If you are going to train a dog, it’s important to have the right equipment. Dog training equipment comes in many varieties, depending on the kind of dog you are training and the method of training you are using. With dog training, as with anything else, there are different ideas about what the best system and techniques are. So when it comes to dog training equipment, there are disagreements about certain items, like choke collars. I will try to cover such issues in an objective way.

Choke and Prong Collars

These are two different kinds of collars used for the same purpose –to correct the dog being trained by pulling the collar tight. This is what might be called an old school training style, though it’s still very popular. Choke collars can be dangerous if not used properly, and can cause long term injuries to the necks and spines of dogs. Prong collars, also called pinch collars, serve a similar function, but are safer to use.

There are also arguments to be made not to use a collar at all when training a dog. For trainers who use only positive reinforcement, either because they feel it’s more humanitarian or simply more effective, choke or prong collars are not needed. Another reason to consider training a dog without a collar is that the dog can learn to only obey while wearing a collar. This means if your dog ever gets loose without his collar, he may not obey at all. You would not risk having this problem if the dog was trained without a collar.

Clickers

Clickers are a simple yet effective way to use positive reinforcement. The clicker is a small, plastic device that makes a clicking sound. The dog learns to associate the clicking sound with getting a treat, so you do this when he obeys a command. Because dogs are so attuned to sounds, this allows them to learn faster than by only giving them a treat.

Treat Balls

Treat balls are a good way to teach a dog not to chew the wrong things, like your furniture, shoes, carpets, etc. Treats are inserted inside the ball, so when the dog chews on it he can get the treat. It also provides the dog with good exercise and works his teeth.

There are, of course, many other kinds of dog training equipment. This is just a small sample of some of the basics. You can find catalogs of dog training equipment online, as well as from pet suppliers.

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