Train Without Pain Resource Library
Recommended Equipment
4’ – 6’ NYLON OR FABRIC FLAT LEASH
Examples:
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Can be found at most local pet stores
- Can be found in many lengths. Dogs that are closer to the ground may need a longer leash to reach them
Cons:
- Challenging to clean
- May be less comfortable to hold compared to other leash options
10’ – 25’ LONG LINE
Examples:
Pros:
- Comes in many materials including Biothane which is easy to clean
- Useful when working on recall training
- Appropriate for walks in the park or in other open areas where your dog can explore further away from you
- Use in the house for new dog or puppy
Cons:
- Can be challenging to manage for novice handlers
- Can get tangled or wrapped around legs if not appropriately managed
BACK CLIP HARNESS
Example:
Pros:
- Good for dogs with airway medical issues.
- Compatible with 2 clip leashes from 2-Hounds
Cons:
- Not ideal choice for dogs who are sensitive to items going over their head
BIOTHANE LEASH
Examples:
Pros:
- Can be customized with different lengths/widths, handles, and hardware
- Easy to clean
- Similar to flat leash, but are more comfortable to hold for some handlers
Cons:
- More expensive than nylon and fabric leashes
- Typically need to be purchased online rather than in stores
DOUBLE CLIP LEASH
Examples:
Pros:
- Compatible with 2 Hounds Freedom Harness
- May help manage dogs who pull by distributing pressure more evenly
- Has a “floating” handle that allows for multiple configurations including clipping to the front and back of the harness as well as just the back of the harness
Cons:
- Can be challenging for novice handlers to manage 2 leash components
- Not as easy to clean as biothane
- Must be ordered on line, not in stores
FLAT COLLAR
Examples:
- BioThane Collar at Hightailhikes.com, High Tail Hikes Promo Code: HSSC10
- Funston Dog Collar at Wildebeest.co, Wildebeest Promo Code: SOCOHUMANE15
Pros:
- Used to attach identifications, license, rabies tags for ID purposes.
Cons:
- Not recommended to walk dog on only a flat collar
- Dogs can slip out if not properly fitted: Make sure there is just enough slack to fit two fingers, and no more than 2 fingers.
MARTINGALE COLLAR
Example:
Pros:
- Good for dogs who can slip out of collars.
- Adjustable so that it cannot strangle a dog.
- Humane.
Cons:
- Danger of asphyxiation if the loop gets stuck on another dog’s mouth during playtime, or any other object. For this reason, these collars must be removed whenever the leash is removed.
ROUND LEASH
Pros:
- May be easier and more comfortable to hold for some handlers
- Comes in multiple materials and dimensions
Cons:
- May feel bulky for some handlers compared to flat leashes
SMALL DOG OVERHEAD STYLE HARNESS
Example:
Pros:
- Soft and unobtrusive for small dogs
- Clips in the back to reduce dogs stepping on leash and getting tangled
Cons:
- Requires a dog to put their head through the fabric which may be difficult for body sensitive dogs
SOFT STEP-IN VEST STYLE
Example:
Pros:
- Soft and unobtrusive for small dogs
- Clips in the back to reduce dogs stepping on leash and getting tangled
- May be better for dogs with head sensitivity as they do not have to put their head through the fabric
Cons:
- Can be challenging to maneuver and put on for some dogs
Y-HARNESS
Example:
Pros:
- Clips in the back to reduce dogs stepping on leash and getting tangled
- Adjustable straps to allow for an appropriate fit
Cons:
- Requires dog to put their head through the straps which may be challenging for dogs with head sensitivities
NOT RECOMMENDED:
- Prong collars.
- Shock collars.
- Choke chains.
- Spray/citronella collars.
- Retractable Leashes.
These are dangerous and ineffective and may cause physical/emotional damage and stress, resulting in or exacerbating reactive or fearful behavior.