Equipment
We use and recommend good quality dog gear. All dogs must come to class with a fitted collar or harness, and an appropriate leash.
We do not sell any equipment at this time, our recommendations are based on personal experience.
Leashes
There are many, many different kinds of leashes that are very useful in different contexts. 'Lifestyle' leashes that have multiple D-rings, and chain leashes are not advised for training. *No knots in leashes.
Regular leash
Ideally 6ft (ish) in length, with a handle and a strong clasp. Excess rings and multiple handles are not advised.
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Blackdog leash *Webbing. Easy to grip, comes in multiple widths and colours. Gets dirty easily and requires washing.
Wildhunde biothane leash *Very strong material that is easy to clean. Lasts a long time, however is very slippery when wet.
Wildhunde leather leash *Leather is strong and supple, relatively simple to clean. Can get mouldy if not regularly oiled and stored correctly. ​​
Long Line
When it comes to teaching distance behaviours, recalls, etc. a long line is essential. 5metres is ideal for most of our training, though you may want to get a 10m option too for training at home.
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Wildhunde long line 5m (light/puppy) & Wildhunde long line 10m (light/puppy)
Wildhunde long line 5m (adult/strong dog) & Wildhunde long line 10m (adult/strong dog)
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Flexi-leash *No cheap flexi leashes. They must be tape (not cord), weighted appropriately for your dog and no longer than 5m. ​
Training leash
Slip leashes Mendota 6ft leash (6'x3/8") *Don't get the thick or the short variety.
Tab leash & Traffic leash *Used for more advanced training
Collars & Harnesses
Please do not use your dog's regular flat collar to secure a leash to. Flat collars are only permitted to be used in training for nosework and bitework.
Flat collar
For nosework and bitework only. If your dog will participate in both disciplines, please have a different collar for each. ​
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Dog Friendly co. scent work collar & Dog Friendly co. bitework collar
K9 pro bitework collar opt.1 & opt. 2
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Limited slip/martingale
Limited slip/martingale collars are advised for dogs that are usually handled on a flat collar. These are, when fitted correctly, difficult for the dog to slip out of and are thus much safer to use in a class environment.
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K9 Pro variety of martingales at different price points
Puppy suitable Blackdog fabric martingale
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Slip collar
Slip collars will tighten around the dog's neck. They are used in training as a mild correction, and for leash pressure work. The benefit of having a slip collar as opposed to a slip leash is that you can use a regular leash to transfer between a dog's harness and the collar, transitioning between free time and training time.
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**We do not recommend check chains for sporting training, however they are permitted in classes if they are fitted, worn and handled correctly. ​
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Pinch/prong
​Herm Sprenger, K9 pro and Kimberland collars only. No cheap crap. All 2.25mm prong collars must be worn with back up.
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Harness
We do not recommend front-attach harnesses for any sport or pet dog training as they hamper gait and muscle development.
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For puppies *No need for fancy harnesses that they'll just outgrow. This variety of harness is easily adjustable and does not impede movement.
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Regular harness *Although this comes with a front attach loop, it is not used.
Other
Treat Pouch
Any old bum-bag will do, but if you're wanting an option that's easier to clean... ​​
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*Silicone is recommended for all raw and wet treats.
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Toys
For dogs that love to play tug, there are many different kinds of toys to suit everyone.
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Treats
We recommend owners use their dog's food for 'treats' during training at Dabble Dog Sports. We mostly use prime100 rolls (cut up, sometimes airfried beforehand). Most commercial dog treats are very high in fat and/or salt, and gastric health is important in sporting dogs!