1c. Recommended Equipment

1c. Recommended Equipment

The Dog Training And Learning Center supports the science that proves the best way to teach is by using rewards to develop behaviors that you choose. Reward your dog, build the relationship between you both and watch it grow through positive reinforcement.

Dog Collars are an easy and convenient way of keeping important information attached to your dog. This information includes, address, phone number should they get loose as well as attaching vaccination tags. Our dogs don’t speak our language, ensure a safe return with your contact information.

o  Attaching a leash and walking your dog on their collar has potential risks of injury should your dog pull to the end of the leash. Excessive pulling can reduce airflow, damage the thyroid/parathyroid gland and can create pain by causing pressure on their vertebrae.

Leashes come in a variety of widths, lengths and styles. While keeping this in mind, 6’ length is recommended. The width of the leash should be strong enough for your dog as well as comfortable in your hand. Leather leashes are soft, easy to gather and handler friendly. Nylon leashes are affordable and sturdy everyday use however, they tend to be slippery and slide through your hold.

Note: The Dog Training and Learning Center DOES NOT recommend retractable leashes for loose leash training. First, it puts constant pressure on the leash, and it is difficult to teach a dog to give into leash pressure when there is always pressure. Second, you or your dog can be hurt if it snaps or rubs on you as it retracts or is pulled out. Third, it can easily break or be chewed.

Harness offers a safe way to teach and walk your dog. A properly fitted harness will not impede your dog’s body function. A harness should have 2 points of contact, a front clip as well as a back clip for the leash. A leash attached to the front clip provides more control for the handler if the dog pulls. However, without training, a leash on the back clip of the harness may increase the pulling creating opposition reflex.

Note: The Dog Training And Learning Center DOES NOT recommend or promote the use of aversive equipment such as prong, choke and e-collars. These products use pain and intimation to achieve a desired result.

Microchipping keeps your pet safe incase of an unexpected occurrence or accident. You do need to check the microchip yearly with your vet to see if the chip has migrated or is still active.