As a dog trainer that specializes in puppies, I am always asked for recommendations of the best supplies and what we use in training camp. I have compiled a list of my must haves and favorites that I purchase again and again. From the basics of crates, leashes and training essentials to interactive toys that last and treats that your pup will love! Check out my list and let me know which ones your pup loves as well!
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Crate: When choosing the right crate for your puppy, choose a crate that allows your puppy to stand up and turn around freely without any part of their head or ears touching the top of the crate. Many wire crates come with a divider that allows you to adjust the size of the crate as the pup grows without having to purchase multiple crates.
Snuggle Puppy: To make that first night in the crate a little easier, the snuggle puppy is a must have. The heartbeat has a real feel pulse that is designed to mimic the mother or littermates to help your pup transition to sleeping alone. Get one for your pup here!
Leash: A standard 6 foot leash works best for training. I prefer leather for comfort, but nylon also works well. I do not recommend retractable leashes for any situation.
Treat/Potty bag dispenser: So many people ask me about the training bag that is attached to my leash. It is a lifesafer. Never forget your bags at home again! And because I am always out training in public, I need to always have some training treats readily available. This little pouch has been one of my favorite purchases and a must have for dog owners. Attach it to the handle of your leash and always have your supplies ready! Find it here!
Lick Mat: Make bathtime a breeze with these lickmats that can suction to the side of the bathtub. Spread some peanutbutter or canned dog food on the mat to keep your pup busy during bathtime, or while you trim nails, or brush him. They can also be used for enrichment feedings. Check them out here.
House Training Bells: All puppies in my training camp are introduced to house training bells. It makes housetraining your pup easier because it gives them a clear way to communicate with you. For most puppies,it takes about 2-3 weeks for the puppy to begin ringing the bell without prompting. I prefer bells that hang on the door as opposed to push button bells for potty training. Bells with adjustable heights are ideal, because the bell should be hung at approximately nose level from the door that is used to take your puppy out to the bathroom. You can read more about how I train the puppies to use a bell here. Order your bell here!
Food: Feeding a high quality puppy food is so important for your pup’s health, but it also makes a big difference in potty training. The brands that I use in training camp are Purina Pro Plan (the pups all seem to prefer the shredded chicken blend puppy formula) or Royal Canin. Our schedule for training camp puppies is to feed three times per day at approximately 6:00am, noon, and 6:00pm. I recommend feeding puppies three times per day until about 6 months of age, then transition to being fed twice a day thereafter. If your pup likes to eat fast, a slow feeder bowl like this one can be helpful.
Treats: Training treats should be soft and small. Your puppy should be able to consume the treat quickly and be ready for the next command rather than stopping to chew. Pea sized treats work great. I use Train Me Treats, they come in a variety of flavors and in both mini and regular size. I prefer the mini size for training.
Toys: Now for the fun part. You will want an assortment of toys and chew bones for entertainment and teething. For safety, pick toys that can’t completely fit inside your dog’s mouth. In training camp, at least one meal per day is usually fed in an interactive toy to provide mental enrichment. A few of my go to favorites are this snuffle mat, food dispensing ball, and puzzle. In general, I like to use the Nina Ottosson puzzles because you can start your dog with an easy level 1 toy like this one, and advance to harder level 3 toys as your dog progresses.
A favorite toy for most of my training camp puppies is this Hide A Squirrel toy. It keeps them busy pulling the squirrels out of the trunk, You can also hide treats with the squirrels to encourage your pup to play with it, although the pups in my training camp never needed any encouraging to use this toy!
Fetch is a great game to play with your dog while also working on some obedience commands, be sure to have some smaller puppy sized balls available. You can read about how to teach your dog to fetch here.
Your dog’s toy box is not complete without a Kong or two. I use the classic Kong‘s filled with peanut butter or treats for crate time, and the plush Kong toys tend to outlast other plush toys for play time.
Training Books: If you choose one book about dog training, I recommend this one over and over. The Puppy Primor by Patricia McConnell, covers all the basics, common problems, and is written in an easy to read and understand format.
I hope this list helps! A new puppy can be a lot of work, but if you are prepared with the right supplies, training tools and enrichment activities, you will set yourself and your puppy up for success!
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