In a hurry?
- You need far less kit than most shops suggest: a good lead, a long line, a treat pouch and one toy your dog loves.
- Buy kit that makes the training easier for your dog to understand, never kit designed to hurt.
- A long line is the single most useful thing for recall, because it lets your dog have freedom while you stay in control.
- Bring your own kit to sessions: your dog should learn with the things you'll use at home.
Alex can help with this: 1-2-1 training & behaviour help.
Want Alex to look at your dog?
Four quick questions. We reply Monday to Saturday, usually within the hour.
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We reply Monday to Saturday, usually within the hour, by email.
What happens next:
- Alex asks a few questions about your dog.
- He tells you which option fits and what it costs.
- You pick a date if you want one.
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People often ask what to buy before their first session. The answer is: less than you think. Every item below is something I use every day at the field, and I've said why.
A lead you can hold for an hour
I use a plain, grippy lead about 1.2 to 2 metres long. Grippy rubber or leather doesn't slip through wet hands, and a length you can shorten easily means you can keep the lead loose without your dog wandering off. A lead with a clip at each end can also be used as a double lead on a harness and collar.
A long line for recall
A long line, 5 to 10 metres, is how I teach recall without risk of the dog learning that it can ignore you. Your dog gets real freedom; you can still step on the line if they head for a road or another dog. Use it on a harness, not a collar, so a sudden stop doesn't jerk the neck, and never wrap it round your hand.
A treat pouch you can reach without looking
Timing is most of training. If the reward takes five seconds to dig out of a coat pocket, the moment has gone. A pouch on your belt or a training belt keeps food ready.
One toy your dog loves
For many dogs a ball on a rope or a tug is worth more than food, especially outdoors. I keep one special toy that only comes out for training, so it stays exciting.
What I don't use
I don't use kit designed to cause pain or fear to stop a behaviour. It may suppress what you see for a while, but it doesn't teach the dog what to do instead, and it can make a worried dog worse. If you're unsure whether something is right for your dog, bring it to your session and ask me.
Bring the lead, line, pouch and toy you'll use at home. Your dog learns faster with the kit they'll actually live with, and I can check the fit while we work.
Where we buy our kit: k9store.co.uk. Any well-made equivalent works just as well.
Questions owners ask
Do I need special equipment before my first session?
No. A normal lead and collar or harness is enough for the first session. I'll tell you if anything would help your dog, and why.
Is a long line safe?
Yes, used properly: attach it to a well-fitted harness, let it trail rather than wrapping it round your hand, and use it in open space away from roads.
Do you sell equipment?
No. Any well-made lead, line, pouch and toy will do; bring what you have and I'll tell you if anything should change.
Google review
Alex is such a fantastic trainer with great patience and knowledge! He was able to assess our puppies behavioural issues straight away and show us how to control them and start training him correctly. …
Read the full review
Alex is such a fantastic trainer with great patience and knowledge! He was able to assess our puppies behavioural issues straight away and show us how to control them and start training him correctly. We have come away with lots to work on but have already seen an improvement since the first session.. and even by the end of the first session with Alex! Could not recommend him enough!
Sources
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Last updated . This post is general advice, not a diagnosis. If your dog may be unwell or in pain, please see your vet.