Selecting the Right Training Gear
Selecting the right training gear and equipment is a vital factor in determining the outcome of your puppy-training program. You should be careful while selecting the equipment for your puppy. The primary consideration for selecting training gear is the breed and age of your puppy, your training goals and objectives, the quality of equipment and their user friendliness. User friendliness is the most important factor because if you are not able to use the equipment properly, you will face difficulties in accomplishing the training objectives.
Parameters for Equipment Selection
Ensure that the equipment you select is in accordance with the following parameters:
Signal Perception: Select equipment that will ensure a proper signal perception. Most of the equipment is based on signal perception and equipment that is lacking on this count will cause unnecessary delays and confusions in your training program. The puppy responds after feeling the touch sensation of the equipment. If the equipment does not enable adequate signal perception, how can you expect your puppy to follow the command?
Avoid selecting equipment that requires large movements of your body for the puppy to perceive the signals. The puppy is a sensitive animal and responds effectively to even subtle body movements such as twitch of a finger or a minor hand turn. Your equipment should conform to this special ability of your canine friend.
Results: Results are another important consideration for equipment selection. The best way to judge the effectiveness of training equipment is by evaluating the outcome. Try to change the equipment if you are not getting the desired results. Persisting with equipment that fails to deliver will frustrate you as well as your puppy. However, make sure to evaluate your handling skills and training approach before changing the equipment.
Affects on Your Body: Select the equipment that you can handle with ease and with simple body movements. If you select the equipment without considering its user friendliness, you may end up delaying the training process. Some equipment can cause rashes or other complications for your body. Moreover, if you are having physical conditions such as arthritis or back pain you should select the equipment that you can use using without causing any discomfort. Select the equipment that is safe for your hands and body rather than the one that is in vogue. Equipment selected on these parameters will enable you to handle and train your puppy with ease.
Basic Training Equipment
Collars: Collars are the most important training equipment required for consummating puppy training. Selection of right collar is important not only for the training but also for your puppy’s health and appearance. Age and the puppy’s breed is the most important consideration for selecting a puppy collar. Neck size and coat are other important factors that you should keep in mind before selecting the collar. Select a collar made from soft and skin friendly material when the puppy is young because a hard collar can leave ugly marks on her neck.
It is better to procure two separate collars for walking and training purposes. The Martingale type puppy-collar is safe while you are walking with your puppy because it limits the puppy’s ability to pull. Classic collars are good for training purposes. You can also buy a waling harness if you want to restrict pulling behavior. Some puppy trainers recommend use of buckle slip type or choke collars for puppy training. However, using choke collars can be cruel and could be fatal for your puppy. Avoid using shock collars, ultrasonic collars or citronella collars for your puppy. These collars can develop fear and negative behavioral traits in your puppy.
Leash: Like collars, the selection of leash also depends upon the age and training requirements of your puppy. It may be better to select a longer nylon leash for your puppy. However, you can go for a leather leash at the commencement of formal training. You will also need a 25-30 foot long cord or lunge line for your puppy. The lunge line will come in handy to exercise control over the puppy before she is accustomed to leash and collar.
Training Toys: Toys also play an important role in puppy training and are good rewards for your puppy. Puppy toys are available in a wide range. Selection of the right toys can be a confusing affair. You can select some basic chew toys and some innovative toys such as treat holders and cubes that motivate your puppy to use her creativity and learn some tricks while playing with her toys. Select the toys that can attract interest of your puppy for a long time and are safe for playing in your company as well as when she is alone.
Clickers: Clicker training is gaining much importance these days. The clicker is a very good means for attracting the attention of your puppy. You can select a clicker that is easy to handle and produces a uniform sound each time you use it. However, you have to be very careful with clicker training because a wrong selection and timing of clicker training method can scare your puppy and cause confusion.
Secondary Equipment: You may also require secondary training equipment like whistles, tennis balls, canvass dummies and specific equipments such as hurdles, jumping boards and hula-hoops for specific training requirements.