petspedia

dog training aids and toys

There’s lots of different dog training aids that can make a big difference to your success when training your dog. Dog training aids like proper collars and leashes will definitely assist you in getting the training message across to your dog and will eliminate the need for feeling like the villain when it comes to corrections.

For instance, just the sound of a link-chain collar when it is jerked will let your dog know he is doing something wrong. When you decide how far you want to take your training, you can invest in the proper dog training aids and equipment.

Toys

Do dogs need toys? Yes! Do they need one of every toy that is offered for sale? An emphatic no! Toys actually make pretty good dog training aids, and puppies and new dogs do need several toys of different kinds to keep them occupied, exercised, and out of mischief. However, don’t give your dog so many toys that the dog begins to think everything that exists is a toy to chew on.

The toys and similar dog training aids you do choose can be anything that is appropriate for the size and the age of the dog - just be sure the toys are safe and do not have buttons or strings that can be chewed off or swallowed. Also, avoid balls made of soft material that can be chewed apart and hard plastic toys that can splinter easily.

Make sure any toys and other dog training aids you give a puppy or even grown dog are too large to become lodged in the mouth or caught in the throat. Bones can be instrumental in keeping your dog’s jaw and teeth occupied and your belongings safe, especially with teething puppies.

Large knuckle bones may not seem like dog training aids (or toys for that matter), but your dog will undoubtedly think otherwise. A dog can spend the best part of an afternoon gnawing away on the same bone! It helps keep him calm and relaxed, and therefore he’ll be more responsive when it comes training time.

Teddy bears or stuffed animals that are not made specifically for dogs are not a good idea. Most of them have plastic or glass buttons for eyes that can be swallowed. Even with those removed, they are risky. Ears can be torn off and swallowed or the stuffing ripped out and ingested.

Some dogs treat stuffed animals and other soft types of dog training aids with great love and affection for weeks and months, and then suddenly, as punishment for some offense of which we have no knowledge, a dog decides to totally dismantle and swallow Mr. Teddy’s innards. You and your dog may have to spend some very unpleasant and costly time at the veterinarian’s office when this happens.