OBEDIENCE TRAINING
EQUIPMENT
Clicker: Using the clicker is an easy and fun way to shape and reward positive behaviors in your dog. It is based on the scientific principles of Classical conditioning and Operant conditioning.
Obedience Leash: A short 4-6′ light leash, sometimes referred as a “belt leash.” It is thin enough you can double up in your hand with easy and makes it more manageable. I recommend a leather leash as it is the most comfortable on your hands and you do not get rope burn. This is the leash that gets used the most. I typically cut off the handle at the end.
Treats: I use small cut up hot dogs as the basis of our training treats. I also use the Victor Professional kibble for puppy training. Find out what you dog likes and will work for. His kibble, hot dogs, cheese, etc. Once you know what they LOVE, they will really want to work for it and earn their “paycheck” from you.
Treat Pouch: Very useful to keep treats handy and accessible when working with your puppy, and don't have your training vest.
TOYS! I highly recommend the use of toys, balls, and tugs in the training of your dog. Most of our work is done with the ball on a string and tug toys. Toys and tugs are used to help motivate and maintain an energetic and willing partner.
Flirt Pole Rag
Ball on a Rope
TUG TOYS
Chew Bones/Toys: I highly recommend the & products. For young puppies teething the “Flexable Chew” is great. I use the non-edible “durable and big chews”, and they last very Ill. They are great for keeping teeth clean and white.
Interactive Toys: Provide hours of interactive fun and mental stimulation for your dog. It’s great to use for preventing destructive boredom behaviors, prevent barking, or to simply keep your dog happily occupied.
Baby Gate(s): Easily block of areas of the house to limit free roaming. You want to supervise your puppy to teach them what they can and can’t chew on in the house. It’s much easier to follow through if you can see the puppy!
PLACE BED: I like the Kuranda beds. (44×27) They are the most durable and long lasting. Teach your puppy “place” and they can hang out and be part of the family and not get in trouble.
Nylon Buckle Collars: I use a simple nylon buckle collar as the puppies grow up until they can fit into a Fur Saver around 5-6 months.
Fur Saver: A fur saver is usually one of the first items obtained by a schutzhund enthusiast and is the only collar allowed in trials. It is a large link clip collar and can be used on the live or dead ring. I normally use the dead ring with our dogs. If corrections are needed the pinch collar works better once the puppy is older.
Long Line: Very often used is a lightIight line 20-50′ for obedience work, to reinforce recalls, retrieves, long downs, and anything else that might require distance from the dog.
Drag Leash: A short 3-5” light leash. A drag leash is a light Iight leash that is designed to be let the dog drag a leash so you can quickly grab the line to either control the dog or to give a correction. A drag line should not have a loop handle.
TIE DOWN – NOT TIE OUT: I use tie downs in the house with young puppies who are not old enough to stay on their place beds. It is a non-chewable 2′ cable with clips on both ends. Using an eye hook into a wall, and clip to the puppies collar, you can place them anywhere, or just hook them around a table leg. This keeps them with you, but under control while you cook dinner, watch TV, etc when you can’t watch them 100%.
Dog Crate: I recommend getting a bigger crate as your puppy grows. You want it small during potty training, just big enough to be comfortable. The crate should be a good place for your dog and not a punishment. It’s a place of safety, peace and quiet. Toss a couple of pieces of food in and give them a bone and treat ball.
Dog House: Having a dog house to be able to stay warm and get out of the rain if there's no roof.
Dog Rake
Victor Dog Food: GI've been feeding Victor dog food for awhile now and the dogs are doing really well on it. Any of the Grain Free foods are good. Typically I feed about 1 cup 3 times a day until 12-16 weeks old through training, and switch to twice a day feedings after.
