Gear: Must Haves
As a seasoned dog trainer, I've had the pleasure of working with countless dogs and their devoted owners. Through years of experience, I've curated a collection of essential gear and toys that I consistently recommend to all my clients.
Whether you're just starting your training journey or looking to level up your canine companion's skills, these tried-and-tested tools are sure to make a paw-sitive difference in your training sessions. Let's dive in and discover the must-have items that will help you and your dog thrive!
*I want to disclose that while I may earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, no entity pays me to endorse specific products. I only recommend items that I have personally tried and use on a daily basis.
Leashes
for daily use
Leather European-style Leash
For everyday use
$58 +$5 Shipping
High-quality Amish leather craftsmanship, proudly made in the USA
Incredibly durable, likely to outlast your dog
Versatile use with three rings for various lengths and configurations
Handcrafted by five Amish craftsmen in Wisconsin
I love the feeling of a good leather product, and this is my top-choice, everyday leash! Please note however, I do not recommend it for small dogs, because of its weight.
Straight out of the box, it's remarkably soft—a testament to its high-quality Amish leather craftsmanship, proudly made in the USA. With just an annual treatment using leather shoe products, it regains its original luster, looking as good as new. This leash is incredibly durable; it has endured rigorous use and will likely outlast your dog.
It features three rings, allowing for versatile use in various lengths and configurations. You can even fasten it around your waist or across your chest for hands-free convenience. The first fixed ring is approximately 4 inches from the snap, the second at 24 inches, and the third at 54 inches, with a total length from snap to snap of approximately 75 inches.
While there are various types of Latigo leather produced in countries like Mexico, India, or Pakistan, none rival the unparalleled quality of Leerburg’s Latigo leather. Each cowhide utilized for Leerburg's leather are selected by Leerburg prior to the tanning process, makes its way to an Amish family nestled in Wisconsin. With precision and care, these five Amish craftsmen meticulously cut, sew, pop-rivet, and tailor each leather item by hand. To date, I have yet to encounter another leather product that matches the caliber of their offerings. Every Leerburg leather product is proudly crafted in Wisconsin, with a steadfast commitment to using only the finest materials. They do not source leather from India, Pakistan, or Mexico, ensuring the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
* Please note, that I do not receive any commission from purchases made through the Leerburg website. Although I found this leash on Amazon for $70, where I could earn a small commission from your purchase, the button below will redirect you to the Leerburg website, where it's priced at only $58 with a flat $5 shipping fee.
Biothane Leash
For everyday use
$29
Extremely strong and comfortable for all-day use
Law Enforcement and Military grade equipment
American made by Amish craftsmen in Pennsylvania, USA
Provides an easy, secure grip, even when wet
All-weather all-terrain no maintenance required
Durability
I love biothane! It has a fantastic feel in your hands, providing excellent grip even when wet. Unlike nylon leashes, it's not as flimsy, offering a sturdier handling experience akin to leather. It doesn’t require any maintenance; it doesn’t get wet, stained, or dirty. Any mud that gets on it dries quickly and falls off. Plus, it’s more affordable than leather yet even stronger.
When purchasing Biothane, not all products are created equal. The thickness, cut, and sewing methods are crucial factors. A cheap, thin Biothane leash can feel uncomfortable in your hands and may even cause injury if enough pressure is applied. Additionally, low-quality snaps, stitching, and riveting can lead to breakage, potentially putting your dog at risk of getting loose. Ray Allen is one of the few reputable manufacturers known for producing high-quality police K9 gear, military dog gear, and K9 trainer supplies. I can assure you that this leash feels amazing and will last you a lifetime.
It comes in a variety of lengths and thicknesses, but I recommend the 6-Feet x 3/4-Inch size.
OneTigris Bungee Leash
Everyday use
biking and/or skateboarding
$14
Strong, durable yet lightweight
Equipped with an extra padded traffic handle for added control.
360° Rotating Swivel clasp prevents the leash from twisting and the dog from getting tangled.
