Every dog is different and have different relationships with their owners. However, all dogs need some of the same things, such as confidence in themselves and their pack leader (you!). Many of the exercises and training methods we use focus on creating and strengthening that leader/follower relationship. Therefore, many of our tools are about communicating with the dog. For example, the prong collars are used to communicate in close range and therefore are excellent for teaching a dog to heel or sit. E-collars are for long distance communication and can be used to correct crate behavior or recall an off leash pet. Much of training is also about reinforcing good behaviors by rewarding with food or affection. Other tools calm their state of mind and make them easier to have in your home, such as place mats and crates.
This page has more detail descriptions of the tools we use, listed in alphabetical order. You can also find more information on our Instagram and Facebook. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us
Crates – Depending upon the dog and the dog’s relationship with humans, many dogs will do better if they eat and sleep in a crate. As relationships evolve (improve/become more balanced) this can change. Dogs boarding (and training) with us eat their meals and sleep each night indoors, in a crate. Crating your dog plays on and builds their natural den instincts. With proper conditioning, the crate becomes a safe space for your dog, where they chill and nap without stress.
E-collar – Modern remote collar technology is a far cry from the shock collars of the past. The stimulation of the collars we prefer uses the same technology as a TENS unit. Read about it here. The muscle stimulant is often used by chiropractors to relax tight muscle groups. A brief, momentary tap feels like a poke. A longer tap feels like slow pressure. The dial spins from 0-100, escalating intensity in the smallest of intervals, which allows us to be very nuanced and gentle in our communication and always use the least amount of pressure. Before training any dog on one, we first find their working level (the lowest level they can feel the stimulation). This is the level we will use to prompt (ask for) behaviors. Both the remote and collar are waterproof and are therefore ideal for off-leash excursions camping, hiking, on the beach, etc. This technology allows your dog to roam free, with reliable long distance recall, even in the face of enticing distractions. Before we send you home with an e-collar, we walk you through not only how to use it, but all the buttons, settings, features, and charging cords.
Food/Treats – Having dogs earn their kibble as they work obedience is an awesome way to motivate and connect with the dog! When dogs first arrive for a board and train, we hand feed them their food for the first few days to build a strong relationship of trust. We avoid using high value treats for anything but the most challenging of commands because setting up dogs to expect steak every time they sit is not in anyone’s best interest.
Long Lines – Long lines are long, light weight leashes, usually between 10 to 30 feet long. Lines are super important tools to use when teaching dogs recall, especially in wide open spaces. At first, we’ll hold the end of the long line and give the dog guidance when we call. Once the dog is coming consistently and without leash prompting, we drop the line and repeat the process. Having the dog drag the line slows them down a bit and helps us catch them, if need be. Only once the dog is completely reliable at recall on the long line can we consider taking it off. It’s important to not give a command without the ability to enforce it.
Muzzles – Usually we only use a muzzle if the dog has a history of bites or other aggression. Sometimes, however, it can be a useful attitude adjuster or security net in public for the owners of fearful dogs. Positive muzzle conditioning is always a must. We prefer the Baskerville muzzle which dogs can eat and drink through, making it ideal for active training.
Place Cot (LINK)- Oddly enough, this is a valuable tool. In fact, it’s probably our favorite tool! The place mat can be anything from an elevated dog cot, to a towel or mat you carry on the go. While in place, the dog must keep all four paws on the mat. It may seem too good to be true, but spending an hour or two a day in a duration place completely transforms dogs through altering their state of mind. It soothes them and helps create a “calm-on-command” that makes life easier for dog owners. We’re asking them to exercise their impulse control and relinquish control when in a “place”. When they accept our leadership they can relax into the calm pack member they were always meant to be.
Prong Collar (Herm Sprenger) – Prong collars are another of our most valuable tools. The Herm Sprenger brand is the highest quality prong collar around. Made exclusively in Germany, Herm Sprengers are poured into molds to ensure that there are zero sharp edges that can harm your dog’s skin. Many other cheaper brands of prong collars made here in the US are cut by lasers, which leaves jagged, unfinished edges. Unlike flat collars, the prong applies pressure evenly around the whole neck. There is a stopping mechanism which allows the collar to become only so tight, which means we are never choking dogs, unlike a choke chain. Many dogs live their whole lives pulling against their flat collars and the pressure of leash and handler no longer means anything. (This pulling against the flat collar will also lead to permanent trachea damage in the long term!) Prong collars are fantastic for reassigning meaning to leash pressure and bringing new awareness of the handler. Watch our Intro to Prong Collars series on YouTube. Part 1 – Part 2.
Toys – Toys can also be used as motivation and reward for good behavior. This can come in a variety of different forms. Good behavior can be rewarded with playing with a tennis ball or tug. There are also toys you can buy for playing with and exercising your dog in a small space. Toys can be important training tools, especially for very active dog breeds.
Treadmill – When available a treadmill can be an amazing tool for not only exercising, but for building confidence in insecure dogs. Purple Dog uses this (LINK) reasonably priced treadmill available through Amazon. Craigslist generally has used ones available, as well.
