Shop Like a Dog Trainer: 9 Items Any Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer Would Recommend
When it comes to training your dog, the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned dog trainer or a first-time pet parent, shopping like a dog trainer means choosing items that align with positive reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement is all about rewarding your dog for good behavior rather than punishing them for mistakes. It’s a compassionate, effective approach that strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
If you’re ready to start your positive reinforcement journey or upgrade your current training tools, here are 9 items every dog trainer would recommend for new clients.
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1. High-Value, Small Training Treats – Stewart Freeze-Dried Beef Liver
When it comes to dog training, the size and type of your treats matters! Using small, high-value treats helps keep your dog focused and motivated without overfeeding them during training sessions. Stewart Freeze-Dried Beef Liver is a fantastic choice because they’re nutrient-packed, easy to handle, and highly appealing to most dogs.
Why we love them: These small, freeze-dried beef liver treats are the perfect size for training sessions. They’re rich in protein and packed with flavor, making them ideal for rewarding your dog frequently without overwhelming them with too much food. Small treats also make it easier to reward your dog for each small success, which is essential for reinforcing behaviors quickly and effectively.
Tip: Keep the treats small enough that your dog doesn’t get full, but large enough that they feel like a special reward. Since the liver treats are freeze-dried, they break into even smaller pieces, allowing you to give several rewards during a short training session.
2. Pet Training Clicker
A clicker is a must-have tool for any positive reinforcement trainer. The Pet Training Clicker is a simple yet effective device for marking your dog’s correct behavior with a distinct, consistent sound. This helps your dog understand exactly what action earned them the reward.
Why we love it: The clicker’s sharp “click” sound is easy for dogs to distinguish, and its small size makes it convenient to carry during training sessions. It’s perfect for teaching everything from basic commands to more complex behaviors, and it helps you stay precise in your training, ensuring your dog associates the reward with the right action.
3. 10-Foot Biothane Leash – Soft Touch Biothane Leash
A 10-foot Biothane leash is a fantastic training tool because it allows your dog more freedom to explore while still keeping them within a manageable distance. A Biothane Leash is especially convenient because it’s easy to clean and maintain—just wipe it off after use, and it’s good as new. This is perfect for outdoor adventures and training sessions in different weather conditions where a traditional fabric leash might get dirty or wet.
Why we love it: With a longer leash, your dog has more room to move around and engage in natural behaviors, such as sniffing, exploring, and practicing recall, all while still being safely connected to you. The Biothane material is incredibly durable, easy to wash, and resistant to moisture, making it a great option for training in all types of environments.
Tip: Use the longer leash during recall and loose-leash walking exercises to give your dog the space to succeed. It’s also ideal for practicing more advanced behaviors like stay or heel, where the additional distance allows your dog to move freely while still being safely connected to you.
4. Y-Shaped Dog Harness
A Y-shaped dog harness is an excellent training tool for dogs that may be extra excited with the outside world and don’t know how to contain themselves quite yet. The Y-shape design allows for even pressure distribution across your dog’s chest and back, which makes it a great option for everyday walks and training sessions, ensuring that your pup stays happy and healthy while outside.
Why we love it: A well-fitted Y-shaped harness provides comfort and prevents pressure on your dog’s neck, which is especially important for dogs that pull on the leash. It allows your dog to move freely without causing chafing or discomfort. The design also gives you more control while walking, making it easier to manage your dog during training or when out in public.
Tip: Look for an adjustable Y-shaped harness with soft, breathable materials to ensure a comfortable fit. You want to ensure the harness is snug enough that your dog can’t slip out of it but not so tight that it restricts movement or causes irritation.
5. Treat Pouch with Waist Belt
A treat pouch with a waist belt is an essential tool for any dog trainer, as it allows you to keep your hands free and fully focused on your dog during training. Having easy access to your treats is crucial, and a pouch worn around your waist ensures that you can grab them quickly without fumbling or interrupting the flow of your session.
