Beginner’s Guide to Dog Gear

Beginner’s Guide to Dog Gear: Finding the Right Tools for Your Canine Companion

 

Let’s talk dog gear! Getting your first rescue dog, or even your third, can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. Every dog is unique, with its own personality, preferences, and needs. What works for one dog may not work for another, making the selection of dog gear a critical step in ensuring your pet’s well-being. 

From collars to leashes and beyond, this guide will walk you through the various options available, helping you make informed choices for your furry friend. When in doubt, it’s always wise to consult a professional dog trainer for personalized advice.

 

Collars: Why So Many Options?

One of the first pieces of dog gear you’ll purchase is a collar. But with so many types available, how do you choose the right one?

Flat Collars

Flat collars are the standard choice for most dogs. They come in a variety of materials, designs, and widths. Flat collars are ideal for dogs that don’t pull excessively and are a good choice for attaching ID tags. But you need to make sure they are properly fitted! When fitted properly, you should be able to fit two of your fingers snuggly between the dog’s neck and the collar. We promise you, it’s not too tight.

Martingale Collars

Essential dog gear for the flight dog. Martingale collars (or no-slip collars) are our collar-of-choice at CAC because they tighten when the dog pulls which prevents them from accidentally slipping out. Martingales are a great choice for fearful dogs who are prone to slipping out of flat collars. Martingales can also be used to teach ‘pressure and release’ to help with loose leash walking. When the martingale is tight, the dog feels pressure, you stop walking. When the dog releases the pressure on themselves and checks in with you, the walk continues!

You can get martingales that have a locking buckle, standard buckle, no buckle, or one with chain instead of fabric. 

Prong Collars

Prong collars are a controversial option as they are designed to provide a correction when a dog pulls. While they can be effective in curbing pulling behavior, they should only be used under the guidance of a professional trainer to avoid misuse and injury. If used improperly, your dog can easily become accustomed to the feeling of constant pressure from the prongs while pulling, essentially making them useless.

If you’re going to get a prong collar, please avoid purchasing them at major pet stores and check out Herm Sprenger instead. Prong collars need to be properly fitted and should never look like a necklace hanging off a dog. Prongs should also never be left on a dog for an extended period of time or if left unattended due to the damage they could cause.

Starmark Pro-Training Collar

Starmark’s Pro-Training Collar is similar to a prong collar but with wider plastic prongs instead of metal. It should fit snug, but not tight, around your dog’s neck. You should be able to fit 2-3 fingers between the collar and neck. If the collar can slip over your dog’s head, it is too loose. Same conditioning rules apply to Starmark as to Herm Sprenger prong collars!

E-Collars

E-collars, or electronic collars, are another tool that should be used with caution. These collars deliver a mild electric stimulation to get the dog’s attention. They are often used in training for off-leash work or to correct specific behaviors. Like prong collars, e-collars should be used under professional supervision to ensure they are applied safely and effectively.

If you’re interested in learning more about e-collar training, we recommend reading The Art of Training Your Dog: How to Gently Teach Good Behavior Using an E-Collar by the Monks of New Skete and trainer Marc Goldberg.

 

Harnesses: When Are They Helpful?

Harnesses are a common dog gear alternative to collars, particularly for dogs that tend to pull or have respiratory or trachea issues. They can be used in addition to a collar, especially for flighty dogs. With the addition of a safety strap, you can connect a collar to a harness for added security.

Easy Walk Harness

The Easy Walk harness is a front-clip harness that discourages pulling by redirecting the dog’s momentum. It’s a great choice for dogs that pull on the leash during walks. This type of harness is easy to put on and take off, making it a convenient option for daily use. However, proper conditioning is important to make sure your dog doesn’t become desentized to pulling through the harness pressure. Watch this video to learn how to properly fit your dog to an easy walk harness.

 

2 Hounds Harness

The 2 Hounds Harness, also known as the Freedom No-Pull Harness, is another excellent option. It features both a front and back clip, allowing for greater control. The design helps to evenly distribute pressure, making it a comfortable choice for the dog while giving the owner better leverage to manage pulling.

Harnesses We Don’t Recommend and Why

Not all harnesses are created equal. Some, like the traditional back-clip harnesses, can actually encourage pulling behavior by giving the dog more leverage to pull. When a dog wearing a harness feels the pressure of the leash pulling back, their opposition reflex may cause them to pull harder in the opposite direction. This behavior is particularly common with back-clip harnesses, where the attachment point for the leash is on the dog’s back, which can inadvertently encourage the dog to pull forward. Understanding this reflex is important in selecting the right gear and training methods to manage and reduce pulling behavior effectively.

 

Leashes: Let’s Strap In!

Leashes are another essential piece of dog gear, and there are several types to consider depending on your needs. We hope this goes without saying, but if your dog is out in public they simply need to be on a leash. Leash laws exists and we all need to follow them.

Standard Leashes

The standard 4 to 6-foot leash is a staple in any dog owner’s arsenal. It’s perfect for daily walks and general training. Look for leashes made of durable materials like nylon or leather, and choose a width that suits your dog’s size and strength.

