Tools are an important aspect of life and Adult Dog Training, especially if your dog has learned to use objects as tools. Here are some of my favorite positive training strategies for controlling Mr. N's brain and pinky inclinations.

Clicker

I do have a marker word (yes), but the clicker is more accurate and crisp, so 99% of new training in our family begins with a clicker. Bird Clicker training shows the dog when he is correct, which is very useful for behavior chains and more complex tricks where time is critical. I prefer the Starmark clicker; however, we have several strewn throughout the house, so I generally just use the first one I find.

Mat

Mr. N's veterinary behaviorist recommended Dr. Karen Overall's relaxation programme for his separation anxiety. It's been a long road, but he's finally learning to relax on cue. He even ran to his mat to avoid the puppy we were observing. He has a solid off-switch, but there are moments when I really need him to calm down, and the mat is assisting with that. Because of the backing, memory foam bath mats are comfy, simple to clean, and last longer.

Treats

I don't work for nothing, and I don't expect Mr. N to. His "wage" is a rotating selection of high-value meaty snacks or cheese. He would like to be compensated with live squirrels or the ability to run about off-leash all the time, but as neither of these things is always attainable, biscuits must suffice. Treats confirm that he is, indeed, a nice kid. Absolutely, he made the correct decision. And thank you for keeping your distance from the dead fish and not rolling on it. String cheese and scraps of leftover meat, as well as Ziwipeak, Real Meat, and Cloudstar goodies from the pet store, make him happy.

The long line

I used a lengthy line when I initially started training recall. I don't have a fenced area to work with, but if Mr. N didn't return, I'd have a means to catch him. His recall has really improved since then, and I rarely use it except at the beach, but it was critical during the early training period. Biothane lines are excellent since they are waterproof, less prone to tangling, and simple to clean.

Toy Food Puzzles

Puzzle toys for dogs are the canine equivalent of television for toddlers. What's for dinner? They may drive you insane at times. Can we go on a trip? When you need to get some stuff done quickly. That's when you go for the puzzle toy to get some peace and quiet (depending on how boisterous your dog is). The dogs gain from intellectual exercise as well. Nina Ottosson toys, as well as Kongs and the Kong Wobbler, are popular around here.

What are your preferred training tools?

*If you buy from the Amazon links on this site, we will receive a few pence to help operate the blog and Mr. N's treat allowance!

Tenacious Little Terrier, Travels with Barley, and Wag 'n Woof Pets welcome you to the First Monday's Positive Pet Training Blog Hop. Please welcome our new co-hosts! Please contribute your positive pet training recommendations for responsible pet owners by linking to a blog post or leaving a comment below. This month's subject is favorite training tools, although any positive reinforcement training blogs or comments are always appreciated. The Positive Pet Training Blog Hop will run all week. Our next hop will begin on March 6th and will last a week.