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Training Aids for Dogs

Training Aids for Dogs

Training your dog can be extremely rewarding, but is not always easy. Fortunately there are a range of products available that will help you to train your dog correctly, whether you are toilet training a puppy or are moving onto agility training with your dog.

Dog Toilet Training

This is the first training that you will embark on with your new puppy. Puppy training pads are lightweight pads that can be placed in your house, and these pads are formulated to attract your puppy to go to the toilet on the pad. This will prevent unwanted accidents on your carpet or other hard to clean places. The puppy pads can be moved close to an outside door and will help to train your dog to go outside when it is toilet time. The pads can also be used in a crate, or if your dog is ill. Training pad holders are designed to prevent the pads from slipping on your floor, and will also deter your puppy from playing with the pads.

A dog litter tray is an alternative to disposable training pads. The trays have a rubber base to stop them from slipping. The pads for dog litter trays are washable, which is more environmentally friendly than disposable pads.

A dog toilet training spray is available that will attract your dog to go to the toilet in whichever area you spray. This spray can be used both indoors and outdoors and is a helpful training aid.

Dog diapers are suitable for use for dogs with incontinence problems, puppies during training and bitches on heat. They come in a range of sizes and are made from a flannel fabric. A pad can be added for extra absorption if necessary.

Clicker Training

Clicker training is a reward based training method that has become increasingly popular. In clicker training a multi-clicker is used to teach your dog to associate the sound of a click with receiving a treat, and so the sound lets your dog know that they have done something good. In order to associate the click with their obedience, the click must be given as soon as your dog responds to your command. The click can be used alongside praise, play or toys as well as treats. The main method behind clicker training is this use of positive reinforcement, and any incorrect behaviour should simply be ignored. Multi-clickers usually have an adjustable volume, and are sold with a training manual. You can also buy a clicker training set which includes multi-clicker, a target stick, treat bag and treats.

Dog Agility Training

Dog agility is a really fun activity to do with your dog. Agility training is also great physical and mental stimulation for your dog. There are several different elements to a dog agility course. A seesaw is weighted at one end, and your dog must be trained to cross the centre of the seesaw slowly in order for it to tip gently to the ground at the other end. Agility weave poles involve teaching your dog to weave in and out of the poles, and you can change the gap between the poles to adjust the difficulty level. An agility tunnel is also a fun trick to train your dog, and the tunnels are usually collapsible and so can be easily stored and transported. Agility jumps can take the form of pole jumps or hurdles, or a tyre jump or hoop jump. Jumps are a good training lesson and great exercise for your dog. Discipline and control are tested when using a pause mat in the agility course. If you are new to dog agility, then you can buy a starter kit, which will contain the elements listed above, and a stop watch, award ribbons and instructions.

Behaviour Correctors

You will often find that once your dog is trained, there may still be bad habits or areas of unwanted behaviour that need extra work. A pet corrector spray may be useful at this point, as it is a spray that makes a hissing sound which should stop your dog from committing unwanted behaviours such as jumping up. A chew deterrent spray leaves a smell that is unpleasant for dogs. It can safely be applied to furniture and to small dog wounds in order to prevent chewing or licking. Barking is an unwanted behaviour that can be corrected with a citronella spray collar, a shock collar, or an ultrasonic bark control. The ultrasonic bark control can be used either indoors or outdoors. When your dog barks it will emit an ultrasonic sound that is unpleasant for dogs but inaudible for humans. This sound should soon stop your dog from barking excessively.

Other Dog Training Tools

Dog whistles are excellent for training at a distance, and will help you to control your dog when off the lead. Dogs hear the higher frequency of a whistle better than they hear the human voice. Whistles are available in different frequencies and many come with a lanyard so you can hang the whistle around your neck and locate it quickly when it is needed.

DAP is a synthetic copy of a dog appeasing pheromone, and is sold in a spray, diffuser or collar. DAP helps to calm a dog and prevents car sickness. It should be used in stressful situations such as when there are fireworks, but can also help keep your dog calm in a training lesson.

Dog Training Books and DVDs

There are books and DVDs available on many aspects of dog training. These can be used to guide you through the entire training process or you may just need to increase your knowledge in a certain area of training. The dog training books and DVDs cover subjects such as puppy training, clicker training, basic and advanced training, dog agility training and the correction of specific problem behaviours.

Recommended Training Aid Suppliers

Visit the recommended stores below for the best dog training ranges.

PetPlanet

A large range of dog training aids from PetPlanet including clicker training, agility and toilet training.

Seapets

A large selection of training aids for your dog from Seapets. Have a look now.