If you’re looking for the best dog training tools and gadgets, then you’re in for a treat (pun intended!)
Experienced dog owners and professional trainers swear by the following products, as they can seriously improve your dog’s cognitive abilities, making training sessions far easier. From treat dispensing cubes to potty-training doorbells, we have the essential list you’ve been looking for.
Having trained pooches for decades and been through hundreds of different dog training products, we’ve whittled our absolute favorites down for you, explaining why they are must-have pieces of equipment. Here are our 15 best dog training tools and gadgets that’ll help get the job done!
Note: If you’re searching for expert tips or professional advice on how to train your dog or address certain behavioral issues, we would suggest consulting with a certified trainer or taking a professional online dog training course.
For further information see:
- 13 Best Online Dog Training Courses (for general training)
- 7 Best Online Training Courses (for new puppies)
- Online vs In-Person Dog Training
15 Best Dog Training Tools & Gadgets
When you’re ready to start training your dog, it’s a good idea to consider how specific dog training tools and gadgets can help you in the process.
Depending on the desired outcome you’re looking for, there are plenty of different items that can assist you along the way, with some being far more essential than others.
1. High-Value Treats
Treats are often used in dog training, as they provide an incentive for your dog to perform the desired behavior. The best way to think of treats is as “payment” for a job well done – your pup gets a tasty reward for completing the task at hand.
In order to be effective, high-value treats should be reserved for the most important of tasks. If every behavior is rewarded with a high-value treat, then your dog will soon become accustomed to this and it will lose its value as a motivator.
Instead, save high-value treats (like liver cake) for those times when you really need your dog to behave, such as when visitors come to the door, or during a particularly difficult training exercise.
By using high-value treats wisely, you can ensure that they remain an effective tool in your dog training arsenal.
2. Treat Pouch
A treat pouch is an essential dog training tool as it allows you to have a consistent treat delivery system. When you first start training your dog, it is important to be able to give them a treat immediately after they perform the desired behavior. With a clip-on pouch, you can have the treats readily available and deliver them quickly and easily.
This will help your dog to make a quick association between the desired behavior and the reward, and they will be more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
A pouch can also help to keep your dog’s concentration focused on you during training sessions, as they know exactly where the tasty treats are and will be expecting a reward for their good behavior.
Ultimately, a treat pouch is an invaluable tool for anyone who is looking to train their dog effectively.
3. Clickers
Clickers are one of the best dog training tools available as they help you to communicate with your dog more effectively. Dogs are natural learners, and they pick up on cues from their environment very quickly. However, they often struggle to understand human language – and this is where clickers come in very handy.
By using a clicker, you can provide your dog with a clear and consistent signal that tells them they are doing something right. As a result, they will be more likely to repeat the behavior in the future.
Clickers also help to keep dogs motivated during training sessions. The sound of the clicker acts as a reinforcer that lets the dog know they are on the right track.
Ultimately, this helps to accelerate the learning process and make it more enjoyable for both of you!
4. Treat Dispensing Cube
Dogs are intelligent creatures that crave mental stimulation. As dog owners, if we fail to provide our pups with the stimulation they need, then it is highly likely to lead to behavioral problems down the road.
Treat Dispensing Cubes are a simple and effective way to keep our dogs entertained and engaged. By requiring them to figure out how to release the treats, the cube provides a mental workout that can help to stave off boredom.
This not only provides mental stimulation for our dogs, but it also helps to teach them problem-solving skills. Treating dispensing cubes can also help to prevent destructive chewing behaviors by giving them a positive outlet for their energy, thus making the cube a very effective dog training tool.
5. Harness
A harness is a great dog training tool because it provides better control whilst also helping to prevent excess strain on your dog’s neck and spine. A properly fitting harness should be snug around the chest and allow for two fingers to fit between the straps and the dog’s body.
It is important to choose a harness that is comfortable for your dog and does not chafe or rub. There are many different types of harnesses available, so you’ll need to find one that is best suited to the breed type and size.
It’s also a good option for dogs who tend to heavily pull on their leash, as it can help to redirect their attention and discourage excess pulling. Harnesses are easy to use and can be an effective way to train your dog how to properly walk on a leash.
6. HurriK9 Ring Launcher
The best dog training gadgets are those that provide positive reinforcement and are versatile enough to be used in a variety of scenarios, and the HurriK9 Ring Launcher is one such tool.
This launcher can shoot rings at distances of up to 100 feet, making it perfect for recall training and teaching the ‘Release’ command. It can also be angle-adjusted to create different flight paths, which helps to keep your dog’s attention focused on the ring. And because the ring is made of EVA durable foam (non-toxic), it is safe for dogs and children alike.
Overall, the HurriK9 Ring Launcher is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile and effective dog training gadget. They also offer a 100% money-back guarantee, making this a fabulous risk-free purchase.
7. Crate
A crate is one of the best dog training tools available because it provides a safe, secure space for your puppy to call their own. The key to success is to make sure that your puppy only has positive experiences in their crate, which means never using it as a punishment and always making sure there’s something in there for them to enjoy, like a toy or treat.
A crate is also a valuable tool for housebreaking or teaching puppies acceptable behavior when left alone. It’s important to choose the right size crate for your dog, as they should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not too spacious that they can easily relieve themselves in the corner.
Crates also provide a great way to confine your puppy when you can’t supervise them directly, helping to protect them from harm, and prevent accidents or destructive behaviors. And during those first few months when your puppy is teething, a crate can save your furniture and shoes from becoming chew toys!
With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that so many professional dog trainers recommend Crates as must-have training tools for puppies.
8. Dog Whistle
A dog whistle is often touted as one of the best dog training tools because it can help to get your dog’s attention immediately from a distance. Dogs have much sharper hearing than humans, so they can hear the higher-pitched frequencies that a dog whistle emits.
