Dog Training 101: The Best Dog Training Supplies
Despite how lovable our canine best friends are, if they aren’t properly trained they can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you want to have a well-behaved dog, then training should begin early in your pet’s life.
The key to making your training stick is to use the right tools. No, that doesn’t mean roll up the newspaper or spray them with the water gun. We’re talking about real tools that provide real results.
In this guide, we’re going to give you recommendations for some of the best training products on the market. After that, we’ll go into a little bit more depth of the various training methods that are out there for those of you who are uninformed.
| Product Name | Our Rating |
|---|---|
| Best Dog Clicker | |
| StarMark Clicker Dog Training System |  |
| Best Agility Training System | |
| The KLIMB™ Platform & Agility System | |
| Best Dog Training Collar | |
| Petrainer Dog Collar | |
| PetTech Dog Training Collar |  |
| ProCollar Dog Training Collar |  |
Our Recommendations
Many products on the market today are sub-par, fads, or simply don’t work. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our personal recommendations. These products are bound to have your dog behaving better in no time.
Best Dog Clicker: StarMark Dog Training System
Features:
✅ Uses the scientific method to train your dog
✅ Ergonomic grip feels comfortable in your hand
✅ Rust-proof
✅ Can be easily attached to a keychain or lanyard
✅ Includes a free training guide
✅ Is safe and effective for training
This tool has been used for years; they’re affordable and effective. They’re also one of the best-reviewed clickers for dogs.
Safe And Effective
Dogs operate on a pain vs. reward system. If they are doing something that they shouldn’t be doing, they must be made to associate that action with a consequence. Striking your dog is both cruel and inhumane, and should never be used as a means of punishment.
source: starmarkacademy.com
Easy To Attach To A Key Or Lanyard
If your dog is like most dogs, then they will want to follow you around everywhere you go. This means that while you are still in the process of training your dog, you will need to also carry your clicker around with you everywhere you go.
The StarMark clicker is very easy to attach to your car key chain or even onto a small lanyard. This ensures that you will not lose it and it can’t fall out of your pocket while you’re walking around.
Free Training Guide
Everybody likes free things right? This clicker comes with a free guide that will teach you everything that you need to know about how to train your dog. It will teach you how to properly administer the clicker and the ways that your dog should respond to it. No more spending hours on Google and YouTube trying to find information.
Best Agility Training System: The KLIMB Platform and Agility System
Features:
✅ Trademark PawGrip coating
✅ Offers the ability to create a multi-unit platform
✅ Weather Resistant
✅ QuikConnect Lock in Tab
✅ Portable and Easily Stored
Paw Grip Coating
Dog’s paws are tender, and it is often hard for them to grip hard slippery surfaces. The KLIMB platform is coated with a soft easy to grip rubber material. This will give your dog a better grip on the surface and will allow them to develop the necessary muscles they need to perform at a higher level.
source: blue-9.com
Weather Resistant
This platform is made out of high-grade plastic with advanced UV protection. You can toss this unit around and leave it to the abuse of outdoor weather, and it will stick function as good as it did on the first day you purchased it.
The advanced UV coating will also ensure that the plastic does not fade or weaken when exposed to long-term sunlight.
Ability To Create Multiple Units
If you’re training your dog to compete professionally, then you will want to ensure that they can perform on multiple levels. Beginners will only need the single platform to train their canines to do basic jumps, but more advanced competitors will need to jump higher and perform tighter maneuvers.
The KLIMB system makes it easy to attach multiple units and give your dog the ultimate obstacle course. The possibilities are limitless. The platforms fit together just like Legos. You can stack them tall, or you can stretch them wide. The choice is yours.
Best Dog Training Collar: Petrainer Dog Collar
Features:
✅ 330 Yards of Range
✅ Rechargeable Transmitter and Receiver
✅ Memory Function
✅ Automatic Standby
✅ Collar Size 7- 26 inches
Multiple Ranges
This collar can be set at levels 1 – 100. This means that you can set it to just enough to give your pet a mild signal or to level 100 if they’re doing something really bad. Whatever the case is, Petrainer gives you the flexibility you need for any situation.
One Year Warranty
Petrainer is so confident about their product that they stand by a full one year warranty. If this collar malfunctions or has any technical issues, then you are entitled to a full refund for up to 360 days after purchase.