Reflective threading to keep you more visible in the darker hours.
1-year warranty.
This is essential if you ride or run with your dog!
During these fast-paced activities, it’s safer for both you and your dog to have a leash with a bit of shock absorption. Especially when living in a crowded and trafficked urban environment, your dog should not run ahead of you but rather next to you.
What I love about this leash is that it’s the perfect length for both a Jack Russell and a German Shepherd. It provides enough slack for the dog to jog or run alongside you, yet it's not excessively long, preventing them from easily getting ahead of you.
Its bungee maintains its shape even after years of daily use, offering elasticity without sacrificing control over the dog or allowing them to stray too far. It absorbs shock effectively while limiting unnecessary movement.
Additionally, it features reflective threads that enhance visibility for you and your dog, particularly beneficial for early morning or late night outings when visibility is limited.
Dual handle for better control: both handles are padded (it makes a huge difference believe me!) and the extra traffic handle gives you better control when you need your dog to stay close to you.
This leash is also perfect for everyday walks, offering superior control and comfort compared to flimsy nylon alternatives. It’s sturdy yet lightweight, and the length is ideal for maintaining a balanced and enjoyable walking experience.
Long line
for off-leash & recall training
$18.98
Durable Flex poly coated nylon material withstands 600 - 750 lbs pull force
Long leash with easy-to-hold handle and 360-degree swivel clasp
Waterproof and sand-resistant for all-weather use
Lightweight design in 1/2 inch width, available in various lengths
Very affordable!
A long line is essential for teaching recall, offering controlled freedom and safety without the risks of flexi-leashes (retractable leashes). I strongly advise against purchasing a flexi-leash for any dog.
I opted for this long line after becoming frustrated with constantly needing to wash, dry, and detangle my original long line, which was made of classic rope. This one stands out for its excellent value, durability, and comfortable grip. It won’t knot, and it's waterproof, and resistant to mud, dirt, and debris, making it ideal for training in various conditions. Crafted from a material akin to biothane but more affordable.
TOYS
built to last
Jolly soccer ball
$23
Imagine a soccer ball that stays inflated no matter what! A thoughtful client gifted me this ball a year ago, and I’ve been using it every day, ever since. Despite enduring countless punctures from numerous dogs, it remains in its original shape. At least once a week I get asked where I got this ball!
Crafted in the USA from Jolly Flex Material, the Jolly Pets Soccer Ball is available in diameters of 4 inches or 8 inches. And here's a bonus: it floats too!
Flirt Pole
$27.99
Flirt poles are fantastic tools for exercising dogs. They keep the dog's attention focused on the handler, promoting a more engaging and bonding experience. Plus, they require considerably less space than traditional fetching games, making them ideal for play sessions where you want your dog not only focused on what you’re doing but also physically closer to you.
Among all the flirt poles I've tried, this one is my favorite for several reasons: I've tested it with dogs of all sizes, and it proved to be highly reliable — the cord kept its elasticity and it's still nicely secured. I personally appreciate the elasticity of the cord; when it's tensed, if the dog loses its grip even for a fraction of a second, the tug will bounce back, out of their mouth, initiating a new chase and triggering your dog's prey drive.
It's crucial to avoid cheap flirt poles, especially the extendable ones; if the cord snaps or the pole breaks, it can lead to serious harm to you or your dog.
Flirt pole toys
$12 + Shipping
I suggest removing the toy that the flirt-pole comes with and buying these natural, safer, more engaging, and rewarding toys!
Flirt pole toys are to be used in conjunction with a flirt pole, but can also be used as a stand-alone item. They can even be used as a focused heel reward toy. These toys are easy to interchange on the flirt pole. Most importantly they are not chemically treated or dyed.
I suggest starting with the sheepskin for young puppies or dogs new to tugging and working your way up to the suede in this picture which will last you much longer.
