Training Aids
Training Aids
Training Aid Options
Training aids include items that you may want for training your pup like collars, leashes, harnesses, clickers, treat bags and training specific toys. Training treat options can be found under FOOD & TREATS.
LICK MAT
These rubbery mats are handy for lots of reasons. They have suction cups on the back so they can be stuck to vertical surfaces. The mats are designed with low rubbery prongs that you can spread peanut butter or soft cheese or meats into and your pup will happily stand and lick that until every molecule is gone. Try one at the vet with a nervous puppy, while you’re trying to groom them or use it as a target in training. Brushes included to help you clean it.
LICK MAT
A larger lick mat with different interesting textures for puppy. Same handy uses!
BUNGEE CHASER
Strong, stretchy tug toy with waterproof fur and a ball at the end makes an enticing toy for many training purposes. German Shepherd Dogs can be much more attracted to a toy than treats. Use this one outdoors to teach come (while offering a fun reward at the end for your pup) or just give them some great exercise. Definitely pay attention to the warning not to leave this with your pup afterwards. They can and will tear it up given some alone time.
HARNESS
There are a million or so harnesses available for your pup. I prefer a harness to putting a leash on the collar dog that isn’t yet loose leash trained. It doesn’t choke them or pull on their necks. It allows you to maintain strong control without the potential to injure your pup.
I like the harness designed by 2Hounds. It is lightweight so your pup doesn’t get overheated wearing it. It has a soft velvet interior lining so it doesn’t chafe. Front and back connection points provide flexibility to use one, the other or both. Best part? the company offers a lot of fun colors and patterns and matching leashes. The replacement warranty is handy also. More than one German Shepherd Dog puppy has managed to get their mouth on part of a harness and ahem adjusted it to suit themselves. We’ve tested the warranty, the company stands behind their products.
pup flask
There are many doggie water bowls out there. This is one that is made with safer materials (not plastic). It is extremely rugged and easy to use. The materials do make it heavier, so perhaps from that standpoint it’s less good for hiking but it is nice for training class. The large size holds a good amount of water.
My customer had their puppy in training two days after picking him up! They enrolled him in Puppy STAR class and in the first class discovered that he would lose concentration after getting perhaps a handful of treats. Poor puppy was thirsty! So they picked up the Pup Flask for him and the problem was solved for everyone.
embroidered collar
These collars are made by a small business on Etsy. They’re colorful and fun, sturdy and have an embroidered tag that provides basic information for your pup should their tags come off.
CLICKER RING
There are many styles of clickers and experimenting with different ones is the best way to find one that works for you. This ring clicker is suggested by an online training site I recommend. It keeps the clicker immediately at hand (so to speak). You turn the ring sideways so the button is between your fingers, squeezing your fingers together to achieve a loud click. Your hand is still free to grab treats or hold a leash.
The greatest challenge here, as you might read from the reviews, is sizing. I suggest that you print their sizing sheet and lay a ring on it to get your size. It is somewhat difficult to use their small sizing paper scale.
Tannhauser Recommended
Adult
muzzle
Baskerville makes muzzles recommended (and used) by trainers, behaviorists and vets. The soft cage material doesn’t create hot spots on your dog and there are many bright, fun colors to choose from.
These muzzles are sold on Amazon, Chewy and a variety of other sites.