My Go-To Training Kit!

Harnesses are great for teaching loose lead walking. they prevent the use of pressure on the throat and therefore prevents damage to your dogs trachea.

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My go- to harnesses are the "perfect fit harness" & the "T-Touch" harness. but any harness that has a chest piece that goes under the tummy and clips round, doesn't restrict shoulder movement and has a clip on the front of the chest are my favourites.

Leads are super important when teaching loose lead walking. The handling of the lead (when done correctly) feeds the dog important information while training. I like to use double-ended leads that are roughly 2m long. Longer leads allow the dog to move more comfortably without hitting the end of the lead as frequently. Shorter leads can stop us giving the dog feedback when tight but also create frustration and arousal if continuously tight.

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"Halti" leads do a great variety and are definitely my top choice.

Long lines are a great tool to allow our puppies and dogs some freedom while training is taking place but also allows us to maintain control if necessary, to keep all parties safe. 

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I've tried and tested a few... my top choice is the "Toozey" anti slip rubber long line from Amazon. Its great to avoid rope burn as the rubber grips help prevent the long line being pulled through your hands. Its definitely the most comfortable, light weight and sturdy one I've used. I like around 7-10m long. Longer than that i find i lack as much control.

I try and avoid headcollars as much as possible. To some dogs they can be quite aversive. However, for strong dogs, sometimes they are a necessity to keep all parties safe. Having said that they must be trained up to them rather than just plonking it on the dog and letting them get on with it. 

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My favourite one is the "Dogmatic" headcollars. They seem to fit really well and are quite sturdy. They must be fitted properly to avoid added discomfort.

Similar to the Headcollars... muzzles must be fitted properly and your dog should be trained to accept one. They need to be big enough to allow your dog to pant. If they are wearing one our on walks and they cannot pant, then they cannot regulate their body temperature and cool down. This could lead to serious problems.

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"Baskerville" muzzles are the ones I usually use as they are sturdy but relatively flexible for comfort and if you're dispensing treats into your dogs mouth etc. then its much easier.

Treats are one of the most important tools for dog training: You wouldn't go to work if you weren't going to get paid. 

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This is where it may be that you let your dog decide... get a cupcake baking tray and place different treats in each cupcake section e.g. Ham, Cheese, Chicken, Pate, Kibble, Sausage, sweet potato etc. Then the order your dog eats them is likely the order of preference. 

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For dogs with food intolerances, Pate can be great as they can be a single protein: for example, dogs with chicken intolerances. "JR" Pate is a great one. They contain no nasties ... just pure meat.

Again, this may be dog led. They will likely choose a toy of their own preference. However; I like tug toys. This ensures my dog is playing with me.

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I avoid balls as the fast running with sudden impact can put pressure on the dogs joints. Playing with a tug can not only improve your dogs relationship with you but also be better for them physically (providing you're tugging low and not bending their neck up). 

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"Tug-e-nuff" is a great site for a variety of toys with some great information on each and what may suit your dog better. 

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For dogs not toy motivated... you can get toys which you can put food inside. These can be found on "tug-e-nuff" too and are called "clams". Your local pet shop will likely sell these as well.