When used properly, a dog whistle can be an effective way to train your dog and get their attention when they are distracted by other more interesting things. For example, if you are trying to train your dog to come when called, you can use a dog whistle to get their attention from the other end of the yard. Once they are looking at you, you can then give them the command to come.
Dog Whistles can also be used to reinforce other commands, such as sit or stay. When used consistently and correctly, a dog whistle can be a helpful tool for training your little pooch.
9. Fi Smart Collar (Series 3)
The Fi Smart Collar (Series 3) is the most advanced pet tracker on the market, and it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a way to keep track of their pup’s activities. The collar is packed with features, including GPS tracking, activity tracking, sleep tracking, step count, and even has escape detection.
The app it comes with is sleek, easy to use, and provides everything you need to know about your dog’s daily routine.
You can track their location in real-time, and get detailed insights such as how much they sleep, play, and run during the day. The Fi Smart Collar is also waterproof and dirt-proof, meaning that it will stand up to even the most active of pooches.
It’s also the most reliable tracker in terms of finding your dog in an emergency, and can locate them down to the very last yard. These features are also incredibly useful to keep track of your dog’s activities when in the custody of dog walkers (or other caregivers).
Overall, the Fi Smart Collar (Series 3) is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable pet tracker and best-in-class gadget for helping you train your pup, whilst providing helpful insights into their daily activity levels.
10. Extreme Kong
There are a lot of different dog training tools on the market, but one of the best to help with separation anxiety is the Extreme Kong. This durable rubber toy is designed to withstand a lot of tough play, and it’s great for helping dogs to overcome their fears and anxieties.
When used correctly, the Extreme Kong can be a powerful tool for teaching your dog new behaviors and tricks. It’s also a great way to tire out energetic pups, giving them a much-needed outlet for all that pent-up energy.
Along with the Treat Dispensing Cube, the Extreme Kong is the only product that has been indestructible for our dogs, lasting well over 12 years with barely a scratch.
If you’re looking for a versatile and durable dog training tool, the Extreme Kong is most definitely worth considering, and is a great way to sneak more vegetables into your dog!
11. Automatic Ball Launcher
Automatic ball launchers are becoming increasingly popular as a great dog training gadget. They can help your dog with retriever training by teaching them to fetch and retrieve the ball. This is particularly ideal when beginning to teach your dog recall commands, as it can be used indoors, no matter the weather.
The automatic ball launcher can also be adjusted to throw the ball at different distances, making it perfect for dogs of all sizes and energy levels.
Whether you’re looking for a way to train your dog to retrieve, or you just want to provide hours of endless fun for both you and your dog, the automatic ball launcher will most certainly not disappoint!
Just be sure to pick up one that is high-quality and has good reviews, such as this one on Amazon
12. Dog Training Mat
A dog training mat can help you train your dog to wait in one place when you cue them to do so, subsequently eliminating a variety of problem behaviors. This can be helpful if you have a dog that tends to jump up at visitors, or one who gets anxious when you’re out of view momentarily.
By putting their distinctive mat in a spot where they can see you leave, and then cueing them to stay there until you return, you can help your dog learn to remain in one place and relax when you’re not there, rewarding them for this desirable behavior.
Training your dog to wait on its mat can take some time and patience, but it is well worth the effort. With a little practice, they will soon learn that waiting on their mat is the best way to get what they want.
13. A Variety of Dog Toys
When it comes to dog training, one of the best tools you can have is a variety of different dog toys. Toys help to keep your dog’s attention focused on the task at hand, and they provide an alternative reward to food-based treats. This is especially useful for dogs who are not particularly food-motivated, as they can be a little more difficult to train.
Toys can also help to reduce boredom and frustration during training sessions. Dogs who are bored are more likely to become frustrated and give up on the training exercises.
By giving your dog a variety of different toys to play with, you can help to keep them engaged and motivated during training sessions.
14. Dog Treadmill
A dog treadmill can be a fantastic training gadget as it helps to increase endurance and agility when having to remain indoors.
A harness and leash attached to the treadmill will keep your dog safe while walking or running at its own pace. Older dogs, or those suffering from arthritis, can benefit from using a treadmill to help maintain their muscle tone without putting too much stress on their joints.
Dog Treadmills are best used in conjunction with other forms of exercise, such as fetch or long walks in the park, however, they can be a boredom buster for your pooch while the winter weather rages outside.
You’ll need to do a little research on how to introduce your dog to a treadmill, with one of the most important things being to never let them on when unsupervised!
15. Potty Training Doorbell
Whenever our dogs have needed to go potty, or are waiting to come back inside, they’ve naturally decided that scratching at the back door is the best way to get our attention. Unfortunately, what we are left with is glass on the bottom half of the door that you can no longer see through!
Our solution? A Potty Training Doorbell!
This ingenious device is a receiver and two transmitters that enable you to place a button on the inside and outside of the back door. When your pup needs to go out or come back in they can simply ring their own bell that you can hear throughout the house, requiring only a gentle touch with their nose or paw.
This is a great way to teach your dog how to ask to be let out, and helps them learn how to communicate with you other than barking or scratching at the back door. And this particular Potty Training Doorbell is praised by thousands as one of the best dog training gadgets around!
Wrapping Up Our Best Dog Training Tools and Gadgets
Teaching your dog obedience commands or new tricks can be challenging when you don’t know where to start, but it really doesn’t have to be! With a few of these best dog training tools and gadgets under your belt, you can make training sessions far easier and way more efficient for both you and your pup.
If you want to take your dog training up a notch, take a look at our review of the 13 Most Effective Online Dog Training Courses available right now.
Do you have a dog training tool or gadget that you swear by? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear about it!
Happy training!
