Must-Have Dog Training Supplies for Success

Some dog training supplies are worth their weight in gold—or at least as valuable as a squirrel's secret stash of acorns during the cold winter months.

Last weekend, I took my 3 dogs to the lake to enjoy some rare winter sunshine. Exiting the car, we spotted a dog running down by the water—no dog parent in sight.

He had a long leash still attached to his collar, with the other frayed end dragging through the dead grass and muddy water.

It reminded me of how vital quality dog training supplies are. Without some of these tools, my hyper terrier, Pixie or my stubborn lab mix, Bruno, would not be as well-trained as they are today.

So, whether you're just getting started on a new dog training routine or looking to up your game, here are the 9 tools for dog training I wouldn't want to be without—with some recommendations, of course.

1. Quality Collar

A sturdy collar seems so simple. Why would I even mention it? But here's the thing. When you go with quality, it's going to last you a long time, hold those ID tags secure, and maximize both dog comfort and control.

I'm in love with these, and they get great reviews on Amazon.

They personalize the collar for you, so even if your dog loses their tags, your dog's name and phone number are right there.

Check it out.

2. A Harness

A well-made dog harness is a game-changer for smaller dogs, puppies, and those who are more challenging to control. It takes less upper body strength to manage a rambunctious pup without worry about hurting them.

A harness distributes your tug across the body and helps you redirect movements by putting gentle yet firm pressure on the right or left.

Look for a harness that attaches at the top and front. But never pick your dog up from a top harness. As this can dislocate their shoulders.

Confirmed buyers love this harness.

3. Reliable Walking Leash

A standard 6-foot leash provides the perfect balance between freedom and control during walks and training sessions. It's long enough to allow some freedom of movement. But you're in control when needed.

With 6 feet, they won't become tangled around a light pole or tree. But they will feel enough freedom of movement to walk comfortably with you.

4. A Sturdy Long Leash

Use a long leash for recall training. These invaluable dog training tools are between 15 and 50 feet. Generally, the smaller dog usually needs a shorter leash. But you might also like a shorter leash if there are lots of obstacles your dog could get tangled in.

These leashes are critical because they let a dog feel like they're not on a leash. They're free to walk away from you and explore. But you still have control, so an untrained dog doesn't run away or get hurt.

Use a long leash to train and test your dog's recall skills. Eventually, you can take the leash off and know your dog will always come when you call them.

Here’s one of my favorites. 

5. Healthy Training Treats

Where do I start? When dog treats are both irresistible and nutritious, they make training easier. Dogs respond to treats they love. And I can feel good about giving them training treats that support dog health.

So, what do I look for in a training treat?

Well, dogs love real meat. And I'm not talking about "meat-flavored" ultra-processed treats or treats that say "made with real meat".

My dogs deserve real meat. So I give them single-ingredient beef training treats like beef lung treats (yum!) and beef trachea.

With no additives, preservatives, or fillers, this is pure nutrition for a dog.

Healthy fats, protein, collagen, and even glucosamine for healthy joints.

I can get these healthy dog treats in bulk on Amazon.

6. A Clicker

A clicker is a cheap but essential little dog training tool.

It allows you to mark with a clicking sound the precise moment a dog performs a command. You then follow the click with a treat.

Why the middleman, you might ask?

Experienced trainers use clickers when training more complex dog commands.

The timing of the dog treat tells a dog what they did right. So they do that again.

But with complex commands, rewarding the dog at the right moment is hard. This can cause confusion that makes training take longer.

So, you teach them that the click marks the spot. And if they hear the click, they're getting a treat and praise.

They start to feel rewarded by the click itself. And it makes learning so much faster.

I don't know how I would have ever trained my hyper terrier Pixie if someone hadn't suggested I try the clicker.

You can get a two-pack on Amazon for around $4, the best $4 you'll ever spend on your dog.

7. A Great Treat Pouch

Hey, it's time to get serious about training your dog. Throw away that resealable plastic bag and treat yourself to a dog treat pouch.

I like this one on Amazon. It has several pockets for treats, phones, and keys, plus a poop bag dispenser.

They thought of everything.

8. Dog Bones

Dog bones are critical to my training regimen. Regular chewing sessions of just 15-20 minutes can alleviate boredom, enhance focus, ease anxiety, and redirect destructive behavior.

So, dogs are easier to train. Even the hyper ones. Even the stubborn ones. Even the destructive chewers.

Dog bones make it better.

Dogs have an instinct to chew on things. So, it's important to give a dog a dog bone every once in a while. If you don't, I promise they will find something else to chew on. My brand new running shoes once found out the hard way.

When it comes to dog bones, I also look for single-ingredient grass-fed beef marrow dog bones. Nothing weird added. When a bone is real, it tastes good naturally. So why would they add junk?

Bone marrow is also so nutritious. If it comes from grass-fed beef cattle, it's high in omega-3 fats. Plus, you can collagen, B vitamins, glucosamine, calcium, and a lot of other key nutrients that dogs may not get enough of in an all-kibble diet.

Check these grass-fed beef bones out.

9. Patience & Consistency

While not a physical item, maintaining patience and consistency is key to successful dog training. Celebrate small victories and remain steadfast in your approach.

Ready to set sail on a rewarding training adventure with your furry friend? Join the K9 Connoisseur's 7-Day Training Challenge! This program offers daily tips and techniques to help you effectively train your dog using positive reinforcement methods. In as few as 7 days, you can teach your dog commands you'll use daily for a lifetime.

Plus, participants receive exclusive discounts on our very best healthy dog treats. So, sign me up!

Dog Training Supplies I Can't Live Without

And there you have it. Remember, a well-trained dog is a happy dog because it better understands what you expect of it as part of your loving family. Happy tails and trails to you!

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