I send a lot of recommendations as part of my Training Guides for each client. I wanted to list a few that have come up repeatedly and other items that I’ve found useful myself!
Treats and Chews
Nature’s Menu Treats
These are my go-to training treats. I had a client describe them as as ‘doggy catnip’. They come in multiple flavours and are 95% meat, so many dogs find them very high-value. Great for difficult training around distractions. Find them via the Nature’s Menu site.
Calf Hooves
These are great chew options for puppies and small dogs. They last a long time and don’t break the bank. You can also stuff them with exciting things. I give them out in my puppy classes and most puppies are more interested in them than the class full of other puppies! As with any chew, be sure to supervise your dog while they have it, and throw it away if it gets too small. Calf hooves are best for puppies and small dogs as they are softer, whereas cow hooves are better for tough chewers. I often have some in supply so get in touch if you’d like to purchase some!
JR Pure Paté
This is another great high-value reward option. It comes in loads of different flavours (salmon is my preferred!) and can be diced into training treats, crumbled, spread into enrichment toys, the possibilities are endless! You can find them on the JR Pets website.
Platinum Puppy Food
This is technically a food, but I was recently looking for a lower-value training treat option and this was recommended to me. I love it mainly because you get a lot of bang for your buck if you are only using the kibble in training. The dogs I was working with still loved them, but were a good option when I didn’t want to use that top-dollar reward. Get it on the Platinum website.
Irish Rover Beef Superfood
My heelwork to music teacher had these when we were training, and the dog I was working with was obsessed! I find them great for breaking apart and using as a high value reward option. I like them for loose lead walking as I can hold a disk in one hand then break off little pieces at a time with the other. I got them in Costco but there seem to be a few places that stock them, just have a quick Google search.
Toys and Enrichment
The Doghouse FTF
One of my fellow Puppy School tutors makes the best toys and snuffle mats. I have always used them in my puppy and adolescence classes and they fly off the shelves in my class shop. They are durable and have lived through many washes and tough pullers. I just make sure they don’t become a chew toy and only come out for play with me or going on walks. You can find all toys and snuffle mats on their website.
Kong
The classic Kong, an excellent enrichment toy that has stood the test of time. They have a wide range of products suitable for puppies, tough chewers, seniors, anyone! My top tip for any dog that is new to a Kong is to start easy. Your dog should understand the value of licking and chewing the Kong, and if it is too hard at first, they get frustrated and not bother next time. Kongs can be found at almost any pet store, you can check out their website for advice on what size will suit your dog best plus ideas on how to use it.
Hol-ee Roller
This is a fun, versatile enrichment toy that I recommend for a dog who loves to tear and pull. Roll treats up in some old socks or fabric and stuff it into the roller and let your dog have at it! You can get them at most pet supply stores, here is a link via Amazon.
Lickimat
I do love a classic LickiMat. You can use it for everyday meals or a nice enriching treat. Spread dog-friendly peanut butter, yogurt, patés…anything your dog enjoys! Licking is a great calming behaviour and can help bring their energy down after an energetic walk or stimulating play session. Explore all the options on their website.
Kit Must-Haves
Acai Trousers
I LIVE in these trousers. I have a pair of their Skinny Outdoor Trousers and Casual Stroll Pants. They are waterproof and very durable, but super lightweight and flexible. Perfect for muddy dog walks and all of my training sessions. They fit like a glove so if you’re in-between sizes go a size up. I spend hours browsing their website!
Ducksoup Treat Bag
The perfect compact treat bag that makes rapid rewarding a breeze. It comes with a strap and a clip for versatile placement during walks or training sessions. It has an easy access pouch that doesn’t let any treats fall out. Very easy to clean as well, I’ve run mine through the wash. It also survived being stolen by a cheeky Husky who tried to get the treats out! Get one here.
Biothane Long Line
A biothane long line never fails to be listed in the ‘recommendations’ section of a client’s training guide. So easy to clean (I just keep some wipes in my car for quick de-mudding) and perfect for that pup who is still working on their recall. I use one for every Training Walk as I never work with dogs off-lead in non-secure areas. I use a 5-meter, but you can get any length you want. Mine is from Hounds of Hampshire. I also got their Lead Tidy that keeps it knot-free. Rock It Dog Design are another great company that can make a totally custom lead for you.
Double Clip Lead
Another type of lead I love using is a double clip walking lead. This is useful for when I want to adjust the length of the lead – giving the dog more freedom on a longer lead or shortening it in a busy area. Mine is also made of biothane so again; easy to clean! I got it from Hounds of Hampshire, but there are loads out there to choose from.
Anxious/Nervous Lead Flag
Those with nervous dogs often struggle to communicate their needs to the public, so I always recommend wearing a yellow tag on the lead. It doesn’t make all your reactive dog problems go away, but it does help keep others from coming up to your dog. The site My Anxious Dog sells lots of different lead flags and campaigns for more awareness for ‘dogs in yellow’.
No Fuss Fill Training Treat Chopper
I featured the No Fuss Fill treat chopper in a recent instagram post and I will continue to sing its praises! I used to spend ages cutting patés and cheese for training and now it takes me seconds. They also have other great products that I have yet to try like a Kong filler and cleaner. Go to their website to explore!
I hope this gives you some ideas for what to add to your training kit! My list is always growing and changing and I love discovering new brands that are focussed on creating a positive and enriching life for your dogs. 🙂