Long Range
This collar has a range of up to 330 yards which makes it perfect for outdoor training. You can take your dog out to a large outdoor park, and still be able to reprimand your dog should he get out of hand.
Mainly the petrainer dog collar is the best remote dog training collar. The tool has a memory function which helps the dog enhance its cognitive abilities after a few days of training. You should own this if you are ready to train them at an advanced level.
Runner-Up: Remote-Controlled Dog Shock Collar
Features:
✅ LCD Remote
✅ 4 Different Modes
✅ Waterproof
✅ Lithium-Ion Battery
✅ Expert Dog Training included
Fourth on our list is the Remote Controlled Dog Shock Collar.
Beginners and experts alike can use this device to correct common dog misbehavior’s in aggression control, sitting, barking, and walking.
The collar has 4 training modes:
How Far Can It Go?
The Remote Controlled Dog Shock Collar can go up to 400 yards. To give a better idea, this means that the range is the equivalent of 3 football fields which is great if you plan on training them in a large dog park.
source: pettechproducts.us
Enhanced Display Options
Dog training collar reviews like this product because of its LCD. It has a blue backlit which allows the owner to use it during the day and evening.
Battery Protection
Also, it has an auto power protect mode which is used to prevent the battery life from being drained. With its Lithium-Ion battery, the collar can last for days without needing to be recharged. And it has an Auto Power Protect Mode which conserves the battery life when it’s not in use.
Alternative: ProCollar Dog Training Collar
Features:
✅ Rain Proof Receiver
✅ Adjustable Nylon Belt
✅ 8 Hour Battery Life
✅ Remote and Sleep Mode
✅ 3 Training Modes – Beep, Shock, Vibration
Design
First, it has a high-quality matte material which gives the user more grip and a better feel for your pet. The Pro Collar Dog Training Collar has a rainproof receiver that helps protect your dog from the rain. When used, it acts as an umbrella that shields your pet, which allows you to train it for longer periods.
Still, the collar has enough range to keep them occupied during your walks and prevent them from barking at other dogs.
Adjustability
Also, these collars are great for slip on and off feature. It has an adjustable belt which extends from 5-23 inches. For dogs that are 15-100 pounds, this tool can be used to help correct their behavior.
On the collar, the nylon belt has contact points. They are used to keep your pet from sliding out of the collar’s reach. You can use this device to help your dog walk in the park and interact with other dogs without issue.
It has an 8-hour life battery, and its Vibrate feature can help calm their behavior without having to harm them. Overall, we believe that the Pro Collar Dog Training Collar is the best for intensive dog training.
Types Of Dog Training Supplies
There are quite a few dog training tools on the market. We reviewed some great products above, now let’s go a little more in-depth into the exact methods that we’ve been talking about.
Obedience Training
Obedience training is used to teach your dogs how to follow commands, setting boundaries, and quick responses. This form of training is ideal for younger puppies who need to learn basic skills such as learning how to sit and heal on a leash.
Leash
Dog leashes come in various sizes around 4-6 feet. Ideally, the leash should have a small slack when your dog walks closer towards you during walks. This gives them more freedom when walking instead of them being pulled tightly throughout the walk.
Long Line
Whenever your dog is ready to learn behaviors such as coming when called or long-distance stays, a long line is a safe and simple alternative than being completely off the leash.
Long lines help your pet explore and have some more freedom to explore when on training breaks. On average, long lines range from 15-30 feet.
Socializing
Socializing is important in shaping your dog’s mental and emotional development. If not done correctly, it can either create an aggressive or overly shy dog. Here are some good tips you should follow!
Muzzle
You should get a muzzle if your dog is aggressive and you need to prevent them from biting other dogs. Having one will teach your dog how to be less anti-social and help them become friendlier to you, friends and family, and other dogs they find in the park.
Watch How Dogs Interact
When bringing your dog around others, you should see how they act towards each other. Dogs have their own way of communication and knowing it will help improve their social skills.
Is your pet walking towards the other one willingly? Are they both sniffing each other and having a relaxed body language? If your dog tells the other to leave them alone? Do they? Keep these questions in mind in socially training your dog to ensure that they are safely interacting with other pets nearby.
Agility Training
What better way to enhance the speed of an active dog than agility training? Instead of your dog facing multiple obstacles and puzzles in dog behavior training, you can create your own obstacle course at home and make dog training an interesting and fun activity.
