Having the right equipment and tools can be super handy when training your dog and I’d like to share some of the items that I personally use in my training videos and everyday life. (Disclaimer: as an Amazon affiliate I will get a small commission when you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.)
Using a Treat Pouch keeps your pockets clean and I love the waist-band type as it will never fall off (like clip-on pouches do) and you can position it on either side or in the middle for easy access during training sessions or walks. Here’s a tip: I put some kibble or dry treats into the treat pouch and if I want to add a second type of food, like pieces of hot dog, I simply place a small Ziploc bag inside so I can access either one, as needed. Try this one, it’s durable and has extra pockets for poop bags, keys and your cell phone: Treat Pouch
This Double Ended Halti Leash can be used in many ways: besides using it with 2 points of connection with a harness (my choice for training rambunctious pups!), you can also walk 2 dogs on 1 leash, use it in 3 different lengths or around your waist. Available in a variety of colors: Double Ended Halti Leash
Double ended Halti Leash with reflective stripe for better visibility at night and easy to adjust for different leash lengths as well as using it with 2 points of connection with a harness or head halter combination: Double ended Halti Leash
Need some tips for leash handling? Check out this video: Leash Handling Skills
Dog Cot that folds up for easy transport, great for camping, training class or travel. Wherever I put them down, my dogs feel at home! Portable Travel Bed
I use Raised Dog Beds at home and in training classes every day. The provide clarity where your dog should be settling and can easily be accessorized with some comfy blankets Raised Dog Bed (dogs not included)
Video on how to teach: Boundary Games for a Calmer household!
Benebone Rubber Food Toy: Fill it with your dog’s favorite soft food and freeze… long lasting enrichment and slow feeder. Josie loves it! Rubber Food Toy
Video on How to fill and use the Benebone and Woof Pupsicle
Pupsicle Food Toy: Josie’s new favorite food toy! Provides a nice frozen snack and lots of entertainment for your dog. Easy to fill, clean and durable too. WOOF Pupsicle Treat & Mold
Adjustable Treat Dispenser Toy: keeps puppies and dogs busy for a long time, working to get the food out. Food Puzzle Toy
KONG Dog Toys: Stuff it with treats or soft food and your dog will love it! Medium size (for dogs 15-35 lbs) Medium Kong Large size (for dogs 30-65 lbs) Large Kong Small size (for puppies or dogs up to 20 lb) Small Dog / Puppy Kong
Quick & Easy Kong Stuffing Recipe
Trimming your dog’s nails is one of those necessary evils and many dogs (and their owners) struggle with it. Besides working on handling your pup’s paws and making it a positive thing, using the right tools is crucial! These clippers are my absolute favorites: they look a bit small and at first I wasn’t sure if they would work for my medium sized dogs, but after trimming a friend’s Maremma with them, I was sold! They are very sharp and the dogs feel minimal pressure when cutting their nails! They may look small but they are mighty! Nail clippers (Millers Forge 743 red handle) My favorite Nail Clippers
Check out my video how young Davy gets his nails trimmed: Puppy Nail Trims
For some dogs, using nail clippers is not an option; they may just be too sensitive or simply cannot hold still for a safe cut. Using a Pet Dremel is a great alternative and this is the one I use for some of my own dogs. It’s very quiet and the guard makes it safe for both you and your pup! Extra quiet Pet Dremel
These are the nail clippers I have also used for many years and you’ll also find them in the tool kit of many professional dog groomers. Made of high quality German stainless steel and easy to use. Nail Clippers (Millers Forge 767 orange handle) Large Nail Clippers
Holee Roller Balls are one of my favorite training toys. Not only can you play a game of tug with your dog (use a larger size) but they are great for rewarding at a distance in agility training because you can target where they land (they don’t bounce) and are easy for your dog to pick at speed. Tip: if your dog is a heavy chewer, don’t leave the Holee Roller out unsupervised. Holee Roller Ball
I use this Variable Height Platform for many of my dog’s fitness and body awareness exercises as well as teaching stopped contacts in agility Training Platform
If you prefer to build your own training platform, check out this video
An easy way to use your smartphone for videoing your training sessions or filming for your online title videos is using a Mini Octopus Tripod (set it up on a chair) Mini Octopus Tripod
Low Level Laser Therapy Device for non-invasive drug-free pain relief Laser Therapy Device
If you like to build your own jumps (all my jumps are homemade), you’ll need these Flexible Jump Cup Strips (1 pair/ jump). They can be used on PVC or wooden jumps and essential for your dog’s safety! Flexible Jump Cups for DIY jumps
Set of 6 Adjustable Weave Poles with Guide Wires (suitable for channel weave training) Training Weave Pole Set
If you prefer to use home made stick-in-the-ground weaves poles, check out this video on how to set them up
This is the Vivaglory Life Jacket that I use for my Dogs to take them on Stand up Paddle Board trips Life Jacket for Dogs
Video: Teach Your Dog to Wear a Life Jacket (in 6 Simple Steps!)
I’ve been using my SUP since 2023 and just love it:
Aqua Plus inflatable paddle board 11’x33”x6” Stand Up Paddle Board
Video: How to Get Your Pup Paddle-Board Ready!
(Disclaimer: as an Amazon affiliate I will get a small commission when you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.)