Best Gear?

[Alethia]

The "best gear" is always whatever works for the dog & its handler. Each is a unique individual, so there will be individual differences in preferences. Whatever gear you do choose, make sure its the best QUALITY & a proper FIT. That way you'll enjoy many years of daily training w/your best pal(s)!

 

[Kaia Murphy]

That’s good advice. Do you have a favorite piece of gear that’s worked really well for your dog?

 

[MyDogBitz]

Collars:
- Herm Sprenger (Training).
- Canine Athletes (Flat Nylon).
- Leerburg (Flat Leather).

Leashes:
- Leerburg 6' leather leashes.
- Ray Allen (Amazon too) nylon long lines.
- Flexi brand retractable leashes.

Electric collar:
- E-collar technologies.
- Dogtra brand.

Crates/Kennels:
- Ruffland.
- Kong Wire Crates.

Water/Food Bowls:
- Stainless steel
- Plastic
- Collapsible (for hiking)

Toys:
- K9ops rubber tug balls.
- Starmark foam tug balls.
- Extra large Chuck-it.
- Leerburg jute tugs.
- Ray Allen jute bit pillows.
- Canine Athletes 3" fire hose tugs.
- Kong rubber chew toys.

My favorite toys are the big 3" wide by 12" long firehose tugs with two handles from K9ops but the last two I've gotten both leaked dye, no good. I do like their rubber tug balls and the extra large foam balls on a rope from Starmark.

The 6' long 3/4" wide (they're actually 5/8") leather leashes from Leerburg are the nicest I've found. I don't use these for training, they're my nice, leather, taking a walk, leash.

Once my dogs are grown I like to get them a high quality 2" wide leather collar that matches the leash. Leerburg has nice leather collars too.

For affordable, rugged training collars it's hard to beat canine athletes IMO. Great collars. Big selection too. Of course for prongs, slips, and fursavers nothing beats Herm Sprenger.

I own a really nice harness for agitation work and for the life of me I can't remember where I got it. I think Ray Allen Manufacturing but I don't remember.

There's a ton of other places with great products too but these are the shops I frequent the most.

 

[Alethia]

That’s good advice. Do you have a favorite piece of gear that’s worked really well for your dog?

It depends on the dog. My current GSD works really well on a HS 3.5mm prong & a "tape style" 110 lb flexi! Weird? Yes! But he's more compliant, less reactive, & makes "better decisions" w/that combo. I've also practiced & become really good using the Flexi "break" if he makes a bad decision. The rest of the time its verbal "checks", & loose leash walking. He gets relative freedom & the ability to decide whether to choose violence or not.

 

[MyDogBitz]

Update:

I've tried the 4" x 12" tugs from Redline and they are now my favorite. They give the dog a nice firm biting experience and seem to hold up well to abuse. My only criticism is the handles are a bit long. Otherwise they're really nice.

 

[MissRae2020]

Hi! It's been really just trial and error as Rae is the first dog I've ever had...I use a light up harness and long leash tie it around my waist for hands free off Amazon its pretty long..she lives kong stuffed toys very durable anything else she shreds in seconds puzzles she loves outward hound

 

[MissRae2020]

Oh I also have a shock collar. It was a gift Rae has a tendency to bark in the car at anything so we put it on it vibrates before going off but I put it on her once she knew what it was never had to press the button and no more barking I'm not really a fan of the shock collar but it worked haven't put it on since

 

[Kaia Murphy]

Oh I also have a shock collar. It was a gift Rae has a tendency to bark in the car at anything so we put it on it vibrates before going off but I put it on her once she knew what it was never had to press the button and no more barking I'm not really a fan of the shock collar but it worked haven't put it on since

Hi! It's been really just trial and error as Rae is the first dog I've ever had...I use a light up harness and long leash tie it around my waist for hands free off Amazon its pretty long..she lives kong stuffed toys very durable anything else she shreds in seconds puzzles she loves outward hound

Rae sounds awesome and what a cutie in your photos! I’m curious about the collar though… after she figured it out, do you still put it on her (but not activate it) or did you just stop using it altogether? I’ve heard mixed things, so I’d love to know how it worked for you.

Also, since you mentioned Rae is your first GSD too, what’s one thing you’ve found super helpful as a first-time shepherd owner that you’d recommend? I’m trying to soak up as much advice as I can!