A clicker is an essential tool for marking desirable behavior. Once “charged,” the clicker helps you teach your dog (“create an association” in training lingo) that the click sound always means a treat. A quality leash is essential for walking your working dog and keeping him safely by your side. Training toys are also important, whether for playtime or redirecting his attention when chewing on his favorite shoes or barking at the neighbors.
Bite Sleeves for Pups
As puppies begin Schutzhund training, they need a Schutzhund training gear different from older, more experienced dogs. This includes bite sleeves that provide a durable surface for puppies to grip and are gentle on developing teeth and mouths. A bite sleeve is perfect for puppy and young dog training. It is made with a tightly woven, long-lasting French Linen or jute material that is safe for the pup and trainer. It is also ambidextrous to be used on the right or left arm. This sleeve has a hard sleeve bar inside to teach the dog to bite and hold firmly and a soft, padded cover to encourage more soothing compression bites. As a puppy progresses through this sleeve, it will be able to bite more profoundly into the cover and build confidence in its grip.
Long Lines
A humble long line is a versatile tool for any trainer; it can turn your dog from an arm puller to a calm and reliable recall partner. When used correctly, it can be beneficial for teaching distance recalls. A long line is best used in open spaces away from other dogs and potential trip hazards like woods and public parks. A long line should not be held tightly, and the dog should have some slack so they don’t feel confined. Once your dog is reliable on a long line, it is important to start gradually reducing its length. This prevents them from getting too far away and becoming a nuisance in distracting environments. This is a judgment call, but it is always best to be safe than sorry.
Choke Chains
Many Schutzhund handlers struggle with dogs that pull on leashes. Rather than employing positive reinforcement, some may turn to choke chains to get their dog to stop hurting. Choke chains can cause several health problems for a dog when misused. These include tracheal damage, neck injuries, and fainting. If a choke chain is too small, it can crush the dog’s trachea or cause ocular blood vessels to become damaged. Other correction collars that can be effective include martingales and slip collars. These are less severe than choke or prong collars, allowing you to give a quick jerk when your dog pulls without causing injury. They also tend to fit better around a dog’s neck than other corrective collars.
Collars
Schutzhund training heightens a dog’s tracking, obedience, and protection abilities. These honed skills result in an expertly trained working dog. A high-quality collar is an essential training tool for pups. Look for one that fits well, provides flexibility, and supports movement control. Nylon, leather, and biomethane are all durable materials for collars. Consider a martingale collar for dogs prone to slipping out of their standard collar. This type of collar features a control loop that connects to a leash and tightens when the dog pulls. It’s less restrictive than choke chains and is safe if used properly.
Leashes
As you work through the different phases of Schutzhund training, a good leash will help you keep your dog close. Look for features like a convenient accessory loop near the comfortable handle, a locking carabiner, and multiple thickness options to fit different dogs’ needs. Thinner leash styles (1/2″ or thinner) may be better for small dogs who pull vigorously because they won’t cause rope burn. Leather leashes are sophisticated, durable, and feel great in your hand, but they can be expensive and require regular care. Retractable leashes are an excellent tool for teaching dogs not to pull, but they can also be dangerous if misused. Using them without a collar or harness could lead to your dog getting wrapped around the handler’s neck and choking them.
Training Toys
Training toys help keep dogs interested in training during pauses in classes or on rainy days. Many satisfy instincts to chew and chase, keeping pups occupied and out of mischief (like exploring the trash or dirty clothes). Some toys encourage problem-solving, preparing them for jobs like search and rescue. Others teach obedience or help burn excess energy during long training sessions. Treat-dispensing toys motivate pups to work for rewards by stimulating their paws and noses as they nudge the toy to shake treats out. They’re also great for occupying pups during crate training or day-to-day sessions.
Training Carryall
Training for Schutzhund is an ongoing journey that will take you through many ups and downs. Some days will be so frustrating that you may want to quit, but don’t- keep going! You will eventually have those light bulb days when you and your dog connect, and everything goes right. It is essential to find a Schutzhund trainer that fits your style and helps you learn Schutzhund for beginners in a way you enjoy. Every trainer has a different approach, and you need to find one that feels right for you and your dog. A good trainer will also help you find the right gear for your training sessions. A training carryall is an excellent option for keeping your essentials in one place while training.
