The Best Dog Training Accessories
Training a puppy or older dog isn't always an easy process. From simple commands like sit and stay to getting your pup potty trained, it's normal to experience bumps along the way. But with a few dog training accessories on hand, you can be equipped to deal with difficult situations and unexpected behavior. We've rounded up a few of our favorite dog training accessories to help you pick the items that best suit your training style.
What to Look For
When researching dog training accessories, we considered items that are affordable, durable, and easy to use. The Paw Lifestyles training pouch is available at a budget-friendly price and has multiple uses depending on your needs. You can fill the main pocket with treats and toys, use the poop bag dispenser, and attach it to your waist to stay hands-free on walks. We also love the Best Pet Supplies leash and harness set because it is made using heavy-duty materials. You can introduce your dog to daily walks as soon as you receive this practical set. Keep reading to discover your new favorite dog training accessories.
Paw Lifestyles Dog Treat Training Pouch
Free up your hands
Whether you’re training your dog at home or in public, being prepared is always a must. Paw Lifestyles’ training pouch is small enough to clip to your waistband and also comes with an adjustable strap for easy wearing. This pouch is primarily designed to hold treats in the main compartment, which cinches shut to keep items from falling out. But there are other pockets of various sizes for your phone, keys, poop bags, and other essentials for your pet.
Pros:
- Built-in poop bag dispenser
- Nylon bag lining is easy to wipe clean
- Space for small toys in the main pouch
Cons:
- Only one color option
HoAoOo Dog Training Clickers with Wrist Straps
Call and response
We love these affordable little clickers. They come in a pack of two and have stretchy plastic wristbands that won’t rub or irritate your skin. When you press down on the large plastic button, it creates a loud clicking noise to help your dog respond to commands more effectively. And since they’re completely manual, they don’t require batteries or a power charge.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable to hold
- Sturdy plastic case
Cons:
- The sound isn’t as loud when used outdoors
Petmaker Artificial Grass Puppy Pee Pad
It's business time
When you live in an apartment or condo, it can be challenging to get your puppy outside quickly when they need to go. Petmaker’s puppy pee pad is covered with artificial grass that will look and feel realistic to your dog. The multilayer system allows your dog’s urine to drain through the grass pad and collect in the plastic tray underneath. It features raised sides to prevent spills and make it easy to move the entire tray when it’s time to empty and clean it.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Multiple size options for various breeds
- Cheaper alternative to disposable pee pads
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a built-in attractant to encourage your dog to use the pad
Best Pet Supplies Voyager Harness and Leash Set
All strapped in
Once your dog is fully vaccinated, they’re ready to venture out on their first walk in the world. With the Best Pet Supplies harness and leash set, you’ll have everything you’ll need to train your pup to walk confidently and respectfully. The adjustable harness is available in multiple sizes, and the breathable material is comfortable to wear year-round. And the matching leash has a cushioned handle and a D-ring to attach a poop bag dispenser.
Pros:
- Accurate size chart
- Multiple color options
- The harness has reflective strips for safety
- The leash attaches to the strong metal rings on the back of the harness
Cons:
- It can be challenging to clip the leash to both harness rings with one hand
Cloud Star Tricky Trainers Crunchy Salmon Treats
Tiny tidbits
One of the best ways to get commands to stick in your pup’s mind is to use treats. These salmon treats from Cloud Star are bite-sized and crunchy, so they’ll be easy for your dog to chew. Each bag contains 450 treats, and each treat only contains two calories, which won’t ruin their appetite. These treats are easy to break into even smaller pieces if necessary. And they won’t leave a greasy residue on your hands or in a pouch if you remove them from the bag.
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Safe for dogs of all ages
- Alternative flavors available
- Resealable plastic bag for freshness
- Free from wheat, corn, and artificial additives
Cons:
- Dogs with sensitive teeth may not like the crunchy texture
How often should I treat my dog while training?
Giving your dog positive feedback during training sessions is necessary, especially if they are easily distracted. Using small treats is one of the easiest and most effective methods, particularly for food-driven pups. We recommend using small chewy or crunchy treats that your pet can easily chew up after performing each command. The general rule is that treats should only make up about 10 percent of your dog’s daily food intake. As long as you don’t overdo it, your dog will be happy and healthy.
Which commands should I start with when training my dog?
When you have a new puppy in your life, it can be easy to give them a pass when it comes to training because they’re so small and innocent. But teaching key commands at a young age is the best way to get them to stick. Starting with the basics, you should teach your pup to sit, stay, and come. If you use treats and give your dog plenty of positive feedback, it won’t take long for them to get the hang of it.
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