Let’s face it. In the market place there are countless gadgets for trainers and dog-owners alike. However, over the years, I’ve found some of the best tools hiding away are in arms reach right at home. A skilled trainer has the ability to resource from the environment they are in; utilizing in-the-moment props if you will. Here are a few of my favorites to get you, the trainer to think on the spot.
Peanut Butter Club
Regardless of the high value treat, sometimes when our pups are small and our humans are tall it equals fumbling and tripping in attempt to “work at the same level”. For example if the small pup has to jump to reach the treat, without knowing, we’d be rewarding the jump itself. Much of the time especially with small dogs in the beginning, there can be fumbling with the treat pouch, working with the leash, and lowering down; that all of these moving parts end up leaving us delayed in the delivery of the treat, and can be confusing to the pup. My solution? The PBC, or the Peanut Butter Club. Fancy for a long wooden spoon laden with gooey delicious peanut buttery goodness. Find your longest wooden spoon, (or keep an eye out at your next yard sale) and coat the magic wand with your favorite peanut butter and send it to the freezer so it’s ready for rewarding the pup for polite leash walking. Remember to allow the pup to lick using the same arm as the side he’s on so they’re not being rewarded for crossing in front of the human! PBC is also a great tool when working with a fearful dog because the PBC is longer and will allow a shy dog to come closer. I often find that after a few trials I can shorten the spoon causing the fearful pup to come closer.
Say Cheese
In the Wild West the cowboys kept their pistols right on their side for quick access and total readiness. We as dog trainers need a fast treat delivery system if we want to pair our reward with the behavior. For this one, I’ve got good ol’ cheddar spray cheese in my holster. Although it’s not the healthiest of treats, dogs love it! You can grab the can along with other treats and hit the road. My favorite use for it is during the winter months because it keeps my hands covered and warm and so I can train the pups without getting frostbitten.
Let the Light In
Sometimes visual barriers are all that’s required for pups that struggle with perimeter barking and sensitivity to movement near or around the house. But, who wants to live in the dark; keeping curtains and front doors always closed? Not me! Encourage your client to consider a great product originally intended for bathrooms and privacy: Frosted clings for windows! I love to use them at front windows and the like, to take away the visual stimulation or trigger without causing the house to feel like a dungeon.
This step can be critical for dogs that don’t need to be crated but struggle with barking.
Not Intended for a Rainy Day
Maybe the most unassuming tool I keep in my training bag is an umbrella. But not just any umbrella: it’s got to be one that pops open at the touch of a button and is dark color to create an instant barrier. A while back I received a call from an elderly woman who had been out for a walk when an off leash dog ran up and attacked her little Maltese. Although the altercation was minor, it left the woman and her pup quite shaken. I suggested to her that she could consider carrying an umbrella, a mobile shield of sorts that would be available at the touch of a button to both shield her pup and keep him invisible on the other side. If a dog is approaching and there is concern, an umbrella can be dispatched and buy the human precious moments to get a hold of the situation on the street, or even in an elevator! Let’s face it: training takes place on every terrain, and I know that when working in urban environments triggers can lurk around every corner, which can really set back any good training protocol. With the umbrella you can limit the time the dog is reacting and get to a safer spot on your walk or step between cars and block the small space between cars with the open umbrella.
Since necessity is the mother of invention, what are some of your cool household tools?
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