You don’t have to pay for expensive equipment nor do you have to create a complex obstacle course to turn your small guest room or backyard into a training haven for your dog. Here is the most common dog agility equipment that you’ll find.
Dog Tunnels
Don’t be fooled by the simple design of a dog tunnel. Dog tunnels are a basic object that can be used for agility training and keep them occupied. Whether your pet is speeding through the tunnel or running from end to end, dog tunnels are great energy spending activities.
Although dog tunnels are primarily used as outdoor equipment, it’s also easy to set up in your home as well. Just remember to remove all breakable and valuable things in the room before allowing them to play the tunnel!
Jump Obstacles And Poles
It doesn’t matter if your purpose is to tire your dog, or to training them for a professional agility course, jump obstacles and poles are an effective tool. They increase your dog’s physical awareness while also improving their mental cognition as well.
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a great option if you’re trying to teach your dog how to respond faster. Here are some ideas that will help make the training process more fun and rewarding for your dog!
Clickers
Clickers are used to determine to mark your dog’s desired behavior. It’s used as a cue and a response when the behaviors occur naturally. Also, clickers come in a multitude of sizes and shapes including those with wrist straps and handheld clickers.
Treats
Use treats to keep your dog motivated and reward them for following your training procedures. Treats will vary from each dog, but they generally like meaty, soft, and chewy treats.
We recommend that you give your dog small treats that are the size of a blueberry to train your dog the best. Some of the treats are cut in portions or have a pre-size for it to be used for training.
On What To Pay Attention When Choosing Your Dog Training Gear
You dog training gear will depend on multiple factors and will take some time in getting the right one. These are the most important things to pay attention to when shopping for your dog training gear.
Existing Level of Training
The training level that your dog already has will also play a role in the type of equipment that you will need to buy. Sometimes you will be the second owner of your pet, and you will need to begin the training process by assessing where their existing strengths and weaknesses lie.
| Training Level | Information |
|---|---|
| Level One (Starting Training) | Your dog should be able to learn how to walk, sit, provide attention, and focus. At this level, your pet has to learn basic house training rules to become more established. |
| Level Two (Manners Training) | On this level, your dog can pay attention to you while ignoring other dogs. They will be able to walk freely on the leash without pulling it. To reach level 3, the dog must be able to respond to its name with no distractions. And it must be able to walk calmly on the leash throughout the training course. |
| Level Three (Avoiding Distractions) | Teach your dog distance cues such as long distance recall, leash walking through distractions, and to completely remove themselves from distractions. It must be able to respond to its name over 20 feet away, stay for about 30 seconds, heel past other dogs, and stay for more than 30 seconds with the leash on held on the owner’s hand. |
| Level Four (Advanced) | This is an advanced level of training where the dog must be able to complete basic commands without distractions. Your dog will then be able to signup for the Canine Good Citizen Assessment. |
Dog Breed
Getting a specific dog breed type doesn’t necessarily mean it will be easier to train. As a dog owner, you’ll have to take time in teaching them good behavior, how to act around company, and other necessary skills to create a well-behaved pet.
Here is a list of the most trainable dogs:
These dog breeds are known for having a higher IQ than other canines, and are more receptive to new instructions and commands. Remember, your dog’s intelligence isn’t the only thing that makes them easier to train. Their eagerness to socialize and please others and unique personalities will play a large part in training than their level of intelligence.
Dog Age
Your dog is never too old to be trained properly. The table shows the three main tiers (puppy, adolescent, and adult) on what training options are best for your dog.
| Main Tiers | Recommended Training Options |
|---|---|
| Puppy (0-3) | Treats are a great way to get puppies excited and ready for your training. At this stage, keep your puppy involved with obedience training to build a foundation and help them become more assertive. |
| Adult (4-10) | Give an adult dog enough time to adjust to your training fully. For instance, keep them in a crate where you can monitor them. |
| Senior (10+) | Set reasonable expectations when training your dog. If there are any sudden behavioral changes, speak with your veterinarian before training them. |
Conclusion
We hope that you have found this guide both helpful and informative. We have done our best to not only recommend some quality dog training supplies to you, but we have made an effort to describe the various training philosophies and how best to apply them to your dog.
Remember, a well-behaved dog is a happy dog, and happy dogs live longer. Do what’s right for both yourself and your best friend.