Tools to help you train your dog are both concrete (things that you make or buy) and conceptual (methods). Tools include collars, leashes, toys, and treats as well as taking your dog for a walk as a reward for sitting when you ask and limiting your dog’s access to your home until she has learned good manners.
Consider all the tools (both concrete and conceptual) that are at your disposal in your virtual trainer’s toolbox. A well-stocked toolbox is a necessity for any re- ward-based trainer. Wisely chosen training aids will help you set your dog up for success and reward her for appropriate behaviors. Training aids also serve to enrich your dog’s life, not only by keeping her mentally and physically stimulated but also by creating a dog who enjoys a peaceful and contented life with you since she so clearly understands what you want.
While a visit to your local pet supply store can be a thrilling adventure for you and your dog, it can also seem daunting if your goal is to pinpoint the best tools for training. As reward-based training has become the rule, the marketplace has been flooded with an almost endless assortment of products to help you excel at setting your dog up for success and rewarding her for behaviors you want to reinforce. Here are some tips on how to narrow your search so that you can create a great trainer’s toolbox to aid in managing and enriching your dog’s life.