Before you start training your dog there are certain basic pieces of dog training equipment that you will need.
Collar A collar and lead will be the first things that you need.
There are several kinds of collar used for different training purposes but initially you will just need an ordinary flat buckle collar or clip collar.
It should not have any tightening action such as a choke or half-check chain.
As I have mentioned in other posts there are special high tech collars for particular purposes.
These are ultrasonic, spray and electric collars which are training aids rather than for every day use.
Alternative collars are available for dogs with particular problems.
A head collar as its name implies, controls the head of the animal.
They are extremely useful with dogs that pull or tend to jump up or are more difficult to control.
They serve no teaching function; they simply make it easier for you to control your dog when you are teaching him.
A harness is favoured by some people when they are walking their dog because it does not hurt his neck when he pulls.
Of course many people would argue that your dog should not be pulling in the first place and that a harness positively encourages your dog to drag you along rather like a husky pulling a sledge.
Nowadays a special kind of harness is available which is designed to discourage dogs from pulling by putting pressure on your dog in a different place when he pulls.
Lead A lead 4 to 6 feet long is ideal.
Any shorter and you may find that your dog will start pulling, any longer and you may find greater difficulty controlling him.
Leads come in a few different materials nylon, leather and canvas being some of them.
Chains are also available but these can be heavy and uncomfortable.
Whatever your lead is made of it is important to check it regularly for wear and tear and chewing with puppies.
The last thing you want is for your dog to get off his lead in a busy town centre.
Extending leads can be very useful in situations where you want to give your dog more freedom but at the same time keep control over him.
These are usually extendible to about 20 feet and have a brake control and a locking mechanism.
Clicker As dog training equipment goes the clicker is at the top of the list after collar and lead.
It is simply a box with a switch on it which emits a click when the switch is pressed.
It is used to give instant positive feedback to your dog when he does something right.
As a training aid this is most important and very effective.
Crate or Kennel A crate is a fabulous piece of dog training equipment especially if introduced early in the life of your dog.
It provides a safe, reliable refuge for your dog and peace of mind for you.
Many dog owners try these wonderful aids and give up because they think that they are cruel.
However if used correctly and introduced in the right way they are invaluable.
Please read my post about crate training.
Poop scoop and poop bags Essential if you want to be a conscientious citizen.
When walking your dog you just need to take a few small plastic bags with you, turn them inside out over your hand when picking up the poop.
A poop scoop is handy in the garden when you are cleaning up your dog's toilet area.
Treats Last but not least a bag of treats is very important dog training equipment.
Dogs just love them and beg for more! Dog biscuits are OK but they can take too long to chew particularly for puppies so I favour Small pieces of cheese or sausage.
Remember the important rule - only give them when he does something right!