Long-Line Leashes

Long-line leashes, ranging from 15 to 30 feet or more, are great for training recall or allowing your dog more freedom to explore in open spaces while still being under control. These leashes are ideal for practicing commands in environments where it’s safe to give your dog more range.

Drag-Line Leashes

Important dog gear you might not have considered! A drag-line leash is a leash that your dog can drag behind them inside or outside the house. Generally, a dragline is a 4-6ft leash with the handle cut off so it can’t snag on anything. There are so many uses for a dragline – here are just a few!

• For new-to-you dogs: When you adopt a new dog, you may want to keep a dragline on them in the house for the first few days while you’re building trust. The dog is getting to know you and the new environment. In case of an emergency, you can simply step on and pick up the dragline and move the dog where they need to go without putting hands on them.
• For dogs with handling sensitivity: If you have a dog that reacts negatively to being handled (picking them up, pushing them off the couch, or any other physical touch to move them from place to place) you may consider keeping a dragline on them to avoid future negative reactions to handling.
• For dog-to-dog interactions: If you’re bringing a new dog home to meet your resident dogs, keep a dragline on them for safety reasons. In case of an outburst or altercation, you can quickly remove your dog from the situation without getting your hands in the fray.
• For fearful/flighty dogs: If your dog has environmental fear and anxiety (scared of loud noises, fast cars, new people, etc), having a dragline on means being able to remove them from a situation quickly or be able to step on their dragline to avoid them hopping a fence, jumping over a fence, or running away.
• For potty training: For puppies or dog coming straight out of the shelter, keeping a dragline on in the house can make it easier to potty train. If your pup is starting to sniff or squat in the house, simply pick up their dragline and quickly bring them outside to do their business.

Traffic Handles

If you live in a heavily trafficked area, having a traffic handle or a 6-foot leash with a traffic handle built in can be really useful! While you’re walking on the sidewalk, your dog can have the full 6 feet to explore and sniff. When it comes time to cross the street, simply grab the traffic handle to keep your dog closer to you and cross the street safely together. Of course we would love it if our dogs walked in a tight heel, but sometimes we just need a good traffic handle.

Leashes we don’t recommend and why:

Retractable leashes, while popular for allowing dogs more freedom to explore, pose significant dangers to both dogs and their owners. The thin, extendable cord can easily become tangled around a dog’s legs, causing injury or even amputation in severe cases. Additionally, the sudden retraction mechanism can lead to burns, cuts, or even serious injuries like broken bones if the leash snaps back with force. For the owner, the handle of a retractable leash can be difficult to grip securely, increasing the risk of dropping it and losing control of the dog. Furthermore, the extended length of the leash can make it challenging to quickly regain control in emergencies, such as approaching traffic or encounters with aggressive animals, putting both the dog and others at risk. If your looking to give your dog more freedom, practice recall training on a 15-30ft long line and learn how to properly handle it!

Other Dog Gear Essentials

Beyond collars, harnesses, and leashes, there are a few additional items that can make dog ownership easier and more enjoyable.

Head Halters

Head halters, like the HALTI Headcollar or Gentle Leader, work similarly to a horse’s halter. They give you control of your dog’s head, which in turn controls which way their body turns. This tool is particularly useful for strong dogs that tend to pull or lunge. However, dogs need to be conditioned to wearing a gentle leader to avoid injury! If not used properly, your dog may become frustrated and hurt their head or neck. For more info, please watch this video on how to properly condition a dog to a head halter.

Poop Bag Holders

A dog gear essential! A poop bag holder that attaches to your leash ensures you’re always prepared for clean-up duty. It’s a small but essential item that makes walks more convenient and keeps your neighbors happy. Get a $5 one on Amazon or spend $50 on a personalized Etsy poop bag holder – just make sure you have one!

Pet Corrector or Spray Bottle

A pet corrector (a canister that emits a hissing sound) or a simple spray bottle filled with water can be effective tools for discouraging unwanted behaviors like barking or jumping. Pet corrector should never be pointed at the dog; you should instead point it down to the ground. The spray bottle should be sprayed toward the dog starting at their feet, legs, chest and then lastly their head if the others weren’t affective to move them away from something.

These tools can also be used as an aversive (uncomfortable) stimulus to deter off-leash dogs from approaching you and your pet if you’re on a walk together.

“Do Not Touch” or “I’m Nervous” Vests or Leash Accessories

If your dog is anxious or reactive, a vest or leash accessory that alerts others to give your dog space can be incredibly helpful. These dog gear items signal to others that your dog needs to be approached with caution, reducing stress for both you and your dog during walks. 

Conclusion

Selecting the right dog gear is crucial for both safety and comfort. From collars to leashes and beyond, there’s a wide array of options to choose from. By understanding the function and purpose of each item, you can make the best decisions for your dog’s unique needs. Remember, when in doubt, consulting a professional trainer can provide you with valuable insights to ensure you and your dog are well-equipped for any adventure. And when your ready to gear-up with a new dog, check out our adoptable dogs here!