Dog Training Ultimate Guide

I have a large rottweiler I would like to agility train in my backyard. What’s a good set and where can I get it? Do the tubes and hoops come in a standard size or do they make bigger ones for dogs like mine? (he’s about 130 pounds)

When you first get a new dog it may seem a little overwhelming the amount of things you have to buy. You will have to buy food, a bed, bowls and toys to mention just a few and it is also a very sensible idea to get some dog training equipment.

While it is possible to use ordinary items this may not be the case in some circumstances.

For instance, it will certainly be necessary to get a case if you intend to crate train your dog and you may want to purchase a clicker or a noisy chain. If you are training a hunting dog then you will want more specific dog training equipment to help with the process of training.

A clicker is used to help with positive reinforcement. Every time you praise your dog you click the clicker and give him a treat and so he recognizes the noise to mean he has done well and is being rewarded.

On the other hand a noisy chain is used to throw at the feet of your dog as negative reinforcement when he has done something wrong. The noise of the chain hitting the floor is irritating to the dog and will certainly get his attention. You should never use the chain to reprimand the dog directly and it should only be used to make the loud noise.

There are other more unusual training aids. You can get remote spray collars that work like ordinary collars but have a small water spray attached. When your dog misbehaves you can click the button and the water will spray into his face.

This will invariably stop him in his tracks and after using this a couple of times it is very unlikely he will do the same thing again for fear of getting water sprayed in his face.

Walking big dogs can be a real challenge. Specialist collars can help. Harnesses give you much more control over a boisterous dog that usually has the run of you when out on walks and the choker chain works by tightening around the dog’s neck but quickly loosening again when the tension on the lead loosens.

Electric collars give out a small electrical shock to your dog although this form of punishment is best for hunting dogs and teaching them not to approach certain harmful animals like snakes. This dog training equipment is all fairly inexpensive and will make your life a lot easier when first training your dog.

I want to start to agility train my puppy. I have checked out some online sites and so far agility equipment has been SUPER expensive… Anyone know of a place (or person) who I can get good but not overly expensive agility equipment from?
Thanks

Producing a “finished” hunting dog, one that will perform the tasks of pointing out game or retrieving game, is not a simple matter. In some cases, it can take several hunting seasons and specialized training equipment to achieve the desired results.

It would be ludicrous to begin training a dog to perform hunting skills without first teaching it basic obedience. Your dog must be able to sit, stay, remain quite and come on demand before moving into the more complex areas of the hunt. The success of the hunt, as well as the safety of the dog and its handler, is directly correlated to the dog’s performance and self control. For example, an unruly dog that barks at incoming geese will not only spoil the hunt, but will not be invited back again. Further, a dog that bolts out of a blind too quickly can jeopardize a shot and even cause a shooting accident. Control is most essential.

When the hunter is ready to begin training his dog for the hunt, there is a variety of equipment that will prove valuable. Probably the first and most essential item is a piece of 3/8-inch polypropylene rope of about 30 feet in length. The rope allows the handler to maintain control of his dog during exercises and eliminates the chance of having to chase the dog and correct him for straying.

Most dogs have a natural fear of loud noises, especially gunfire. Therefore, the trainer will have to involve a training pistol or firearm in his training program. A handgun is preferable; a shotgun is too large and difficult to handle while holding the lead line and juggling other training devices. When training the retriever, training “bumpers” or dummies are utilized to teach the dog to fetch. These aides come in various colors and sizes. White bumpers are generally used for “marking” drills where the dog is being taught to retrieve by sight and colored bumpers are used for “running blinds” where the dog is sent blindly into an area to retrieve a downed bird that fell out of sight.

The retriever should be trained to respond to the sound of a whistle. The voice of the dog’s handler will not always be loud enough or distinct enough to alert the dog to give up the search and return to the handler’s side. Some of the more elaborate whistles come with built-in megaphones that allow the sound to be heard more easily and direct the blaring sound away from the hunter(s). They are usually well worth the extra cost.

Some trainers will use a friend or “bird boys” who position themselves some distance from the trainer and toss the bumpers high into the air to simulate a falling bird. For those who train without assistance, bird launchers are a big help. These launchers come in single or multiple bird capacity; however, they are usually bulky and can be expensive.

Electric dog training collars are effective but controversial. These collars have a small electronic device attached that administers a remote controlled mild electric shock to the dog. The control is hand held by the trainer. These pieces of equipment allow an immediate correction when the dog fails to respond to the more conventional command. The level of shock involved has been compared to the static shock one receives from a carpet or from touching a car door handle in cold weather. Actually, the electric collar could be considered a humane alternative to the aggressive tactics or brute force used by some trainers.

One of the best ways to embark on training your hunting dog is learn from the experts. Training tips and guidelines are now available on tapes that show the student step by step training procedures. These instructional tapes should be on every novice trainer’s list of essential training equipment.

When you’re training your dog in the wilds you should be prepared to care for him if he is injured. Therefore, the final thing on our list of essentials is a First Aid Kit. Many of the items you’ll need for your dog are also appropriate for use on humans, so the kit can be mutually beneficial to both you and your dog. Fill the kit with such items as: sterile bandages, topical solutions, tape, scissors, tweezers, antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin, ibuprofen (safe for both humans and canines) and possibly a veterinarian prescribed anti-inflammatory such as Deramaxx or Rimadly. A well stocked First Aid Kit has prevented many a pleasant hunting trip from becoming a nightmare.

I is an undeniable fact that some products labeled as dog training equipment, can indeed make your job a whole lot easier. In today’s world gadgets for training dogs inundate store shelves, whether you are the type that prefers to walk to your local store, or search for items online. A wider variety is usually available online, at lower prices. Competition between dog stores online is a lot more intense, which translates in better offers and variety for you, the consumer.

Most dog training equipment is composed of small and lightweight gadgets you can take almost anywhere. The idea is that the pet owner is able to move around with his dog and the gear he bought to help him train him. Gadgets are available for different training purposes, such as house, agility or obedience training. The first step in your evaluation of these gadgets should always be research. Browse around the stores and online websites for information on what’s available in the market. Ask your friends and relatives, anyone with previous experience can end up saving you a lot of money. Remember, shopping around is not only productive for finding the cheapest price, but more importantly, it serves you as a consumer to gather information and make an informed decision at the time of deciding for any given product.

For example, for obedience classes you might find items like clicker boxes, extensive leashes and make believe snacks for praises. There are also some other high end items for stubborn dogs, like electric shock collars and kennels. However, you are best advised to consult your veterinarian before submitting your dog to any extreme situations. For agility training, the gear is a lot less common. These would include things like small cones for obstacle courses, ramps, and portable pole sets for your dog to jump over. Dog training can be a fun activity as well. Playing games with your dog will tighten your relationship with him and work on obedience training at the same time. A simple example would the Frisbee, something you can use to engage in dog games and teach at the same time. Every time you throw a Frisbee near your dog, he will most likely go for it and try to catch it, the trick is to make him bring it back at your command.

Some pet owners may consider dog training equipment to be a waste of time and money. But again, maybe the demand on their dog isn’t as high. Pet owners demanding a higher level of training, or who are in charge of a stubborn and hard to train dog may consider dog training equipment a real blessing. After all, the gadgets available for dog training have all been made with the intention of making your job easier.

Pet owners need not think of this gear as being for competition purposes only. It can very well be used simply for fun, making the time you spend training your dog more enjoyable. Remember dog training is only about making your dog obey your commands, but building a closer relationship with him.