Puppy Training Home > Dog Obedience Training > Dog Training Devices
Review of Dog Training Devices
To properly train your dog, you will need the right equipment. Dog training devices come in many shapes and styles and are quite helpful when you need to teach your dog the right behavior.
Here is a quick overview to get you started in no time!
Pet supply industry offers a variety of collars, leashes, crates and toys. Sometimes, you feel that there are too many choices. Don't feel intimidated!
If you need more detailed information, just follow the links to…
…or any product-specific page. But for now, let's review some of the most common dog training devices...
Dog Leash
While you may not think of them as dog training devices, dog leashes, along with collars, are the most common piece of dog training equipment.
Dog leashes come in many styles and materials. The most common are leashes made from nylon. They are cheap and well suited for everyday use.
Also common, but a little more expensive, are leather leashes. They are more durable and, in my opinion, prettier than leashes made from any other material.
Most leashes come in four, six and eight foot lengths. For training, I find a
four-foot dog leash the most useful.
A retractable leash, while convenient for everyday use, is not suited for training. Avoid it until your dog is fully trained to walk on leash.
Another thing to keep in mind when you buy a leash is the size of your dog. For smaller breeds, the strength of the material is not as important. Get a lightweight leash. For larger breeds, get a stronger, more durable leash.
For more information on dog leashes, visit dog leash and dog leash training pages. Check both pages for tips on choosing the right leash for your dog, as well as tips and suggestions on leash training.
A Collar
There are several types of collars on the market. The most basic, a buckle collar is well suited for everyday use.
Most collars are made from leather and nylon. Leather collars are a little bit more expensive but, in my opinion, look better. Functionally, there is no difference.
Make sure a collar fits comfortably but securely around your puppy's neck. A collar that is too small or is tightened too much can injure your puppy. A collar that is too big or too loose will allow your puppy to escape.
In addition to a basic buckle collar, there are also several types of electronic collars.
These are dog training devices that you can use to break unwanted behaviors.
A good example is barking. As soon as your dog begins barking, depending on a type of the collar, a mild shock or a spray of citronella is administered. It startles the dog and puts a break to the unwanted behavior.
For more information on electronic collars, check dog shock collar and electronic dog collar pages.
Finally, there are some highly specialized collars…
- A choke collar
- Prong Dog Training Collars
- Head halters
They are strictly for training and are not suited for everyday use.
These collars, if not used correctly, can cause a severe injury to your dog. So, unless a professional dog trainer taught you how to use them, stay away.
For more information on training collars, visit dog training collars page.
Dog Crates
Without a doubt, this is the most valuable and useful piece of dog training equipment you can get.
Why?
There is no faster way to housebreak your puppy than with the help of a crate.
Crates are also very valuable if your puppy is suffering from separation anxiety.
To learn more about this condition and how you can cure your puppy, visit dog separation anxiety page.
The 2 major types of crates are wire and airline crates. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which I outline on puppy crates page.
For additional information on crate training, please visit puppy crate training page.
As far as dog training devices go, if I had to choose THE one, this would be it!
Toys
Dogs love to chew on things. It's as natural to them as it is for you to get angry at your puppy when he destroys your favorite pair of shoes. Or a couch. Or your Sunday newspaper.
A dog chew toy, while technically is not a dog training device, will provide your puppy with an alternative to shoes and other household items you forgot to hide.
It also keeps his teeth clean and strong.
Visit dog chew toys page for… everything you need to know about choosing chew toys that are not only safe, but also good for your puppy!
I just covered some basic dog training devices. My goal was to give you an overview. Follow the links to individual pages for more detailed information. There is a wealth of information there!
Back to the top of Dog Training Devices
