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You don’t need a lot of equipment to start training a dog. That said, the right gear can make the training process much easier. But it can be hard to know what’s essential and what’s unnecessary, especially when buying dog training supplies for the first time. What basic gear do you need to get started? What’s a must-have, and what can you do without?
To help launch your dog training journey, we’ve put together this checklist of dog training supplies with input from two certified dog trainers. We’ll cover the basics all dog parents need upfront, as well as optional items if the usual training gear isn’t working. Plus, we’ll discuss more advanced gear for dog parents with big goals.
Basic Dog Gear
Just starting out? Here are some key essentials to have on hand. These tools are critical for keeping your dog safe as you build a line of communication with your pup, helping to get them off on the right paw.
Collar
It’s important that your dog wears a collar with ID tags during training, especially before they’ve mastered recall. Most experts recommend a simple flat collar with a width that’s appropriate for the size of your dog’s neck. “A small dog like a Chihuahua may only need a half-inch wide strap, but a German Shepherd should have a 1.5-inch wide collar, and a Great Dane may need a 2-inch collar,” explains Ali Smith, professional dog trainer and founder of Rebarkable.
There are many types to choose from, but a standard flat nylon collar with a quick-release buckle, like the popular Blueberry Pet Collar, tends to work well for most dogs. It’s comfortable and easy to put on and take off—a boon for wriggly puppies or dogs getting acclimated to wearing equipment.
For dogs prone to escaping, a martingale offers extra security. These collars have two loops that tighten slightly (but don’t choke) when dogs pull, preventing them from backing out of their collar.
Most experts advise against choke, shock, and prong collars for training, as research shows that aversive collars can do more harm than good. While they may seem effective in stopping unwanted behaviors initially, the fallout of using these tools can be significant, leading to issues like anxiety and aggression. They can also lead to learned helplessness, in which your dog shuts down and is in a subdued and stressful state of fear.
Leash
A good training leash is essential when teaching your dog new walking skills. A shorter leash helps keep your dog close for reinforcement and offers more control in busier situations, like socialization outings.
“I always recommend a leash that is between four and six feet long and can fit comfortably in your hand,” says Rachel Lane, certified behavior consultant, dog trainer, and the owner of the dog training company Leash & Learn.
Material-wise, you’ll want to choose something tough and chew-resistant, like nylon or leather, to hold strong against pullers. Biothane and waterproof leashes are easy to clean. They also dry quickly if you live in a rainy or snowy area.
Lane advises against retractable leashes, as they offer less control and may snap when pulled suddenly. Instead, use a long line to give your dog more freedom while also keeping them safe as they learn new skills. These extra-long leashes are especially helpful for recall training, reinforcing engagement on less structured walks, and giving your dog more space to move away from scary things when working on behavior modification or socialization.
Rover test pup Roo uses long lines, like the Viper Biothane Working Dog Leash, to practice her recall skills.
Harness
When she’s working with her canine pupils, Lane prefers they wear harnesses because they’re safer than collars for a dog’s neck. “If you have a dog who pulls on-leash, a no-pull, front-clip harness can be a good option,” she tells Rover.
The 2 Hounds Freedom Harness is a popular model that discourages pulling by gently redirecting a dog’s attention to the side when they pull. For more polite walkers, Lane says a harness that clips to the back will do just fine.
When choosing a harness for training, Lane recommends looking for models shaped like a “Y” or an “H.” The design of these harnesses allows dogs to move their shoulder and elbow joints freely.
Training treats
Treats are indispensable for positive reinforcement training. While dogs are motivated by different things, most can be persuaded to behave with an enticing meaty morsel. That’s where high-value treats come in. These delicious bites are extra tempting to capture your dog’s attention. Think: small, soft, and stinky. Smith loves Vital Essentials freeze-dried dog treats, which come in a variety of appealing flavors like beef liver and turkey giblets.
During training, it’s handy to always have treats readily available—which is why Lane recommends a treat pouch. “When training a dog, correct timing of reinforcement is an important element for behavior acquisition,” she explains. “Having a treat pouch gives [pet parents] an easy way to have treats ready, access them quickly, and feed their dog at the right time.”
Optional Gear
There are also tools that go beyond the basics. This list of optional gear can supplement your starter supplies or serve as an alternative if the usual equipment isn’t working for your pup.
Clicker
Virtually any dog can benefit from clicker training—a technique that uses a small hand-held device to mark desired behaviors with a distinct “click” sound. The advantage of the clicker is that it’s neutral, consistent, and immediate. They help you signal to your dog at the exact moment they do what you want them to do.
A clicker is a pretty affordable addition, too. Some clickers are louder than others—a beneficial feature if you’re training in a noisy or high-distraction environment. Look for wrist straps and finger bands, which make them easier to carry.
