Have you decided to train your new dog by yourself, rather than opt for obedience classes? Do you think that dog training classes by a professional dog trainer are too expensive? Well, if you have decided to do your dog obedience training on your own, you can do it. To be able to train your dog at home you need to be well prepared, and willing to take on this challenge with a calm and caring attitude. In this new adventure, you'll be bonding with your dog, developing the trust and companionship that make living with pets so rewarding. Just like people, dogs need to feel appreciated. They are sensitive to human emotions and will react to them.

We recommend that before you begin training your dog, you have all the necessary supplies ready at hand. This will make both you and your dog comfortable during the training period, because you'll be calm and confident. Dog training supplies are available everywhere, from your local pet store to the Internet. When you use the proper tools, both you and your dog will enjoy a safer learning environment.

The training tools you select will depend on the purpose of the training. You may be training your dog for guarding, sniffing out bombs, or just to be a happy and well-behaved family pet. Training supplies differ for each purpose. For example, if they're training a dog to be part of a K9 unit, police dog trainers are equipped with bite sleeves for their own protection. A bite sleeve would be inappropriate for training a family pet.

Pet owners have a huge market to explore when buying dog training supplies. The first item to choose is a dog collar.

There are collars available in many materials and colors, some plain, others custom-made. Pick one that will be serviceable, but also an appropriate accent for your dog's personality.

You'll also need a leash to attach to the collar. You can choose a simple chain leash, or one in leather or nylon/polypropylene mesh. Make sure that the leash you select can be easily managed by everyone in the family. A firm pull on the leash is necessary for managing a misbehaving dog. He can tell whether the pull is a reprimand or just a playful tug. A good solid dog leash and collar may also protect your dog from getting involved with stray dogs.

If your dog barks too much (perhaps when he's home alone), you might consider using a "bark collar." These are available in models that deliver a slight static shock to the dog's vocal chords when he barks. Ultrasound models and models that spray citronella (unpleasant to dogs) up towards the dog's nose are other options. You need to offer praise and positive reinforcement when the dog stops barking, to make bark collars work most effectively.

To train a dog not to be aggressive, an electronic dog collar that delivers low static shocks may be useful. It is not painful to the dog, but rather uncomfortable and irritating, and it does work. Other possibilities to curb aggressive tendencies are muzzles and spray collars. Choke chains are sometimes used, but can injure a dog's neck and throat if not properly managed.

These are just a few examples of dog training supplies you may wish to consider. Always keep in mind, however, that safety is paramount with any item you use to train your dog.

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