There is so much different equipment out there for our dogs; it is hard to decide what is best! Below you will find our take on go-to equipment and what it is used for.
Flat Collars
Simple quick-release, clip-flat collars. Used to attached identification, ID tags, license, rabies tags.
Martingale Collars
We highly recommend using a limited slip collar or a martingale collar with your dog. Both types tighten (to a certain extent only) when pressure is applied prohibiting your dog from slipping out of the collar – as can happen with a buckle collar. Most local pet stores carry these types of collars, they can also be found on almost any pet suppliers’ website.
Front-Clip Harness
Good for loose-leash training. Dogs generally do not require acclimation to the harness, and it helps redirect dog’s attention by turning their body instead of applying pressure to their neck. There are many different companies that offer front clip harnesses; our favorites include the Freedom Harness, Easy Walk, Ruffwear Front Range, and Blue 9 Balance harness.
Head Halter
Great for training loose-leash walking and for working with leash-reactive dogs! Assists in redirecting dogs’ attention toward their humans. Dogs MUST be properly acclimated to a head halter before beginning to regularly walk on one. Two commonly found head halters we recommend are Gentle Leader and Halti.
This video helps to expand on the acclimation process when introducing your dog to a head halter.
To learn more about the proper acclimation and fitting of a Halti, please see this video.
Learn more about the proper fitting of a Gentle Leader here.
This short podcast can tell you more about why we choose to use head halters.
Basket Muzzle
There are SO many reasons dogs wear muzzles, like described in this helpful infographic below! From vet visits, to reactivity, to preventing a dog from eating garbage, basket muzzles offer a comfortable option for dogs to be kept safe. Always make sure your dog can still drink water and open their mouth to pant fully with the muzzle on. Baskerville brand muzzles are inexpensive and easy to find. Dogs do need to be trained to wear a muzzle comfortably. This video is a great resource for learning how to acclimate your dog to a muzzle. Muzzle Up Project is also a wonderful resource for all things muzzles.
What Not to Do
We do not recommend the use of aversive equipment such as prong collars, e-collars, or shock collars. This aversive equipment creates negative associations, suppress behavior, and only provide a quick fix without getting to the underlying issue of any problem! To learn more about why we encourage you to stay away from prong collars and aversive equipment visit https://www.sfspca.org/behavior-training/prong/.
