When you brought your cute little bundle of fuzz home, you probably stocked your house with food and toys, but you may not have picked up all of the essentials you need to train your new companion. These six dog training tools can make training your dog easier.
1. Clicker
A clicker is a small handheld device that you use to indicate to your dog when he is doing something you want him to do. To use the clicker, you begin by clicking the device and then offering your dog a treat repeatedly. This helps your dog associate the sound of the clicker with receiving a reward. Once you have done this, you simply click the clicker any time your dog does something good and then immediately offer a treat. This makes it easier to mark exactly the behavior you are rewarding, particularly when your dog is not close enough to you to offer the treat at the same time the dog is performing the desired behavior.
2. Crate
A crate has many uses. First, it provides a safe place to confine your pet when you can not supervise her. Second, it gives your dog a special spot where she can relax or withdraw from a busy household. Third, crates are useful tools for potty training, because dogs usually will not go to the bathroom in the same space where they sleep. Placing your pet in her crate while you sleep or during other times when you can not supervise her can reduce the number of accidents during potty training. A crate can also be a useful tool for teaching your pet how to be separated from you without anxiety.
3. Dog Treats
Most dogs are very motivated by food. Offering a tasty treat can be one of the best ways to encourage your dog to repeat the desired behavior. There are many different kinds of dog treats on the market. Look for training treats that are tasty, but low in calories, and made from nutritious ingredients by manufacturers with a good history of safety.
4. Dog Bed or Mat
A dog bed is not just a comfy place for your dog to relax. It can also be a valuable training tool. Most dogs have a lot of energy and one of the skills you will want to teach your dog is how to calm himself when he gets over-stimulated. Providing your dog with his own space that you have associated with good things, such as toys and treats, can help you teach your dog to return to his space and settle down when you need him to.
5. Tether
A tether is a short, plastic-coated cable, about four feet long, with snaps on both ends. Tethers are designed to be difficult to chew through and to resist coiling so that your dog can not chew herself free or get tangled in the tether. Tethers are useful for when you need to temporarily restrain your dog, such as when you are teaching her not to jump on guests to your home.
6. Ultrasonic Training Devices
Ultrasonic training devices, such as the Barx Buddy, are a way to get your dog's attention when he is doing something that you do not want him to do. The device emits a high-frequency sound that is inaudible to humans, but annoying to dogs. Using these devices will not harm your dog and is much more effective than shouting.
Training your dog can be a great bonding experience, but it can be challenging without the right tools. These six training tools will help you get the most out of your training sessions with your pooch.
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