Equipment
Here is what you need to begin training. It is my job to help you select the appropriate training tools for you, your specific dog, and the behavior you wish to solve or train towards.
Open to new information.
An appropriate flat dog or martingale that is properly fitted and sized. What is appropriate for one dog may not be for another, so we will review that. The collar must be tight enough not to slip over its head. The 2 finger test generally works.
Appropriate dog leash for specific types of training. There are many kinds(slip, longline, regular, and even retractable). You may need several types of leashes as your training progresses. For instance, a house leash, slip lead, an outside leash, and longline may all be used in the course of training your dog. Leashes come in different lengths and materials. The length depends on personal preference, but typically 4,5,6 ft are used. An 8ft may be used too for some situations.
Long line for recall training, 12 to 30 ft generally.
Treat bag.
Appropriate treats, low to high value, and tiny bits. I like the strips that you can tear off to any size you need.
His favorite tug or retrieval toy to use as a reward or play.
Poop bags
I generally don’t use a harness to train dogs with a few exceptions(some small dogs, some puppies, neck injured dogs). Many dogs have an oppositional response to a harness thus encouraging pulling. Of course, there are all types of harnesses for different purposes; no pull, canicross, etc. Depending on the purpose of training or the skill level of the handler these may be appropriate. Dogs need to feel the leash pressure from the collar and be taught to relieve that pressure through training.
Some dogs will require the use of a prong collar or E-collar(Recall primarily). I always start with positive reinforcement with treats, praise, toys, and loads of patience, then depending on the dog, type of training, and his behavior, may move to a prong or E-collar. Most of the dogs I have trained (approximately 90%) DO NOT require a prong or E-collar but a few, typically leash aggression toward other dogs, in the mid to large size breeds have required one or the other. Once adequately trained, many of these dogs will no longer require a prong or Ecollar or they are used very infrequently to reinforce a behavior. Fair corrections, not punishment, are critical to dogs’ learning structure and leadership. Dogs thrive with leadership and structure. The lack of these is the root of problematic dog behavior.
11. Appropriate clothing for you to enjoy being outside for an hour.
Please simplify the text using simpler and more common words.
