you will often need to purchase an accessory such as a clicker or a whistle. The click method of training is a fairly new, but highly effective, way of training your dog using a gentle click to reinforce desirable behavior. Some dogs do well with hearing a whistle for positive reinforcement.
Tennis ball or canvas retriever: Many dog owners enjoy a good game of fetch with their dogs. Teaching your dog to retrieve, or fetch, should not be too hard, especially if he enjoys the game. A tennis ball, canvas retriever or other appropriate toy will make the game fun. Not many dogs can resist the sight of a bright tennis ball bouncing through the yard. This will also give the two of you a break from more rigorous training activities.
Patience: One of the most important tools to have during dog training is plenty of patience. Do not expect results on the first day of training. Dogs take time to learn, just like humans. If you stay calm and in control, your dog will act accordingly. If you get frustrated and upset, you are more likely to start yelling at your dog, and this will hinder the training process. Be patient, and you will soon reap the rewards of the time you spent training your dog. You will have a well-behaved dog that readily responds to your voice and commands. He will be a joy to be around, not just for you but for your guests as well.
Although some dog trainers may be able to train a dog without some of these items, the majority recommends having them on hand. The most important items to have would probably be the collar and leash. All dogs need to be restrained at some point or other, and a collar and leash will make that job much easier. Especially if you have a large breed that is difficult to handle when he is excited and struggling to get out of your grasp. You will save yourself and the dog some frustration by investing in a good collar and leash, as well as some of the other items listed above.
For more information about dog training, or to choose from related products, choose from one of the following links:
Dog Training | Dog Supplies
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