*Please note that I do not receive any commission from purchases made through the K9 Tactical Gear website. Although I found similar items on Amazon where I could earn a small commission from your purchase, I believe they are not of the same quality as these and cost the same. These are the one I have and use everyday.
tug & Throw balls
$17.00 + $3.99 Shipping on K9-Ops usa
$20.99 on Amazon Prime
My dog, along with many others under my care, absolutely adore these balls! Available in a variety of sizes and colors, they're exceptionally durable and tough, making them perfect for long-lasting play. You can effortlessly throw them great distances and enjoy some fantastic tugging fun!
By choosing these balls, you're supporting a small business owner. He proudly makes them here in the USA using safe, natural rubber, ensuring both quality and safety for your beloved pet.
Make sure to use code HAKU10 at checkout for 10% off site wide on k9opsusa.com
accessories
little but important
titanium emergency whistle
$19.99
I wear this whistle around my neck. It’s particularly useful in situations like open windy beaches where my voice might not carry to my dog if he's far away. Most importantly, it's a lifeline if my dog wanders off and is out of sight; I know he can hear this whistle from quite a distance. It's also a handy thing to have at hand in any emergencies.
Training your dog to respond to the whistle is easy. Here's a free tip: Before each mealtime, use the whistle and pair the sound with food. It's crucial to only use the whistle for this purpose initially. Repeat this for a week indoors. Then, take it outside and reward your dog generously when they come back to you upon hearing the whistle.
Before finding this whistle, I tried others, but they all had their drawbacks. Some were made of two pieces with the head screwing onto the main body, and they would eventually come apart, leaving me with just the butt of the whistle. Others would rust after exposure to the ocean and showers, while some didn't produce a loud enough sound. Additionally, some were simply too unattractive to wear around my neck.
This emergency whistle is fully made of high-quality titanium alloy (Genuine Ti-6AL-4V), resistant to corrosion, non-toxic, non-allergenic, lightweight for EDC, and durable use.
Leash Sleeve
$12.99
Regardless of whether your dog is friendly or not, strangers should refrain from approaching or touching your dog. Period. If you desire a dog that remains calm by your side at a coffee shop and doesn't wander off to greet everyone it sees when off-leash (which should never happen!), you must ensure that your dog doesn't associate strangers with arousal and expect interaction from them. I will be dedicating an entire blog article to explaining why allowing strangers to approach your dog is not advisable, but for now, just trust me on this one.
I've observed that most people are more inclined to respect your wishes when they understand your perspective, such as expressing that you or your dog may feel nervous, rather than simply stating a negative command like "Do not pet." Additionally, I've noticed that it's often easier for individuals to notice a leash sleeve than a tag on the collar, especially if your dog has longer fur.
NO HAND SNIFFS!
'No hand sniffs' is my favorite part!
It's frustrating how often people disregard the 'DO NOT PET' tag on my dog's collar. Despite my efforts to intervene, they justify themselves by saying, 'I wasn't going to pet him anyway.' It seems many people fail to understand that 'do not pet' actually means 'give me some space, or better yet, ignore me altogether!' Perhaps we need to be clearer by stacking tags: 'DO NOT PET' plus 'DO NOT APPROACH.' That should be explicit enough, even for the most stubborn and self-absorbed individuals.
Water Bottle
$27.99
A friend gave me this bottle as a Christmas gift, and it has become a daily essential ever since. The food-grade silicone bowl flips up and down, saving a significant amount of space in my bag, while being spacious enough to accommodate dogs of all sizes. You squeeze the bottle to hydrate your pet and release it to drain excess water. It’s easy to clean inside and out, as the mouth of the bottle is fairly large, and I have never had issues with leakage in 5 months of usage.
This bottle is available in various sizes; mine is the 'Flip,' holding 20oz, ideal for everyday outings. For more extended adventures like hiking or camping, I'd opt for the 44oz version.
Since I received this as a gift and was very happy with it, I didn’t have a reason to buy other different bottles to compare them, so I can't speak of other models or brands. I’m simply very happy with this one!
