Basic Tools

PRO K9 SOLUTIONS

BASIC TOOLS


The Essentials

This is the list of tools we would like you to have as you begin our program. Some of these you might already have, just please make sure you have these ready to go. Click on each tool to see an example. You do not have this buy this specific one. Additional tools will be discussed as a part of your program as needed.

1. Dog Crate/Kennel

A crate is essential. Proper use of a crate is one of the best assets you have as a dog owner. Your dog's crate should be big enough so they can stand up and spin around. There are many types of crates out there. If you have questions about crates, please let us know.  

2. Elevated Dog Bed

The bed will be used for many different purposes. The best ones have a good structure to them similar to a cot-style bed. 

3. Training Treats/Dog's Food

Food rewards will be essential for our training. Especially at the beginning, you will use a lot of rewards. The best-case scenario is that you use your own dog's dry food. This will save you money as you will not need to buy treats. If your dog does not have a high food drive, talk to us for strategies on how to increase this. If that is the case, you will need small training treats. They should be about the size of a pencil eraser. Either way, it is a good idea to have some training treats on hand to mix it up or use them in higher-level situations. There are so many treats out there. The treats should be soft, but firm. You do not want them to crumble up and residue fall on the ground to distract your dog. 

4. Kong or other Special Treat

In addition to food and treats, we would like you to have a special treat used in certain situations. This will make these situations extra special to the dog. A Kong filled with something special is an example that is not only a tasty treat from your dog, but at the same time, gives your dog an activity to do. 

5. Clip Leash and Flat Collar
   
There are many different types of collars and leashes. Your dog should have a basic flat collar and clip leash. A clip leash is a leash with a clip on the end that will attach to your flat collar. A flat collar can also hold tags for your dog. Martingale Collars are also an option.

6. Slip Lead

A slip lead is a leash/collar combo that includes a loop that goes over the head of the dog, and has a stopper that you can push down to tighten. These should fit high behind the ears, and not slide down. This might sound familiar if you have seen a dog show. 

7. Long Line

A long line is a long leash that you can use with your dog at long distances, and you can also let your dog drag around. This will be essential in order to have control, and communicate properly with your dog at a distance. Long lines are also essential for safety. 

Optional Tools:

8. Pet Convincer and/or Penny Bottle)

This is a correction tool that gives off a burst of compressed air. The sound is quick and sharp. When the timing is correct, this is a super-easy way to communicate something that is not appropriate to the dog. A Penny Bottle is just coins in a water bottle. This can be shaken in a sharp and quick manner to mimic the Pet Convincer, or you can slowly swirl the coins to make a softer, longer sound to deter certain behavior.

9. Retractable Leash

We only recommend retractable leashes for "taking your dog out" purposes or other specific training drills. We do not use a retractable leash for walking adult dogs. When you are letting your dog out to go to the bathroom, these leashes are nice because the leash is not dragging on the ground. Therefore, the dog cannot go to the bathroom on the leash. 

10. Muzzle

We believe that every dog should be comfortable wearing a muzzle. A calm and confident dog does not have a problem wearing a muzzle. That being said, it is not mandatory. If we believe your dog should be muzzle trained, we will discuss this in our consultation.



Popular posts from this blog

Your Dog Needs an On/Off Switch - 7 Things You Can Do

Image
There is nothing more majestic than seeing a dog run, train, and work. It truly is amazing that these creatures will literally run into buildings engaging bad guys or searching for explosives to keep others safe. And what do they do it for?  Simple things: toys, food, or your affection.  I love listening to podcasts on military stories and hearing the countless lives these dogs save.  Dogs need to work. Mentally and physically. They need to run, exercise and bite. They need to be able to ramp it up, but also, tone it down and relax. A lot of dogs are constantly in this amped up phase. They need to be able to turn it off.  Here is the problem: a lot of them can't. They need help. They are constantly go-go-go. Have you ever felt like you are constantly going, in that "fight or flight" mode? Anxious? Worried? Constantly thinking? It isn't a great feeling. This is how some dogs live every single day. Humans have strategies and stress-relief techniques. Dogs need YOU to g...
See Full Article >>

STOP Taking Your Dog for a "Walk"

Image
Stop taking your dog for a “walk.” We need to master the basics first. Whoa. What do you mean do not take my dog for a walk? Are you crazy?  Well yes, I am a bit crazy, but that’s beside the point!  A well-structured walk can be one of the best tools you have to establish leadership and shape the relationship with your dog.  Walks provide great exercise for humans and dogs. There is some stat out there about having a dog increases your expected life span. I am convinced that a big part of that is because of the amount of additional walking humans do. There is so much research and information about how walking more (for humans) is one of the best ways to improve your health. Therefore, it’s great for the both of you! So why are you telling me to stop taking my dog for a walk? Remember how I said a well-structured walk CAN be one of the best tools in dog training? When not done properly, it can be detrimental! Dogs learn by routines and associations. Therefore, i...
See Full Article >>

I Hate Fences, and I Love "City" Dogs

Image
Are fences themselves a bad thing for dogs? Of course not. Are Cities a better place for dogs to live? No. Any place can be a great place for dogs to live. However, having a fence and living in a city comes with typical patterns that owners and dogs fall into.  Historically, “City” dogs have a much better mental state of mind than their suburban counterparts. Let’s think about two owners, one city, and one suburban. Owner 1 lives in a high rise apartment building in a busy part of town. Owner 2 lives in a house with a nice backyard and fence surrounding it. Every time Owner 1 takes the dog out to go to the bathroom, he must be on a leash. He must go through multiple doors to get outside (good opportunity for leadership) and he will be standing right next to the dog the whole time while he goes to the bathroom. Then maybe they play with a toy in the common grassy area before heading back inside. The theme here is that the owner is right next to the dog because the dog is on a leash...
See Full Article >>