Why we love it: A treat pouch with a waist belt allows you to carry treats and other training essentials without needing to constantly reach into your pockets or bag. This hands-free setup is especially useful when you’re moving around a lot during training or practicing exercises like loose-leash walking or recall. It keeps your attention on your dog instead of worrying about where your treats are or if you have them readily accessible.
Tip: Look for a treat pouch that is adjustable, with a magnetic or Velcro closure for easy access. Some pouches even come with multiple compartments, allowing you to organize treats, poop bags, and other essentials. The ability to keep everything in one place helps you stay organized and ready to reward your dog promptly, which is key for positive reinforcement training.
6. Frozen Treat Toy – Yipetor Dog Toy
The Yipetor Dog Toy is a frozen treat toy that will keep your dog entertained and cool, especially on hot days. Simply fill it with your dog’s favorite treats, freeze it, and watch as they happily work to lick and chew their way to the reward. It’s great for promoting calm behavior, mental stimulation, and keeping your dog busy for hours.
Why we love it: This toy is perfect for dogs who love frozen treats or need something engaging to occupy them. The Yipetor Toy is made from safe, durable materials and designed to hold up to freezing and chewing. Plus, it’s easy to clean and can be used over and over again.
Tip: Freeze different types of treats or purees in the toy to provide variety and challenge for your dog. You can use high-value treats like peanut butter, yogurt, or even broth to keep them motivated. It’s a perfect option for giving your dog a satisfying and rewarding challenge that can keep them busy and cool!
7. Interactive Toy – Outward Hound Flirt Pole
Why we love it: The flirt pole is like a giant cat toy for dogs! It helps your dog burn off energy, improves coordination, and offers a great way to teach self-control, making it an excellent tool for both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Most importantly, the flirt pole allows your dog to play safely, preventing overexertion or injury by controlling the pace of the play and reducing the risk of rough, unsupervised running.
Tip: Use the flirt pole as a reward for calm behavior or focus during training. It’s especially helpful for dogs who need more stimulation or have high prey drive, as it encourages healthy, structured playtime.
8. Dog Puzzle Enrichment Toy – Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Treat Maze
The Outward Hound by Nina Ottosson Dog Treat Maze is an interactive puzzle toy designed to mentally stimulate your dog and slow down their eating. It’s a great way to keep your dog engaged while encouraging them to think critically to get their treats. Puzzle toys like this are perfect for promoting problem-solving skills and providing enrichment for dogs who need more mental stimulation.
Why we love it: The treat maze is designed to challenge your dog to work for their reward, which not only keeps them occupied but also helps prevent boredom-related behavior issues. The non-slip base ensures it stays in place, and the durable material means it will withstand even the most enthusiastic players.
Tip: Use it to slow down meals or make training sessions more fun. It’s a great tool for dogs who love treats but need extra stimulation to keep them focused and satisfied.
9. Reward-Based Training Book – “Plenty in Life is Free” by Kathy Sdao
A good training book can provide insights into the theory and practice of positive reinforcement. Plenty in Life is Free by Kathy Sdao is one of the best resources for understanding how to use rewards to shape your dog’s behavior. It emphasizes how to use the environment and simple rewards to enrich your dog’s life while reinforcing positive behavior.
Why we love it: This book is approachable for both beginners and experienced dog owners. It provides a refreshing look at dog training through the lens of positivity, offering practice.
Final Thoughts: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Shopping like a dog trainer means choosing tools that foster positive, consistent reinforcement for your dog. With the right training aids, you can make the learning process enjoyable for both you and your pup, reinforcing good behavior with rewards that motivate and engage. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your training techniques, these 9 items will help ensure you’re well-equipped for success!
Training is a journey, not a destination. And with the right tools in hand, you’ll be well on your way to building a strong, trusting relationship with your dog while encouraging them to be the best they can be. Happy training!