Just as a chef has her favourite knives, or a runner has her favourite shoes, we dog trainers all have our favourite tools and brands. In our industry, however, these tools are just loaded with controversy.
Recently, I talked in depth about crates and the controversy surrounding them, and they’re just a tiny drop in the bucket or training tools.
And while absolutely it is wonderful to not have tools at all sometimes – just me, my dog, and our relationship – the reality is that to exist in our world we have some necessary evils – leashes, for example, and we also want to have our best motivation for our dogs to want to work with us (just as I wouldn’t work without a pay cheque, nor should they work without). And then, sometimes, there are tools that just make our lives easier – whether as an interim while training, or forever.
So, let’s go through the tools of my trade and talk it through; my favourites, tools I won’t use, and those that fall in the grey area.
Since we mentioned crates…
Yes: Hard Plastic Crates
Personally, I like a hard plastic airline style crate. I’m not overly attached to any one brand, but I like them because if you do have a dog who is struggling with crate training, they completely come apart into a base, top, and removable door, making it super easy to break the training down into manageable steps with your dog. You can spend time training with just the base, then work up to having the crate have a lid on it but no door, and finally work up to putting the door on.
Maybe: Metal Crates
I do find with the full hard metal crates, the noise of the metal is spooky to some dogs – which you can certainly desensitize them to, but is something to consider. The good part of the full metal crates, though, is they make them in all kinds of sizes, and generally you can find much bigger ones than the hard plastic crates, which is nice.
No: High Impact Crates
High impact crates are incredibly strong and impossible to break out of. I never recommend them for dogs. If your dog is so uncomfortable in their crate that they are escaping or destroying the crate, either your dog has too much confinement anxiety or separation anxiety, OR you haven’t crate trained properly. Either way, training and professional help is the solution, not a stronger crate.
Bonus: Baby Gates
Don’t forget there are always other ways to manage the environment and keep your dog out of certain spaces if needed. They make extra tall baby gates for those with good jumpers out there!
Since we’re talking about management… Leashes!
I don’t really have any “no absolutely not” leashes. For day to day, use any standard leash you like that works well. I do, however, have a few that I really, really love.
Yes: A Good Longline
Being able to provide your dog with freedom to move and sniff (when in a safe area, of course) is essential. Having a good longline can make this possible if you aren’t somewhere where your dog is allowed off leash or if your dog doesn’t have a reliable recall yet. They make a ton of lengths – anywhere from the standard 6ft leash up to 50ft and probably even longer. I am partial to biothane – hard to tangle and easy to clean!
Yes: Waist Leash
I love a good waist leash. It allows me to be hands-free, which is a huge bonus if I’m walking more than one dog, or if we’re actively training and my hands are full of clicker and treats. It can also be great as a second point of contact for a reactive dog or new rescue who is a flight risk – have a standard hand held leash but the waist leash as a backup. My only caution is if your dog is strong enough/reactive enough to injure you and drag you, in which case, you need help beyond just a leash recommendation! I’m partial to Smoochy Poochy as a brand, but there are lots of options out there.
Maybe: Retractable Leashes
Proceed with caution with retractable “flexi” leashes. Personally, I don’t use them, but if you do, I’d use them similarly to a long line: when you’re out somewhere and you want your dog to have access to more freedom than a standard leash provides, but can’t be off leash. I wouldn’t use them for a regular walk (too confusing to your dog if you’re also trying to teach loose leash walking manners and too risky to have your dog go too far and get hit by a car), and I’d be mindful that their cord can be dangerous (I’ve gotten rope burn – ouch!).
Collars and Harnesses
I typically use a collar for tags and ID, and a harness for walking. Ideally something that is well designed so as not to negatively affect the dog’s gait, and comfortable. Within those parameters, explore what fits best for your dog; for example, my broad shouldered Doberman is comfortable in different harnesses than my more petite Spaniel mix. The Perfect Fit harness has excellent reviews, if you have the budget for it.
Maybes: Front attach harnesses, gentle leaders, and martingales
Martingale collars are great as a second point of contact for an escape artist or flight risk dog, and are necessary for dogs with skinny heads like Sighthounds. I generally won’t use them as a training tool, simply a safety collar.
Head halters like Gentle Leaders are, in my experience, generally aversive to dogs – they don’t like wearing them. You can condition a dog to be okay wearing it (just like a leash, boots, a muzzle, etc.) but it’s work. Also, it is to be used in conjunction with good leash training, not just as a magic solution; a dog who is always pulling to the end of it can cause themselves neck damage.
Front attach harnesses are generally pretty easy on dogs – they typically don’t mind wearing them, that is – and can really help if you have a dog who overpowers you to allow you to actually get them out for walks and get practicing. It is important to also practice good leash training (vs just rely on the harness) and to choose a harness that won’t be physiologically harmful to your dog.
Remember: no tool is a substitute for training. But if a Gentle Leader or front clip harness will get you out there walking, training, and practicing with your dog, in my eyes, that’s a win.
No: Prong, Choke, Slip, or Shock Collars
No surprise here to any of my regular followers, I don’t recommend any tool whose intended function is to cause a dog harm or discomfort. Doubly so for reactive dogs; hypothetically, lets say your dog is reactive to other dogs. If you put a prong collar on your dog to prevent them lunging at other dogs, what your dog – who is already scared or aggressive towards other dogs – learns is that the other dog (that they were already scared of) causes the pain of the collar to happen. This can increase their reactivity or aggression.
Muzzles
There are tons of different muzzles and fits, based on your dog’s breed or shape. The important distinction I want to make sure people are aware of is that of a mesh muzzle verus a basket muzzle. A mesh muzzle physically holds the dog’s mouth shut to prevent biting and is only to be used briefly, typically for safety during husbandry (think: vet visits and groomers). They are not intended for training. A basket muzzle allows a dog to take treats, drink water, bark, pant, open and close their mouth, etc. They are for longer use (out on walks, etc.) for safety to prevent bites. They should NOT be used to put your dog in situations they aren’t comfortable in; they’re a “just in case”.
Miscellaneous Favourites
Some little bits and pieces I get asked about sometimes.
My favourite clicker is the iClick. It isn’t too loud, is ergonomic, comes in fun colours, and I just like it. My favourite treat pouch is Terry Ryan’s. My favourite puzzle toy is a snuffle mat. My favourite tug toy is Salty Dog Canvas’s Bunny Tug, and my favourite training treat is diced up hot dogs. Or, I should say my dog’s favourite puzzle toy, tug toy, and treat!
I think that’s about it! Don’t let it overwhelm you. It doesn’t have to be complicated; most important is just you, your dog, and your relationship. Get training, don’t get too hung up on tools. Be mindful of what you’re teaching and how. And enjoy!
Note: Some of these links are affiliate links so I do get a small commission. I promise I wouldn’t link things I didn’t truly use and love, and I haven’t linked anything I wouldn’t use personally.
