Equipment and Tools & Treats!

This is a resource for recommended products that we will use in the course of training

Puppy Training Tools

For a new puppy, I recommend a wire crate. They are easier to clean and if your dog will be growing, you can use the separator to keep the main space the proper size for your pup. I also like these because you can easily secure a play yard to the crate.

When you sign up for classes either Private or Group, let me know if you are shopping for a crate! I have several that people have handed off to me and may be able to give you one.

A Puppy Play Yard

Since you will need your puppy to be secured when you are not able to directly supervise him or her, a play yard is a great solution! I like the wire play yard as you can hook it securely to the crate, it is easy to store, and flexible to configure.

A Limited Slip Martingale Collar

Once your dog gets older, I recommend a harness with a clip on the back and front, but these can get pricey if you are buying them as your dog grows. While your dog is a puppy, this is a great option. It tightens up when your puppy pulls but not enough to hurt her. This way she can't slip out of her collar! There are lots of styles and options. Here is a link to one.

Pee Pad Setup with Fake Grass

If your puppy is new or not quite as housebroken as you thought, you live in an apartment, or other situation where you can't get to the door quickly, I recommend this system for your patio or the floor closest to where the crate is situated. Make sure you put some dirt on the fake grass and refresh it regularly to keep the connection between where you want your dog to do her business (outside) and where she is going (in the house).

Fillable Toys

There are so many styles of fillable toys. You can choose from a whole line of Kong toys that you can stuff, lick mats, which are great for situations like bath time, and interactive wobble feeders. Explore all of the options and try out what you think will work for your puppy!

Freezable toys for puppy teething

Again, there are so many options for these types of toys. Choose something that is not a choking hazard, but your puppy can fit towards the back of his mouth for teething and cold relief for pain in the back teeth and gums.

Cleaner for Carpet and Wood that really works!

This cleaner really works to get rid of the enzymes from your puppy or new dog's accidents. It initially smells like Anise (Black Licorice) but that smell goes away. I recommend following the instructions and if you have a persistent spot, soaking for about 15 minutes.

Washable underpads for the pee pad setup

These pee pads are a green solution to having paper pads under the green grass pad. If you don't have time to wash them, go with the disposables!

Puppy Rope Tug Toys

These are good toys for tug and to keep in your pocket for when you pup becomes a baby shark!! Also good for flossing! Remember when playing tug with your puppy, only tug horizontally

Crate Training for Older Dogs

I am a big advocate of maintaining crate training with dogs. It keeps them safe when we are not able to keep an eye on them, gives them a chance to have a safe space to go to when they are tired and stressed, makes travelling with your dog easier. Also, it is easier to maintain a crate habit than to rebuild the habit once the dog has not been crated for a while. These are some of my favorite options. The pen extension is great for newly adopted dogs or dogs that get into things that they shouldn't when you are away.

Easy to Clean Wire Crate

For an adopted dog, I recommend a wire crate. They are easier to clean and if your dog will be growing, you can use the separator to keep the main space the proper size for your pup. I also like these because you can easily secure a play yard to the crate.

When you sign up for classes either Private or Group, let me know if you are shopping for a crate! I have several that people have handed off to me and may be able to give you one.

A Sturdy Soft Crate

This is my choice for a crate that is easy to travel with and I use them in my house. I suggest that you wait until you are 100% sure that your dog is not going to have accidents because it is harder to clean and also be sure that your dog does not have destructive tendencies!

A Play Yard Extension of Pup's Safe Space

Since you will need your new dog to be secured when you are not able to directly supervise him or her, a play yard is a great solution! I like the wire play yard as you can hook it securely to the crate, it is easy to store, and flexible to configure.

Going for a Walk!

Seventh Heaven Trainers and Pet Care Specialists do not use aversive techniques or tools, that is tools that cause pain, stress or fear. This includes E-collars, prong collars, and choke collars. We believe that the best way to train is to create understanding and cooperation between you and your dog. It has also been proven in many studies that the use of aversive methods can increase or trigger aggressive and fear responses and damages the bond between the owner and the dog. Here are some options that I suggest.

Two Hounds Harness and Double Leash

Tactical Harness

If you have a larger dog or want a bulkier harness, this is a great option! You can put patches to ask people not to pet your dog if your dog is reactive or fearful, but the best deterrent for people is a muzzle.

Head Halter

For heavy pullers, this is a good training option. I would not recommend long term use and you need to use it with the support of your trainer!

An Escape Proof Harness

If you have a dog that is an escape artist, this might work well for you, but be sure to hook in the front and for even more safety, use a leash with double hooks like the one from Two Hounds.

Bulkier No Pull Harness

Again, there are so many options for harnesses, this one is reflective and I have found fits a typical dog breed. I have had trouble getting this harness to fit my Lab/Hound mix because her neck is thin and her chest is very deep.

Rope Style Long Line

This is another option for a long line. I like this one because you can remove the handle and wrap one end of the line around a stationery object like a tree or pole to work on skills like four on the floor.

Waterproof Long Line

If you are going to be playing or training near the water, this long line is a great option! You can chose your length. I don't think that you generally need more than 30 feet unless you are doing some serious recall training.

Care and Feeding

I do not make any recommendations regarding nutrition, but here are some cool ideas for feeding and some products that I use with my dogs.

A Slow Feeder

If your dog has a tendency to eat too fast, try a slow feeder to get them to slow down. I like this one because it is pretty easy to clean. Snuffle Mats can work for kibble and keep your dog busy.

A Puzzle Toy/ Slow Feeder Combo

This is a slow feeder and puzzle toy. There are lots of options such as topple toys or toys that your dog has to roll around to dispense kibble or treats. Great for when you are leaving and for putting in the crate to keep your dog busy.

A Digestive Supplement

This is a great supplement if your dog has any digestive issues. With Pumpkin and Apple, it helps with soft stools and constipation. I give it to my dogs every day!

Beef Lung Treats

These are the high value beef treats that I use for training. Easy to break up and come in a huge bag.

Tools for Training, Odds & Ends

Tether for the Home

This is a great option for when you have a behavior that you need to restrict access for but you can't either put your dog behind a gate or crate them. It is also good for rooms where you have problem behavior.

The Best In Ground Tether

If you are training outdoors, I love this in ground tether for any dog! No matter how large your dog is, this tether will work and you can mow right over top of it. It does not get tangled like the stake yard tethers. Just a great tool!

Tumbo Trolley System

I love this system for training and also as an option if you don't have a fenced yard but want your dog to be able to spend time outside and have some independence.

Cage Style Muzzle

There are many options for muzzles. Leerberg has a good selection and lots of tools to help you find a good fit. You want a muzzle that your dog can breathe, pant, take treats and drink while wearing the metal cage is a good fit for dogs that are more aggressive but you will want to think about options like how secure the muzzle is since some dogs can get out of them pretty easily. For more advice on muzzles, go to the website for the Muzzle Up Project

Baskerville Rubber Muzzles

Baskerville muzzles are good quality and easy to find online. You can also melt the plastic to get a more custom fit. There is the Ultra Style and the classic or Italian style. You can check them out to see which would be the best fit for your dog! For more advice on muzzles, go to the website for the Muzzle Up Project

Backseat Extender for your Car

This is my choice for a cover for the backseat of my car that extends to make a comfortable space for my dogs. I have a nice bed in the back for our long rides on 95!

CONTACT US

Richmond Training Center
Henrico, VA
804.573.2780

Reston Training Center
Reston, VA
571.389.0091

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