The Most Powerful Dog Training Aid: Your Voice
The aisles at pet stores are lined with a vast array of dog training aids. If the store manager has done their job right, you’ll feel like the world’s most incompetent dog owner if you leave without picking up at least one or two items, even if you have no idea how they will help.
However, the most powerful dog training aid you need is something you already own: your voice. Your dog quickly picks up on your vocal tones and body language. He excels when you shower him with heartfelt praise, but he can also cringe when you’re angry—even if your frustration isn’t directed at him. That said, many of us need more than just our voices, especially when we’re trying to tame a wriggly pup. This is where selecting a few important training aids becomes necessary.
Choosing the Right Training Aids
The collar you choose for your dog is incredibly important. While many people use choker collars when training, these can be effective but also dangerous if used improperly. Choker collars can seriously injure your dog if not handled correctly. For example, an unsupervised dog could strangle itself while you’re away. If you choose to use one, it’s crucial to educate yourself thoroughly on its proper use.
Some people believe that pulling on a choker collar will change a dog’s behavior to stop the pressure. This may work for some dogs, but for most, it can have the opposite effect. Eventually, the dog may pull harder in an attempt to relieve the sensation around its neck, which could cause injury.
Choker collars are meant to be a signal, not a punishment. They should only be used for training purposes and removed immediately afterward. The correct method is to give small, quick tugs that are immediately released. The sound of the chain should be the primary tool you’re using—not the pressure.
There is a right and wrong way to put on a choker collar. When applied correctly, the collar should form the shape of a “P” and slide easily back and forth. If it’s on the wrong way, the chain links will get stuck and won’t release properly.
A safer alternative to a choker collar is a check collar, which combines a choker chain with a regular collar. This provides the corrective benefits of a choker but with less risk of harm to your dog. Collars with spikes on the inside are simply inhumane and should never be used.
Clickers can also be useful dog training aids, but only when used correctly. Some people can train their dog to sit or stay with just the sound of a clicker. However, clickers are most effective at teaching dogs what not to do. The sharp noise can interrupt unwanted behavior and stop a dog in its tracks. To make the most of a clicker, it’s best to accompany it with a good class or an informative book that explains clicker training in detail.
For puppies, and even some older dogs, don’t underestimate the power of a good obedience class. These classes are typically designed to help humans overcome their own shortcomings in communication, enabling a better connection with their dogs. Most classes run on eight-week schedules and can make a world of difference in improving the behavior of dogs—even older ones who may just need a refresher.
One of the most effective training aids is the crate. While some people remain resistant to crating their dog, it can be incredibly helpful in the training process. A crate prevents your dog from engaging in undesirable behaviors while you’re away. It keeps them from chewing on furniture, raiding the trash, urinating on the carpet, or causing other chaos around the house. A crate gives your dog a safe, comfortable space—a private den that they can always return to.
Despite its benefits, some people still have strong negative feelings about using a kennel. That’s their choice, but it often requires extra vigilance and alternative methods to keep the dog safe when you’re away. Restraining your dog’s movements, whether indoors or outdoors, is an important part of responsible dog ownership. If a crate isn’t an option, puppy gates, leashes, and dog runs are good alternatives. That said, a dog should never be left outside all day, as this can be harmful, particularly in extreme climates.
Final Thoughts: Consistency is Key
You don’t need to buy every dog training aid that the store encourages you to purchase. A few simple, effective tools are all you need, combined with the most powerful training aid you already own—your voice. You can buy every new training toy, book, or contraption under the sun, but if you lack consistency, all of it will be for nothing. The real success comes from your commitment to using the right training aids consistently, along with clear communication with your dog.
