Public Dog Training Resources
Thinking of getting a puppy?
Not sure where to turn for reliable, kind and honest information on the internet?
Check out these dog training resources to get you started on potty training, crate training, getting your dog’s attention, and more.
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Dog Training Tools and Equipment
Petsafe Treat Pouch - comes with a belt as well as a clip (for pocket or belt)
Silicone treat bag - great if using chicken or wet training treats. Easy to wash!
Fida 5-ft leash - comfortable padding in handles, easy snap hook, thick enough to endure a little puppy chewing (although not puppy proof). Great weight for teaching leash walking.
16 foot Biothane long line (waterproof rubber leather-type material) - great for starting puppy on long-line walks. Lighter weight than other option below.
50 foot Biothane long line (waterproof rubber leather-type material) - gives LOTS of space for your puppy to wander and explore. Great for playing fetch in an open area. Due to the weight, I recommend hooking this leash to a back-clip (over the spine) harness.
Martingale Style Collar - limited slip to prevent puppy from backing out of collar and also allow for puppy growth spurts! Also recommend the Martingale style collars with the buckle clip
Martingale Collar - with buckle clip. I recommend 1/2 inch width (for small breeds) or 3/4 inch width for medium through extra large sized breeds
Blue-9 Harness - VERY customizable for growing puppies or dogs who have an unusual shape (deep chested, round, etc). Well made product allows you to clip to the back (over the spine) for long line walks or under the chest for a no-pull feel.
Halti - Head collar (like a horse halter). Fit correctly, dog is able to eat, drink, carry a tennis ball and bite. This is not a muzzle. Wonderful tool for exuberant or well muscled dog to make training a little easier on your body. REQUIRES TRAINING to acclimate your dog. This is a tool to speed training, not a magical fix (even though it often feels like that!)
No-Pull harness - we like this kind because it sits higher on the neck and does not restrict shoulder movement. Shoulder restriction can be detrimental in growing puppies and is also harder to fit through growth spurts.
Baskerville muzzle - for preventing dogs diagnosed with pica from eating things or working through aggression. Not a suitable solution for puppy biting.
Dog Toys
Benebone Brand chews - long lasting, great for large breeds that need something heavy duty to chew. Choose a larger size for longer chewing! If sized correctly, this is a crate-safe toy
Similar to Benebone, these are very durable chews. If sized correctly, this is a crate-safe toy.
Nylabone - Another solid bone, great for heavy chewers like retriever puppies!
Kong - Make sure to get an appropriate size and chew strength for your dog. Once you’ve supervised your dog for a few days, Kongs are often a crate-safe/unsupervised toy!
Rubber ball with plastic crackle ball inside - not a squeaker but still makes noise!
Food Puzzles
Toppl - Similar to a Kong but much easier to fill! Fill with canned food or even freeze for a longer lasting food toy.
Slow feed bowl for dogs that eat so fast they choke, cough or vomit right afterwards. Alternatives including putting a toy or tennis ball in their normal food bowl to slow them down.
Any Outward Hound brand puzzle toys are great! These are supervised toys - put food inside, supervise your dog when using, then put away when they are done. They are not made to be chew toys or left out unsupervised. It’s best to rotate through a few puzzle toys to keep your pup on their toes!
Lick mats - can be used as a slow feeder, to hold your pups attention during grooming/nail trims or to prevent boredom/allow dog to settle when company comes over.
Snuffle Mat - sprinkle with kibble, dog pushes fleece around to find all the kibble. This is a calming activity and can be done anywhere. Some snuffle mats are machine washable!
Let your dog wear themselves out with these favorite toys & food puzzles.
Grooming & Cleaning Supplies
Millers Forge nail clippers - chances are high your vet and groomer both prefer these! This reliable nail trimmer works great for many years!
When trimming nails, Kwik-Stop helps cauterize any bleeding nails after being trimmed too short. This is a great thing to have on hand that you hope you never have to use!
Slicker Brush - great for doodles and curly-coated dogs. Detangles well without much pulling. Combine with a leave-in conditioner to make the job a breeze. During training, remember to brush your pup’s legs, belly, chest, ears and armpits as these are the most likely places for your dog to get mats.
Deshedding Rake - great for straight coated dogs with an undercoat (golden retrievers, labs, bernese mountain dogs, pomeranians). Not suitable for curly-coated or “hair” breeds (i.e. dogs that have evergrowing hair and require a groomer to cut)
Enzymatic stain and odor remover - Nature’s Miracle has carpet and hard floor sprays for all your puppy clean up needs.