Dog training has never been more important than it is today. After all, you’re getting a new furry friend. You want to make sure they’re well-behaved when you bring them home.
The problem is most new dog owners jump straight into training without knowing how. Or what tools work best.
Here’s the thing…
If you don’t have the right tools your training will fall flat. Frustrating both you and your dog in the process. It’s all well and good finding the right dog trainer for you, but also know what you can do at home to support their progress, and the tools you need to equip yourself with.
Don’t worry! It’s really not difficult. Once you know the basics you can train your new pup in no time.
Let’s take a look…
Which Training Tools Should You Use?
- Why Training Tools Are More Important Than Training Methods
- Dog Collar Basics All New Owners Should Know
- Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Training Tools
- How To Select The Best Tools For Your Dog
Why Training Tools Are More Important Than Training Methods
Every dog owner obsesses over training methods. Meanwhile, training tools are the elephant in the room.
Here’s a fun analogy for you…
Would a carpenter be effective with the world’s best woodworking techniques and no hammer or saw? Of course not. Tools and technique go hand in hand.
Dog training is no different. The right dog collar allows you to train effectively at every stage. It gives you control when you need it and communicates with your dog painlessly. Everything you teach your dog later on is built upon this foundation.
According to Forbes, 41% of Gen Z owners will spend money on professional pet training. Pet owners today are taking training more seriously than ever.
But professional dog training can only do so much if you don’t have the right training tools at home.
A quality dog training collar creates consistency. Your dog receives the same correction every time they misbehave during a walk or training session. This helps them learn quicker because your feedback is predictable.
Training isn’t something you do with your dog. Training is every interaction you have with your dog.
You know those morning walks you take your dog on before work? They should be using the same collar you’d use for training.
Dog Collar Basics All New Owners Should Know
Not all dog collars are created equally. And unfortunately, choosing the wrong collar can take weeks or months off your training.
You have four options when it comes to dog collars:
- Flat collar
- Martingale collar
- Training collar
- Dog Harness
You’ll rarely go wrong with a flat collar. This is your standard collar that holds an ID tag and gets used for walks.
Martingale collars are better for dogs that naturally slip out of flat collars. These have a slight give when pulled but will tighten on the dog’s neck if they try to back out.
Training collars are specially made for dog training. Lastly, some dogs are prone to respiratory issues or neck sensitivity. For these pups, a dog harness is a better option.
Let’s focus on dog collars for now.
If you’re training your dog for basic obedience a standard dog collar will do the trick. The key is making sure the collar fits snug but not too tight.
You should be able to fit two fingers between your dog’s collar and neck. Collar material isn’t super important but it can matter.
Nylon is cheap and easy to clean. Leather is durable and softens over time.
Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Training Tools
We see the same mistakes happen with new dog owners time and time again. Learning about these mistakes before you buy your dog helps you avoid headaches later on.
Wrong Size
Double-checking your dog’s measurements is important. A collar that’s too tight can be uncomfortable and cause irritation. A collar that’s too loose can lead your dog to easily slip out of it.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s by far the most common mistake.
Not Allowing An Adjustment Period
Dogs need time to get used to new equipment. Don’t put a new collar on your dog one day and expect them to behave the next.
Have your dog wear the new collar around your house for short periods of time. Then gradually increase how long they wear it before you train with it.
Thinking Tools Do All The Work
Here’s a fun secret…
Training tools aren’t magical. They don’t automatically make your dog behave.
They simply act as a vessel for your training. You still need to practice commands and formally train your dog.
Research shows that 73% of dog owners trained their dogs using a training method. Owners who used positive reinforcement saw the best results.
That means they used good training practices along with the right tools.
Buying Poor Quality Collars
Cheaper collars are more likely to break. Whether that be the stitching fraying over time or the buckle rusting.
Little things like this may annoy you. But broken equipment can be dangerous for your dog.
Imagine your dog slipping out of their collar near a busy street. Improving your dog’s behavior is useless if they don’t make it home.
How To Select The Best Tools For Your Dog
Figuring out what tools you need isn’t as difficult as you think. Follow these 5 simple steps.
Step 1: Identify your dog’s needs.
All dogs are different and so are their needs. Take into consideration your dog’s breed, size, behavior, and physical limitations.
A small Chihuahua has different needs than a German Shepherd.
Step 2: Set goals.
What do you want to train your dog to do? If you’re going to teach your dog basic obedience you don’t need the same tools as advanced agility training.
Match the equipment to the task.
Step 3: Dog comfort is king.
Last but not least…
If your dog isn’t comfortable with their collar they’re less likely to listen to you. Ensure that whatever tool you buy is comfortable for your pup.
Step 4: Invest in quality.
Check that the stitching is reinforced. Make sure any metal hardware is sturdy and won’t rust with wear.
Step 5: Start with the basics.
Buy your dog all the tools you think you’ll need. Stop. Unless you’re a professional dog trainer you don’t need tools that require specialized training.
A standard collar and leash is all you need for most situations.
Building A Training Routine Your Dog Will Follow
You can have all the tools in the world but that doesn’t mean your training will be effective. How you use these tools is equally as important.
Keep training sessions short. 5-15 minutes is more than enough time for a training session. Dogs have short attention spans.
Shorter, frequent training sessions are better than 1 long training session.
Don’t overcomplicate commands. If you tell your dog to “sit” don’t also say “sit down”. Your dog doesn’t understand that both phrases mean the same thing.
Reward your dog when they behave correctly. Rewards can come in many forms such as treats, verbal praise, and even play.
Practice commands anywhere and everywhere. Dogs are smart and can pick up on details. If you can only get your dog to listen at home you haven’t properly trained them.
Always reward good behavior.
The Takeaway
Dog training tools make your life easier when training your dog. A good dog collar can build a foundation of control and communication with your dog.
Let’s recap:
- Training tools don’t train your dog. They facilitate good training practices.
- Fit and quality always trump bells and whistles.
- Don’t overcomplicate your tools. Start simple and work your way up if you need to.
- You must be consistent with your dog. If you’re not using your tools daily your dog will not learn as quickly.
Dog owners who start off informed save themselves months of frustration down the line. They create a better relationship with their dog and actually enjoy training.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
