This is a list of the training equipment and enrichment supplies that I use and recomment to my clients. Be sure to check out the discount codes included with some of these products.
Leashes, Collars and Harnesses
Read this article to learn about different types of collars and harnesses.
Read this article to learn about different types of harnesses.
Perfect Fit Harness
Ordered as 3 sections to create custom fit. The Y-shaped chest piece allows full range motion. A wide felt band beneath the nylon strip prevents chafing. This harness has front and rear leash attachment.
Blue-9 Balance Harness
With six points of adjustment, this harness adjusts to comfortably fit almost any body style. It does not restrict the dog’s forward motion. There are two points of contact for leash attachment.
T-Touch Harmony Harness
Based on the T-Touch® UK harness, the T-Touch Harmony harness does not interfere with the dog’s forward movement. It has two points of contact for leash attachment.
Ruffwear Flagline Harness
With its two girth straps, this harness is perfect for odd-shaped or older dogs and front leg amputees. It includes a handle in case your pup needs assistance.
Freedon No-Pull Harness
Fits snugly with a soft, anti-chafing girth. Back D-ring attaches to a partial slip. Front clip attaches to a cross-chest strap that restricts range of motion. Made for strong pullers.
PetSafe 2-Point Harness
Versitility: Attach to front & back D rings for added control/weight distribution for large dogs. Clip to a single ring for a regular 4-foot leash. Use one clip for a longer lead for sniffing.
Lupine Pet Products
Lupine makes collars, leashes & harnesses in a wide variety of patterns for both dogs and cats. All products come with a lifetime guarantee – even if chewed!
High Tail Hikes Convertible Leash
Versitile biothane leash that can be customized to length, color and clip style.
Use the code CrimHound at checkout to receive 10% off your purchase.
Hands-free Leash System
Hands-free systems come in a variety of brands and styles. If you have a very strong dog, I recommend using something with a buckle (e.g., tool belt) and using a large carabiner to attach your leash.
Long Lines by High Tail Hikes
Long Lines by OffRoadK9
A long line is a long leash – from 10 feet to as long as 100 feet in length. Long lines work great for things such as training recalls*, working on distance commands and taking your dog out on sniff walks.
Use the code CrimHound to receive 10% off your High Tail Hikes purchase.
*Never let your dog off leash unless he has a perfect recall in any environments. Use a long line for safety.
Leash Belay System
Developed by Grisha Stewart, this system makes using a long line safe and easy – especially for strong pullers and reactive dogs. The following pieces are needed:
- Pulley Carabiner
- 2″ Aluminum O-ring
- Round long line: (15 feet is perfect, but works with leashes 6 feet or longer)
- Belt – use a standard belt, a hands-free leash belt, a tool belt, or even a couple of collars connected together. I prefer buckle closures over plastic clips for strong dogs.
Muzzles
There are a variety of muzzle types. If you are worried about bites, try the Baskerville Ultra or a cage-type muzzle like those sold by Dean & Tyler. Custom-made biothane muzzles are effective and add a splash of color – Bumas, Trust Your Dog or Mia’s Muzzles.
See the Muzzle Up Project for more information in choosing the best muzzle for your dog.
Head Halter
For clients who struggle with strong or giant breed dogs, a properly conditioned head halter can help.
Head halters fit like a horse halter. The leash clips to a ring under the chin. These work by turning your dog’s head when he pulls, but can cause severe neck and head injuries if not conditioned and used properly. NewTrix and Sporn halters do not pull from under the chin or turn the dog’s head. Instead, they put slight pressure on the back of the dog’s head to help with pulling.
Head halters are NOT a magic cure or long-term solution for pulling! It should be used under the guidance of a trainer, acclimated properly and used only during leash manners training.
Enrichment Activity Supplies
West Paw Toppl
The Toppl comes in two sizes. Toppls are used alone or inserted into one another to increase the difficulty.
The Original Kong
This toy comes in a variety of sizes to address a variety of chewing levels.
West Paw Qwizl
The Qwizl can be stuffed and used along or fit it inside the Toppl to create a great food dispensing toy for dry kibble.
K9 Connectables
Purchase different pieces and assemble them to create new and different activities.
