Equipment

  • Collar
    We advise that your dog should wear a plain cloth or soft leather buckled collar. Should further control be necessary you might consider a head collar like a Gentle Leader or Halti.
     
  • Lead
    You will need a lead approximately six feet in length. We recommend cotton webbing leads as being the most comfortable to work with.
     
  • Clicker
    This is a small rectangular box with a metal tongue inside, which, gives a double click when quickly pressed and released.
     
  • Food
    Treats need to be small, soft, easily swallowed and very palatable. Small pieces of meat, poultry, hot dog, liver, cheese or anything else that your dog finds irresistible.
     
  • Toy
    Best choice is a cloth or rope tug type toy that will fit into a pocket. Balls or squeaky toys are not suitable for early training.
     
  • Small Mat
    This will become a target on which your dog will learn to settle down. It needs to be just large enough to accommodate your dog and should lie flat on the floor. Old carpet samples are ideal.
     
  • Appropriate Clothing
    It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing for training your dog. You need to be prepared to get down onto the floor or ground if necessary. Be particularly careful regarding footwear. Soft, low heeled shoes with non-slip soles are recommended for dog training.