What Do I Need For Class?

We are frequently asked what materials or equipment is recommended or required for classes. There's not a lot required, but we do have a few favorites which we highly recommend.

Full disclosure: All links below are affiliate links. We pick the products first, then find a good place to buy them, and we never recommend gadgets just for the few cents of an affiliate link. :) If we recommend a product, it's because we've used it ourselves and like it!

The Essentials

We don't require much for a class -- a flat collar, a standard leash, treats, and a mat. But there are a lot of choices for those!

Collar or Harness

This should be a flat buckle or snap collar; your local stores have these by the dozen, usually in nylon in every conceiveable collar. They are also available in leather of varying qualities, cotton, and hemp. (No choke or pinch collars, please.)

If you're worried about your dog slipping a collar (such as with sighthounds or Dobermans, whose skulls are often no larger than their necks, or any skilled escape artist), consider a martingale collar, sometimes called a greyhound collar; it's safer than a slip collar, but still secure in place. Our dogs daily wear Premier's version -- and the ECO collar is environmentally beneficial, too!

At Pet Expertise | At Amazon

If your dog is particular large or strong, we may recommend a front-attachment harness. There are several varieties on the market, but the Premier Easy Walk is an old standard. This relieves the effort required to hold your dog while you train a new behavior!

At Pet Expertise | At Amazon

Leash

We recommend a four- or six-foot leash of leather, cotton, nylon, or hemp. Nylon is ubiquitous and cheap; however, it’s the hardest to grip and the hardest on your hands, so if you have a large or strong dog, consider one of the other options. No retractable or chain leashes, please; they will make training more difficult for both you and your dog.

Treats

These choices are as individual as your dog! but there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when selecting treats.

• Tiny. As a general rule, if your dog needs to chew it, the treat is too large. It should be just big enough to taste, so pea-sized or smaller.
• Attractive. It doesn’t matter what it says on the bag, if your dog doesn’t want to work for it, it isn’t a treat!
• Healthy. Quite a lot of commercial dog treats are made of rather unhealthy stuff, which can result in a smelly or ill pet after training. Read the ingredient list and consider whether you’d be comfortable feeding this in quantity.
• Tiny. Again, this is a key attribute! We train frequently and generously; it’s important to use tiny pieces.

We use, stock, and recommend Bravo! Training Treats, tiny and healthy and delicious, which we sell at the best available price (considering tax and shipping). They are also available at Amazon.

Clicker

We recommend and carry the i-Click, an easy and ergonomic clicker with a softer sound than the more common box clicker. We don’t know of any place less expensive than Canines In Action to buy i-Clicks other than wholesale, but they are also available at Amazon.

Mat

Matwork quickly becomes a favorite of many clients, human and canine! You may use almost anything for your mat – a bath towel, a rug, or a carpet square.

The Highly-Recommended

These items aren’t required, but many really appreciate having them handy.

Treat Bag

Handy not only for class but for managing treats, bags, and more on neighborhood walks. There are dozens of treat bags on the market, but only a few are really useful and durable. My favorites are the Premier Hinged Training Pouch and the Karen Pryor Training Treat Pouch.

Premier Pouch: at Pet Expertise | at Amazon

Karen Pryor Pouch: at Amazon

What else?

Kongs, Squirrel Dudes, Bully Sticks, Puzzle Toys

You won’t need these during class, but they’re awfully handy to entertain a bored dog at home! Or to encourage and reinforce quiet behavior on the mat, during dinner or movie night, etc. If your trainer has recommended puzzle toys, this is the place to look: see the array at Pet Expertise.

Dog Bed

I have tried so many dog beds, from cheap $20 versions to a fancy-schmancy $300 model. These Big Shrimpy beds are hands-down the best I’ve found – comfortable, durable, and affordable -- not the cheapest, but definitely the best value. Plus, exchangable covers means less cost when they do need replaced (and mine haven’t yet after years of use!) and flat $5 shipping means it’s a great deal!

 yay!