Use this link and the coupon code crimsonhound10 to receive 10% off your order.
Kong Wobbler
This toy has a weighted bottom and unscrews to fill with kibble or treats. When the dog nudges it, it rocks and treats drop out. It comes in two sizes and can help meet the needs of your herding dog.
Kong Bamboo Feeder Ball
This treat dispensing ball is perfect for beginners.
Kong Gyro
This toy is filled with kibble/treats and dispenses them as the dog pushes it across the floor.
Outward Hound Products
Outward Hound has a wide variety of puzzles and slow feeder bowls.
SodaPup Enrichment Toys
SodaPup has a wide variety of treat dispenser toys, licki mats and chew toys.
Use coupon code CRIMSONHOUND to receive 10% off your order.
Snuffle Mats
https://www.crimsonhound.com/2021/08/02/toss-the-food-bowl-canine-enrichment-with-food/These toys satisfy your dog’s instinctive need to sniff and forage. You can make your own snuffle mat (see my Enrichment Activities with Food blog for instructions) or find a variety of options to purchase online.
Licki Mats
Licki Mats encourage your dog to lick. Licking is a calming behavior. You can find a variety of Licki Mats online. In addition, silicone treat molds and ice cube molds also work great.
Treat Bags and Training Treats
Akra Creations Treat Bag
Akra Creations makes variety of well-made, high-quality treat pouches.
Use the coupon code CRIMSONHOUND to receive 15% off your order.
Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Pouch
The treat pouch has multiple sections to carry everything plus a magnetic closure so you can get into the main treat pouch quickly and easily.
Silicone Treat Pouch
There are several brands of silicone pouch. These are great for messy treats such as hotdogs as they are super easy to clean.
Fig & Tyler Pet Treats
Fig & Tyler pet treats are 100% meat and fish – made in the USA from USDA-inspected meat.
Use code KH3229 for 10% off your first order.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals
These treats are small enough for training, easy to break into smaller pieces and easy to toss. They come in a variety of flavors.
Tricky Trainers
I like Tricky Trainers a bit more than Zuke’s. They are a stronger scent, so tnd to be a bit higher value. Like Zuke’s, they come in a variety of flavors.
Ziwi Peak Dog Food
Ziwi is a high quality, air-dried dog food. It is pricey, but each piece of food can be broken into 4 smaller pieces.
Squeeze Tubes
Soft silicone travel-size shampoo bottles work great for super soft high value treat like peanut butter, canned dog food, baby food, etc. You can also find refillable food tubes made for camping and dog training.
Miscellaneous High Value Treats
High value depends on the dog and the situation; however, some go-to’s are squeeze cheese, hot dogs, rotisserie chicken, cheese, etc. If you are working with a dog in a muzzle, these are some great options.
Miscellaneous Supplies and Equipment
Frosted Window Film
Window film blocks visuals that trigger your dog while you are working on new behaviors – or as a management tool. It is easy to apply and remove with not residue. Plus, it still lets in plenty of light.
Sound-Proofing Curtains
These 3-in-1 curtains act as a sound barrier, a black out curtain and a thermal curtain. This can be a great option for a noise phobic/reactive dog, loud urban environments or to aid in setting up your dog’s safe space.
Fence Screening
If blocking visibility is part of your training or management plan, fence screening is an easy-to-use product. It comes in a variety of colors, lengths and widths.
Exercise Pens
Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, exercise pens are super versatile and can be used for both training and management. They come in a variety of styles and heights.
Baby Gates
Whether you have a puppy or an adult dog, baby gates are super versatile and can be used for both training and management. They come in a variety of styles and heights.
Box Fan
A box fan placed facing the source of noise can be a game changer for noise phobic dogs. I address the use of this piece of equipment in my Noise Phobia blog.
Musher’s Secret
A high quality paw wax that protects paws in all weather. Rub in between toe pads to prevent snow balls from forming.
Toe Grips
For dogs who need help with smooth surfaces and slick flooring. These come in various sizes and fit right onto your dog’s nails.
Counter/Stove Guard
This portable ping pong net can work as a way to manage counter surfing while you are training alternative behaviors.