It’s October, so that means Trick or Treating is on the mind!  While we’re all busy getting our Halloween costumes set we can’t help but think it’s also a great time to practice some basic tricks and commands with your furry four-legged friends. So we’ve pulled together a list of our top training supplies that may help training him/her a little bit easier, regardless of whether they’re a puppy or senior.

Check out our tips and if you have any questions head into your local Kriser’s store to speak with one of our Pack Members!

TRAINING STARTS WITH HIGH VALUE TREATS

Fill a handy training pouch with small, tasty treats like Plato Small Bites or Bixbi Pocket Trainers. Training treats like these are specifically formulated to be high-value in your dog’s eyes – meaning they are usually semi-moist, super tasty, extra smelly, and low in calories. This means you can give your pet quite a few without having to worry about filling them up before dinner, and just focus on learning the new trick!

FIND A TREAT THAT MAKES YOUR PUP’S MOUTH WATER

Many dogs have serious taste likes and dislikes, just like humans. For example, some are more motivated by venison or duck than they are by chicken treats while others prefer meaty snacks over freeze dried varieties. We recommend grabbing a few varieties when you first start your training, to really see which one they respond to! Ask our team members for samples because sometimes all it takes is one taste to see which one your pet is motivated by. We think you’ll be amazed at the speed at which a pet will learn if he really, really wants that treat! 

TRAINING SUPPLIES 101

This training pouch from P.L.A.Y.  is great because it comes with a handy belt clip, a drawstring to help keep treats in, and a squeaker to replace a clicker. If you want to learn how to click train your pet check out this great blog post from the American Kennel Club.

Crate Training can be a huge help for both you and your pet throughout his life. When trained properly, a crate is can become a safe place for your pet. 

If you have a shiny new puppy, you will want to start crate training right away so but don’t forget your Gridlock puppy pads. Good luck! 

DOG TRAINING WITH THE RIGHT GEAR

Be sure to pick up the best type of collar, lead, or harness for your specific type of training. For instance, if you’re teaching your pet to walk on a leash for the first time you may want to test out a martingale collar which has a small limited slip loop that tightens just enough to keep your pet from backing out, but will never close too tightly around their neck.

An Easy Walk harness from PetSafe has a front-leash attachment that helps redirect your dog back to you, reducing or eliminating leash pulling while on walks. This is our go-to recommendation for pullers.

Lastly, we love the Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness and the Ruffwear Front Range Harness which is great for hiking or running as both come with multiple leash connection points (front and back) and allows for a full range of motion for your dog.

KEEP AT IT!

Consistency and reinforcement are key when training a puppy for the first time, or working to teach a senior dog a new trick. At the end of the day you can get all the right supplies, but you have to remember to be patient and supportive with your pet and if you can do that we promise you they will wow you over and over again!!

Got more questions? The entire Kriser’s Pack is ready and able to help!