links for some of the training equipment and enrichment SUPPLIES that i use and/or recommend to my clients.
Equipment: Leashes, Collars and Harnesses
Read this article to learn about different types of collars and harnesses.
Read this article to learn about different types of harnesses.
Perfect Fit Harness
This harness comes as 3 sections and creates a nearly custom fit. The Y-shaped chest piece allows full range front leg motion. A wide felt band beneath the nylon strip prevents chafing. This harness has both front and rear D-rings for leash attachment.
TTouch Harmony Harness
Based on the TTouch® UK harness, the Touch Harmony harness does not interfere with the dog’s forward movement. It has two points of contact for leash attachment.
Blue-9 Balance Harness
With six points of adjustment, this harness adjusts to comfortably fit almost any body style. It does not restrict the dog’s forward motion. There are two points of contact for leash attachment.
Freedom No-Pull Harness
This harness fits snugly. The soft girth strap prevents chafing. It comes with both front and back D-rings. The back D-ring attaches via a partial slip (martingale). The front clip attaches to a cross-chest strap that works by restricting range of motion. Due to its design, this harness is considered aversive by some; however, it works well for strong pullers who are learning loose leash walking skills.
High Tail Hikes Convertible Leash
This biothane leash is very versatile and can be customized to length, color and clip style.
Use the code CrimHound at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase.
Long Lines by High Tail Hikes
A long line is a long leash – from 10 feet to as long as 100 feet in length. Long lines work great for things such as training recalls*, working on distance commands and taking your dog out on sniff walks.
High Tail Hikes makes quality biothane long lines and other products. Use the code CrimHound at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase.
*Never let your dog off leash unless he has a perfect recall in distracted environments. A long line is the perfect piece of equipment for these situations.
PetSafe Two Point Control Nylon Dog Leash
This leash is very versatile. Attach it to the front and back D rings to give added control and weight distribution for large dogs. Clip to a single D rings to form a regular 4-foot leash. Use just one clip only to create a longer lead for sniffing..
Ruffwear Flagline
With its two girth straps, this harness is perfect for odd-shaped pups, seniors and front leg amputees. It includes a handle in case your pup needs assistance.
Lupine Pet Products
Lupine makes a full line of collars, leashes and harnesses in a wide variety of patterns for both dogs and cats. All products come with a lifetime guarantee – even if chewed!
Hands-free Leash System
Hands-free systems work well for a variety of reasons. There are many brands and styles of hands-free systems. If you have a very strong dog, I recommend using something with a buckle (e.g., tool belt) and using a large carabiner to attach your leash.
Leash Belay System
If you are struggling with a strong puller or a reactive dog that lunges, this system can save your arm/shoulder as you are working on leash skills with your dog. This system was developed by Grisha Stewart and requires the following pieces of equipment:
- Pulley Carabiner
- 2″ Aluminum O-ring
- Round long line: (15 feet is perfect, but this system works with leashes that are 6 feet and longer)
- Belt – this can be a standard belt, a hands-free leash belt, a tool belt, or even a couple of collars connected together. I prefer buckle closures over plastic clips for strong dogs.
Muzzle
There are a variety of muzzle types. If you are worried about bites, try the Baskerville Ultra or a cage-type muzzle like those sold by Dean & Tyler. Custom-made biothane muzzles are effective and add a splash of color – Bumas, Trust Your Dog or Mia’s Muzzles.
See the Muzzle Up Project for more information in choosing the best muzzle for your dog.
Head Halter
For clients who struggle with strong or giant breed dogs, a properly conditioned head halter can help.
Head halters fit like a horse halter. The leash clips to a ring under the chin. These work by turning your dog’s head when he pulls, but can cause severe neck and head injuries if not conditioned and used properly. NewTrix halters do not pull from under the chin or turn the dog’s head. Instead, they put slight pressure on the back of the dog’s head to work with the opposition reflex to help with pulling.
This piece of equipment is NOT a magic cure or long-term solution for pulling! It should be used under the guidance of a trainers, acclimated properly and used only during leash manners training.
Enrichment Activity Supplies
SodaPup Enrichment Toys
SodaPup stocks a wide variety of treat dispenser toys, licki mats and chew toys.
Use coupon code CRIMSONHOUND to receive 10% off your next order.
The Original Kong
This toy comes in a variety of sizes to address a variety of chewing levels. You can find many ideas for things to stuff in a Kong online at at Kongcompany.com.
West Paw Toppl
The Toppl comes in two sizes. Toppls are used alone or inserted into one another to increase the difficulty.
K9 Connectables
Purchase different pieces and assemble them to create new and different activities.
Use this link and the coupon code crimsonhound10 to receive 10% off your order.
Kong Wobbler
This toy has a weighted bottom and unscrews to fill with kibble or treats. When the dog nudges it, it rocks and treats drop out. It comes in two sizes and can help meet the needs of your herding dog.
West Paw Qwizl
Another style of durable treat/food dispensing toy from West Paw. The Qwizl fits inside the Toppl to create a great food dispensing toy for dry kibble.
Kong Bamboo Feeder Ball
This treat dispensing ball is perfect for beginners.
Kong Gyro
This toy is filled with kibble/treats and dispenses them as the dog pushes it across the floor.
Outward Hound Products
Outward Hound offers a variety of puzzles and slow feeder bowls.
Snuffle Mats
These toys satisfy your dog’s instinctive need to sniff and forage. You can make your own snuffle mat (see my Toss the Food Bowl blog for instructions) or find a variety of options to purchase online.
Licki Mats
Licki Mats encourage your dog to lick. Licking is a calming behavior. You can find a variety of Licki Mats online. In addition, silicone treat molds and ice cube molds also work great.
Training Treats
Fig & Tyler Pet Treats
Fig & Tyler pet treats are 100% meat and fish – made in the USA from USDA-inspected meat.
Use the code KH3229 to receive 10% off your first order.
Training Treats
Medium value soft treats such as Tricky Trainers and Zuke’s work great when there are distractions. For heavy distractions, you may need to go with a very high value treat such as string cheese, chicken, hot dogs, peanut butter, etc. Ziwi Peak dehydrated dog food is a great high value treat. Break them into small pieces for training.
Squeeze Tubes
Soft silicone travel-size shampoo bottles work great for super soft high value treat like peanut butter, canned dog food, baby food, etc. You can also find refillable food tubes made for camping and dog training.
Miscellaneous Training Equipment
Frosted Window Film
Similar to vinyl window decals, window film is easy to apply and remove with no residue or razor blades needed. If you have a dog that stares out the window and barks at passers by, this is a great way to stop this fixating behavior and prevent the resulting reactive outbursts. Window film lets in plenty of light, while not allowing your dog to see out. Leave it in place permanently or as a temporary management tool while training alternative behaviors.
Sound-Proofing Curtains
These 3-in-1 curtains act as a sound barrier, a black out curtain and a thermal curtain. This can be a great option for a noise phobic/reactive dog, loud urban environments or to aid in setting up your dog’s safe space.
Baby Gates & Exercise Pens (x-pens)
Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, baby gates and exercise pens are super versatile and can be used for both training and management purposes.
Box Fan
A box fan placed facing the source of noise can be a game changer for noise phobic dogs. I address the use of this piece of equipment in my 4th of July blog.
