As a dog owner and trainer, I rely on many different props and items as training tools for my clients and for myself. Over the years, I have tried many different products, and there are several that I regularly use myself and recommend to my clients. Sometimes, I have to get creative and experiment with other ways to solve a problem.
As an online shopper, my shopping cart is an eclectic blend of personal, household and dog-related items. Sometimes, the dog-related items are masquerading as household items and it can be difficult to tell what the item is going to be used for.
I am going to allow you to glimpse into my email outbox and my online shopping cart (and thus into my psyche). Some of these items are my tried and true options for training, but I’ve included a few experimental purchases as well.
Please be aware this blog contains affiliate links. Your purchases will give Sit Pretty a little bump so I can invest back into the business and my clients. I’m not being paid by these companies, I just link to them a lot.
What do I recommend most?
Hamilton Pet & Equine Hamilton Double Thick Nylon European Lead, 3/4-Inch, Black
Dead giveaway that I like this? Amazon says I’ve purchased different color variations three times. This is my favorite hands-free leash option. I often recommend it to clients that use strollers so that they can have a versatile hands-free experience. You can hold this like a normal leash or wear it over the shoulder like a purse. You can also clip the leash to itself to make it short or long. Not fancy, but my most grabbed leash. In my household, I attach this leash to my well-trained dog, wearing the leash over my shoulder so I have both hands free for my new dog in training.
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness, Adjustable Harness, Easy Walking & Comfortable Control, Fits Small, Medium & Large Dogs, Solid Colors, Made in USA, 1″ LG, Black
Okay, same, I own two of these. It is my favorite no-pull harness. This fits much better than most front-clip harnesses on the market and doesn’t chafe armpits due to the velvet lining on the belly strap! If you purchase directly from the company they even size it for you based on the measurements you send them. Don’t use the above link if you’d like that option, use this one instead: https://freedomnopullharness.com/
Some buying options include the double-ended leash. Some of my clients love it, while I find it cumbersome and prefer to use my own leash clipped to the front or back clip.
Coavas Window Privacy Film Frosted Glass Static Cling UV Sun Blocking Heat Control Window Tint Day and Night Insulation Home Bathroom Door Decorative Frosting Cover (23.6 x 78.7 Inch, Pure)
I send this to almost every one of my clients after our initial consultation. This is my number one management suggestion for reactive dogs to help reduce overall stress levels in the home. Reduce window reactivity with one simple step. The window film allows light to come into the home while preventing your dog from seeing out. The best part is it goes on with static cling so no residue and easy to take on and off. Some clients like to train away from this option, while others are okay with the aesthetic and continue to use this product for long-term management.
PETGEEK Automatic Dog Treat Dispenser with Button – Puzzle Memory Training Feeder, Pet Geek Button Treat Food Dispensing Toys Interactive, Iq Training Dog Feeder (Green)
This one is a new addition! I purchased one for myself and I’ve been using it for remote training. The product is intended as an enrichment tool to teach dogs to press a button to feed themselves. However, the human can press the button as a way to mark and reward the dog for desirable behaviors. When the dog hears the sound of the button, they know to run to the feeder to get their treat. In my training sessions, the feeder is placed a safe distance away from the door, and the client presses the button each time a guest arrives. We are pairing something the dog is worried about (guests) with something good (treats) as well as teaching dogs to move away from guests.
ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food – Tripe & Lamb – All Natural, High Protein, Grain Free, Limited Ingredient w/ Superfoods (16oz)
This list wouldn’t be from my outbox if it didn’t include dog snacks! This brand is my most linked because their air-dried food is a great size for training, breaks up nicely, and is complete nutrition. I don’t like worrying about feeding dogs empty nutrition when I am training. Don’t let the nutrition label fool you, this complete food is highly palatable and often accepted as a treat even by picky dogs. This version is stinky, just a warning, but they have other flavors.
BASKERVILLE ULTRA MUZZLE – Patented Humane Design, Breathable, Dog can Pant and Drink, Adjustable, Padded, Training Muzzle for Medium-sized Dogs, Prevents Biting, Wildlife Scavenging (Size 3, Black)
This is actually my most-linked product. Baskerville Ultra muzzles are decently priced, allowing people to buy a few different sizes to determine best fit as well as to use it for training for other muzzle types. They have a nice opening in the front, allowing you to offer treats to your dog, which is essential in early muzzle training. I think every dog should be muzzle trained, but that topic is for another day and another blog.
Now that you have seen my tried and true training items, here are my most recent experimental purchases. We don’t judge online shopping carts here, we use them to help brainstorm, okay?
Glocusent Book Light, 3-Color & 6-Brightness Reading Light, Bendable Neck Light, 80-hr Lasting Rechargeable Lamp, Perfect Book Light for Reading in Bed, Knitting, Camping, Repairs(Green)
How is this dog training related, you ask? Both my dogs have black nails. I’m sick of straining my eyes to see when I’m cutting and dremeling them. A hands free, around the neck book light! My husband even asked if he can use it when he goes up in the attic. A household win!
PENTA ANGEL 3 Pairs Women Black Lace Fishnet Socks Elastic Ankle High Dress Hollow Out Mesh Net Socks Tights for Summer Wear
I told you not to judge.
Do you have a longer haired or curly coated dog? I saw a hack online using fishnets on their paws to make it so their nails are more accessible for nail trims. I’ve tried it once so far, it did make his nails more accessible and got his hair out of the way. Oh, and I laughed the whole time. Is that a win?
DIYMAG Small Rare Earth Magnets, 40 Pack, 5 Sizes – Neodymium Magnets for Refrigerator, DIY, Crafts, Kitchen & Office
Again, this wouldn’t be a list from me if it also didn’t include an item for nose work. I have so many little bits and bobs to make hides with. Just add magnets! I ordered some from K9 Nose Work Source (shameless fangirl link drop: https://k9nwsource.com/) but I also wanted to try some lesser quality options.
If you made it to the end…did you get any ideas for what to add to your own shopping carts? Did you judge? Let’s hear the weird things you’ve bought for your dogs!