Training Equipment
Who do you go to when you want to choose the best training equipment for walking your dog? The best person to make that decision is you. Surprised? You should not be. When it comes to walks with your dog, you are the best decision maker on whether to use a dog collar or a harness. Not a single expert cares more about your companion, or knows more about them than you do. Knowing how your pooch reacts, and what they are comfortable with, makes you the expert. Here is an overview to help you choose what works for your pup when it comes to training equipment for walking your dog.
Dog Collar
Easily the most common and enduring piece of equipment for dogs, but does that make it right for you and your companion? It is perfect for holding ID tags, but how is it for going on walks? A well trained companion, that doesn’t pull, does extremely well with a collar. Breeds like greyhounds can slip out of them easily, and small dogs have easily damaged tracheas, so not the right choice for them. If you choose a collar, remember; the wider it is, the better, as it spreads any pressure over a wider area.
Pain Is Not A Gain! Choke and prong collars that cause pain will never create trust between you and your pup.
Harness Versus Dog Collar
Walking your dog with a harness has distinct advantages as training equipment. If your companion is a puller, a front clipping harness is an excellent way to teach them not to pull. Harnesses that clip on the back are perfect for dogs that have delicate throats, or those that slip their collar. However, a harness is not something you leave on your pooch full-time, so as a place for ID tags, it’s not the best. Microchips and collar tags are a better way to go.
Want To Learn More? Click here to learn when you should choose a harness over a collar.
Leashes
Everyone knows, and agrees, that a leash is an essential part of training equipment, and for walking your dog, but which is best for what? A chain link style is useful for dogs that want to chew their leads, but they are heavy to carry and use. A long leash is perfect for giving your companion the freedom to roam and enjoy wide open spaces on your walk, as well as teaching them to come when called. A retractable style gives you the advantages of a long lead, with a much easier way to deal with the excess length. A regular leash is perfect for keeping your companion close, especially where other walkers and cyclists are nearby. All styles will need to clip onto the dog collar or harness, so make sure it fits what you have.
Always listen to what others have experienced as the best training equipment for them, whether they are experts or fellow pet parents. It’s a great way to learn! Just remember, you know your companion better than anyone else. If your pup pulls, a dog collar won’t work for walking your dog, and a front clipping harness may be just right for you. It all comes down to you knowing your companion and picking the training equipment for walking your dog that works best for both of you.
