Training Tools for Rescue Dogs: Supplies for Bringing Your New Dog Home

“What supplies do I need for fostering a dog?” “Should you use training tools on rescue dogs?” “What kind of harness should I get for my dog?” You have questions about fostering or adopting a dog, and we have answers! These are the tools and supplies we recommend for rescue dog fosters and adopters. 

Emily and Libby are professionals who have been working in foster-based rescue for a long time, so they have accumulated a lot of “stuff” over the years. Don’t be intimidated by this list! While these are our favorites, there are many affordable options for good-quality supplies. Many items can be found for free or low cost on neighborhood swap groups.

– Slip leads: how, when, and why we still use them (maybe not how you think!)

– Harnesses: Balance Harness (https://www.blue-9.com/products/bhb), Ruffwear Front Range (https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness), Alpine Harness (https://www.alpineoutfitters.net/products/copy-of-urban-trail-adjustable-harness-half-back-shorty-custom-crafted), Perfect Fit (https://perfect-fit-dog-harness.com/)

– Leashes: Blue-9 Multi-Function Leash (https://www.blue-9.com/products/lsh?variant=40875501093062), biothane leashes (https://www.trailblazingtails.com/collections/long-line-and-short-leash-collection) (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08GFR9YJ3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)

– Management tools: X-pen (https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/midwest-black-e-coat-exercise-pen-wdoor-for-dogs), baby gates

– Crates: car crate is a must-have for transport, wire crate is good for management at home

– Treat pouch: Doggone Good (https://www.doggonegoodclickercompany.com/Rapid-Rewards-Pouchtrade_p_216.html) , Ruffwear (https://ruffwear.com/products/home-trail-hip-pack)

– Treats: Happy Howie’s (https://www.happyhowies.com/), Real Meat (https://www.realmeatpet.com/foods.html), Ziwi Peak (https://us.ziwipets.com/)

– Clicker: (https://shop.clickertraining.com/products/iclick-original-clicker?variant=8050243397) Can also use a marker word or click with your tongue

– Puzzle/enrichment toys: Toppl (https://www.westpaw.com/products/toppl-treat-toy), Kong (https://www.kongcompany.com/), Lickimat (https://lickimat.com/)

– Targets/mats: You can use a towel, a bathmat, a dog bed, anything! 

– Muzzles: a useful tool to have, but needs careful sizing and training before you need it. Check out the Muzzle Up! Project (https://muzzleupproject.com/)

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Credits: Libby Felts and Emily Wolf (Hosts and Creators). Original music by Mike Pesci. Production and editing by Alex Ammons of For the Love Media.

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