The Right Tools.
Clearer Communication.
Training tools can help create clearer communication, improve reliability, and give you greater control in real-life situations. The right equipment depends on the dog, the goal, and how the tool is used.
Tools Support Training. They Don't Replace It.
Equipment can help us communicate more clearly with your dog, manage different environments, and build reliability as your dog's skills develop.
Our approach is to choose tools based on the individual dog rather than using the same equipment for every situation.
Individualized
Tools are selected according to your dog's needs, behaviour, training goals, and environment.
Properly Introduced
We show you how the equipment works and teach you how to use it clearly and appropriately.
Built Around Skills
Equipment supports the training process. The goal is always better communication and reliable behaviour.
Slip Lead
A slip lead combines the leash and collar into one simple piece of equipment. It can be useful for handling, leash work, transitions, and teaching dogs to respond to clear leash pressure.
- Useful for structured leash training
- Simple to put on and remove
- Can provide clear communication during training
Herm Sprenger Prong Collar
A properly fitted Herm Sprenger prong collar can provide clear and consistent leash communication when appropriate for the individual dog.
When recommended, we teach you how to properly fit, handle, and use the collar rather than simply sending you home with the equipment.
- Proper fit and placement are important
- Introduced and demonstrated during training
- Used as part of a broader communication system
Long Line / Flexi
Long lines and retractable leads can be useful when developing recall, distance skills, and reliability in environments where your dog is not yet ready to be completely off leash.
They allow your dog to experience more freedom while you maintain a way to safely manage the situation.
- Recall and distance training
- Building reliability around distractions
- Transitioning toward greater freedom
Mini Educator E-Collar
The Mini Educator is a remote training tool that can help reinforce communication when your dog is working at a distance or in environments where a leash is not practical.
When an e-collar is appropriate, it is introduced gradually and paired with clear training so the dog understands the communication before the level of freedom increases.
- Useful for recall and off-leash reliability
- Allows communication at greater distances
- Introduced gradually and paired with training
Not Every Dog Needs Every Tool
There is no single piece of equipment that is right for every dog. Recommendations depend on your dog's behaviour, temperament, training goals, environment, and current level of understanding.
A tool may be appropriate for one dog and unnecessary for another. Our goal is to choose equipment that helps create clearer communication and supports the training process.
Tools Don't Train The Dog
Equipment is only one part of the training process. A tool can help create clearer communication, but it does not replace teaching, consistency, timing, or understanding your dog.
Our goal is to teach both the dog and the owner how to communicate effectively so the skills continue to work beyond the training session.
Before You Buy Training Equipment
You don't need to purchase every tool before starting training. In many cases, we'll determine what equipment is appropriate after assessing your dog and understanding your goals.
We'll Help You Choose
If a specific tool would benefit your training, we'll explain why it may be appropriate and help you understand what to look for.
We'll Show You How to Use It
Recommended equipment should never be a mystery. We'll demonstrate proper fit, handling, timing, and use so you can feel confident continuing at home.
Recommended tools may be available for purchase through Reliable Canine, or we can provide guidance on where to purchase them. Certain training equipment may be included with select Board & Train programs.
Not Sure What Your Dog Needs?
Start with a free online assessment. We'll learn more about your dog, your goals, and what you're looking to improve before recommending a training approach.
COMPLETE YOUR FREE ONLINE ASSESSMENT