Choosing the Right Dog Training Equipment: The Long Leash Let-Down

The right dog training gear can be the difference between weeks of frustration and training bliss.

The other evening, I ran into my neighbor Kevin, walking—no, wrestling—with his Siberian husky, Blizzard, who appeared quite a bit stronger than Kevin. Though attached to a leash, Blizzard performed zig-zags, pulling the dog dad off the sidewalk into the grass if the K9 saw a squirrel or onto the street when a kid bouncing a basketball caught his eye. It was an unsafe situation, to say the least.

All the while, my terrier Pixie, on a walking leash, trotted by my side with slack to spare.

“I think Max is training me instead of the other way around,” Kevin joked, catching his breath as I approached from the opposite direction. After Pixie and Blizzard sniffed their hellos, we walked together, and Kevin continued, "I bought him this long leash because I wanted more freedom for him." This wasn't what he had in mind.

I didn't even have to say it. Kevin now clearly realized that long leashes are not intended for walking; they're for recall training.

So we talked about how he could use his very nice long leash to train Blizzard to go off-leash safely on the hiking trails, the lake, and the park. Kevin really liked the idea of giving Blizzard that kind of freedom and agreed he'd need a different leash for walks.

Getting the right dog training equipment matters.

How the Right Equipment Supports Dog Training

The right dog training gear:

• Increases safety. It can reduce the risk of injuries and mishaps during training.
• Enhances communication. Dog equipment is designed to help pet parents send clear messages about acceptable behavior. A long leash doesn't allow the dog parent to provide much feedback. The dog has too much slack to work with.
• Promote comfort. Poorly engineered or inappropriately used equipment can become painful for the dog and the pet pop. Issues like chafing, joint pressure, and pain—can be avoided with the right dog training tools.

Must-Have Dog Training Equipment & How to Choose It

1. Leashes

A sturdy, durable leash is ideal for a basic training routine. For teaching basic commands like "heel" and "stay," opt for a 4–6 foot leash. This gives you the right amount of control without restricting movement. I like two-handled leashes like this one on Amazon. It allows me to provide Pixie with more or less slack during training.

A long leash, up to 50 feet long, is used for recall training. It's not intended for daily walks, as Kevin found out.

Instead, it helps you increase the distance between your dog and yourself to train them to come when you call, no matter the distraction—squirrel, bear, or bicycle. These are essential for the off-leash training I promised I'd help Kevin and Blizzard with next week.

2. Collar

For many dogs, a simple collar will do. Choose a collar that fits snugly but doesn’t choke your dog. Use the two-finger rule: Place two fingers under the collar while it's on to make sure it's loose enough.

Flat collars are great for everyday use. But for training, a martingale collar can provide extra control without being harsh.

My last bit of advice on collars is this: Reflective collars are certainly nice because they would help you—or a driver—see your dog if it gets away from you at night.

3. Harness

Dogs like Blizzard, who pull hard (because they were bred to pull sleds), can also benefit from attaching the leash to a harness instead of a collar. This allows a dog dad like Kevin, worried about hurting Blizzard, to pull harder without straining the pup's neck.

When buying a harness, it's vital to get the right fit. Harnesses need to be snug and distribute the pulling force across the body.

4. A Clicker

This is an inexpensive and oh-so-useful piece of dog training equipment. You use a clicker to mark the precise moment a dog performs a desired action. Then, you follow it with a reward. This can speed up training because your dog knows exactly what they did right to earn that treat.

I love this cute little clicker on Amazon. It looks like a hot dog. Confirmed customers say it works great, too!

5. Treat Pouches

You will not regret getting a good treat pouch. These aren't just for dog training treats. They become your dog training tools station with pockets for dog treats, clickers, a phone, baggies, keys, and more.

I have this one from Mighty Paw, and it's perfect in every way.

6. A Crate

Yes, a crate can be essential dog training equipment. Crate training is a basic skill. When presented correctly, a crate is not about confinement. It becomes their wolf's den—a comfy home that's just for them. It's a place of safety and can ease anxiety.

But choosing the right crate is important. First, don't go for one of those popup fabric crates. Those won't last. Instead, go ahead and pay for quality because your dog is going to get a lot of use out of this. Metal crates can last for decades.

It's also essential to choose a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand up and to turn around in but not so big that they decide to use the far corner as a potty.

Within reason, dogs will hold it while in their crate because they don't like to go where they sleep. This also makes crates useful for house training. Even puppies have enough common sense not to soil their blankets. But accidents can still happen, just like with human children.

Now crates can range in price. But I really like this one. This deluxe crate opens at the top and side for easier cleaning and access. Plus it has wheels.

7. High-Value Dog Treats

High-quality dog training treats are indispensable. They allow me to communicate with my dogs during positive reinforcement training.

I choose single-ingredient beef lung bites for the added nutrition and ease of use. I can break each one into multiple pieces.

8. Dog Puzzle Toys

Dog puzzle toys mentally stimulate dogs. This can enhance focus, reduce anxiety, and excite them about training.

I give my pups single-ingredient beef marrow dog bones instead of a plastic toy. This is what my dog's ancestral wolves use in the wild to stimulate their brains, strengthen their jaws, and clean their teeth.

Dogs lick, gnaw, and turn the dog bone in different ways, trying to get the nutritious— and tasty—bone marrow out.

Chewing is instinct.

So, having an outlet for chewing can also stop destructive chewing and scratching. It worked for my lab mix, Bruno.

If you have an aggressive chewer, I'd recommend the Contender.

If you're training small dogs or puppies, try these K9 Delights. They'll love them as much as my dogs do.

The right dog training gear makes training so much easier, as does learning how to train a dog from the experts. So, next, I want you to check out this Free 7-Day Dog Training Challenge. I think you'll find it so useful.