Toys
If your dog is less enticed by food and more driven by play, toys make an excellent reward, especially rope toys and ball toys. They’re also great for redirecting unwanted behaviors, like when your bitey puppy is attacking your sleeves. And they can be helpful training aids when working on cues like “drop it” and “leave it.”
Additionally, Smith suggests flirt poles for teaching your dog to self-regulate around exciting stimuli (like rabbits and squirrels). These toys resemble giant cat wands and have a long rope with a toy or lure attached at the end. During a training session, you can teach your dog to leave the lure alone until given a release cue.
Head collar
Head collars like the Halti and the PetSafe Gentle Leader are designed to give handlers greater control while discouraging dogs from pulling. They can be a good option if a front-clip harness isn’t cutting it for your determined puller.
In general, head collars are regarded as more humane than aversive tools like shock collars when used correctly. However, they won’t solve a pulling problem on their own, and you must use them in conjunction with consistent training and reinforcement.
Many dogs will also find a head collar uncomfortable at first, so they’ll likely need a period of acclimatization. Since there’s a learning curve to these, it’s a good idea to work with a non-punitive trainer to help positively condition the head collar.
Training mat
If you have an excitable dog or would like to bring your pup to more public places, a training mat can give them a place to settle and teach them how to relax in a variety of settings. You can bring the mat to outdoor patios, a friend’s house, or wherever you want your dog to have a specific place to chill.
Experts recommend bringing out this mat only when you intend to use it. The training mat should not be your dog’s regular spot for lounging or sleeping. A slightly raised mat that has a different color from your floor may help your dog notice it. Rubber backing can also prevent slipping, an important feature for lively pups who eagerly dive into position.
You can purchase specialty training mats, but a bath mat, towel, or old yoga mat can work, too.
Gates and pens
Depending on how your home is set up, Smith suggests gates and playpens to keep puppies and new dogs out of trouble. These items are excellent management tools to help prevent your dog from rehearsing unwanted behaviors (like chomping on your couch) while you teach them new ones (relaxing calmly in their dog bed). They can also separate pets who still need some time to get used to each other.
During potty training, you can use them to keep your dog corralled to an area with a tiled floor instead of giving them free rein in the house.
Crates
Not all dogs will be good candidates for crate training, but many experts swear by this tactic for potty training. Dogs are trained to hold their bladder when confined in the crate because they prefer to avoid going potty where they sleep. Your choice of crate will depend on your dog’s size, age, and any destructive tendencies like chewing or scratching.
Advanced Training Supplies
If you already have the basics mastered, you can keep the fun going with some advanced gear. These tools are great for bonding, and they can be a fun addition for both you and your pup!
Scent kits
Nosework is a low-impact activity that most any dog can enjoy, regardless of age, intellect, or athletic ability. It taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts and provides mental stimulation while strengthening the relationship between you and your pet. You can work on this skill for fun or participate in competitions through associations like the AKC and the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW).
Pre-assembled scent kits, like these from K9NWSource, make it easier to get started. These kits include all the necessary items for scent training, including cotton swabs, essential oils, and mini mason jars.
Agility courses
Agility training provides dogs with both mental and physical exercise and helps pups recognize a variety of cues. Compact indoor kits, like Outward Hound’s Zip and Zoom Kit, are ideal when the weather is uncooperative, or you don’t have a large enough space outside. Sturdier outdoor kits come with obstacles like tunnels, weave poles, and hurdles for jumping.
Teaching body awareness is a key component of agility training and may be an area you want to focus on. “Great body awareness gear includes balance disks, balance pads, wedges, yoga blocks, Fit Paws, and TotoFit,” says Lane.
Dog backpacks
If you’re an avid hiker, why not let your pooch shoulder some of the load? A specially designed dog backpack, like the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Day Pack, can give dogs a sense of purpose and provide them with a task to focus on while on the trail. It also adds interest to hikes and helps them burn extra energy. Just be mindful of your dog’s health and stamina and limit how much you pack. Generally, dogs should only carry 10-20% of their own body weight.
Talking buttons
When you’re ready to take things to the next level, you can try teaching your dog to “talk” to you. Talking buttons feature pre-recorded words or phrases that dogs activate by pressing the buttons with their paws or noses. These buttons allow dogs to “speak” by associating specific words with their needs or desires, offering a unique way for dogs to express themselves and interact with their pet parents.
Some talking buttons are better suited to beginners, and others are buildable for advanced learners with a growing vocabulary. However, not all dogs will take a shine to these—Rover test pup Pepper, for example, enjoyed trying out the FluentPet kit but lost interest after a while. But if you’re up for the challenge and ready to invest some time and effort, talking buttons could be fun to try.
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with trainers Rachel Lane and Ali Smith. We included training gear that would appeal to beginners and more advanced learners, prioritizing durability and functionality. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.