The Only Four Dog Training Tools You Really Need

Over the years, I’ve seen people (myself included) waste thousands of dollars on unnecessary dog training equipment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the latest high-tech collar, fancy harness, or innovative toy will suddenly fix your dog’s behavior. I used to believe that, too.

At the start of my career, I bought everything—because I thought I needed it. I convinced myself that the newest training gear would somehow make my dog listen better or that a particular toy would magically boost engagement.

Sure, some of these things made a tiny difference—maybe 1-5% improvement at best. But the reality is that they never replaced the core principles of good training.

After years of buying into marketing hype (and accumulating a garage full of unused gear), I stripped everything back to what I actually use every single day.

And when I did that, I realized I only needed four core tools.

These four pieces of equipment have been the foundation of my dog training for over a decade—whether I’m working with a pet dog, a competition dog, or a serious working dog. If I had to throw everything else away and just keep the essentials, these would be my non-negotiables.

1. Slip Lead – The Most Versatile Training Tool

If I could only own one piece of equipment, this would be it. A slip lead is simple, effective, and has a use in nearly every training scenario. It’s lightweight, strong, and fits in your pocket, but don’t let its simplicity fool you—it’s a powerhouse when it comes to control and communication.

Why the Slip Lead is Essential:

✅ Instant On/Off: No fiddling with buckles or clips. Quick to slip on, making it perfect for handling dogs in any environment.

✅ Effective Training Tool: A well-used slip lead teaches pressure and release, helping dogs understand leash communication in heeling, loose leash walking, and engagement.

✅ Great for Catching Loose Dogs: Unlike a standard clip-on leash, a slip lead can be looped over a dog's head fast—which is crucial when dealing with nervous or reactive dogs or when trying to secure an off-leash dog.

✅ Training Inside the Home: When used correctly, it can be a management tool to guide behavior indoors, prevent unwanted jumping, boundary training, and impulse control.

✅ Works for Nearly Every Dog: Whether it’s a puppy, pet dog, sport dog, or working K9, the slip lead is a universal tool that every trainer should have.

It’s simple, reliable, and does the job better than 90% of the “fancy” leash systems on the market.

2. Collar – A Must-Have for Safety & Control

A collar isn’t just something your dog wears—it’s a key safety tool. Whether you choose a flat collar, martingale, or slip collar, a proper collar ensures that your dog is secure, identifiable, and easy to handle in any situation.

Why Every Dog Needs a Collar:

✅ Holds ID Tags: If your dog ever gets lost, ID tags are often the fastest way to get them back home. Even if your dog is microchipped, a visible tag lets anyone (not just a vet or council) return your dog to you.

✅ Provides a Secure Handle: There are moments when you need to grab your dog quickly—whether it’s for safety (like preventing them from bolting into traffic) or for control in high-distraction environments. A sturdy collar makes that easy.

✅ Used for Tie-Outs & Training Exercises: Whether you’re practicing out-of-sight down stays, place training, or structured boundaries, a collar is a quick anchor point for securing your dog when needed.

✅ Prevents Council Fines: In many places, dogs are legally required to wear a collar with an ID tag. This simple step can save you from unnecessary fines while keeping your dog compliant with local regulations.

✅ Works as a Backup for Leash Attachment: Even if you primarily use a slip lead, having a collar as a secondary leash attachment adds an extra layer of security, especially during off-leash transitions.

A quality collar isn’t just about looking good—it’s a practical necessity for every responsible dog owner.

3. Long Line – The Bridge Between On-Leash & Off-Leash Freedom

The long line is one of the most underused yet essential training tools. If you want true off-leash reliability, a long line is non-negotiable.

Many owners make the mistake of thinking their dog is “ready” for off-leash freedom before they’ve actually mastered their recall at a distance. That’s where the long line comes in.

Why a Long Line is Critical for Training:

✅ Recall Training: Before you can trust your dog off-leash, you need 100% recall under distraction and distance. A long line allows you to reinforce recall without the risk of failure.

✅ Freedom Without Risk: Whether at the beach, the bush, or an open field, a long line gives your dog room to explore while keeping them securely connected to you.

✅ Essential for Tracking & Scent Work: Many working and sport dogs rely on a long line for controlled tracking. If your dog is involved in nose work or trailing, a long line is a must-have.

✅ Building Off-Leash Reliability: By gradually increasing distance while maintaining control, a long line helps transition a dog from on-leash obedience to off-leash freedom.

If you’re serious about proofing recall or testing your dog’s reliability in new environments, a solid long line is invaluable.

4. Flirt Pole – The Most Versatile Training Toy

A flirt pole isn’t just a “fun toy”—it’s an incredible tool for developing impulse control, engagement, and drive building.

Unlike a ball or tug toy, the flirt pole forces active participation between you and your dog, making it one of the best ways to improve handler engagement.

Why I Always Have a Flirt Pole in My Kit:

✅ Works for Nearly Every Dog: Even dogs with low prey/play drive will engage with a flirt pole, making it an ideal motivational tool.

✅ Uses Natural Materials: I prefer flirt poles with real sheepskin attachments, which provide a more natural and rewarding experience for dogs.

✅ Doubles as a Standalone Tug Toy: The sheepskin attachment can be removed and used separately for focused tug work.

✅ Builds Impulse Control: The structured play pattern (chase, stop, chase, bite, release) helps teach dogs to listen even in high-arousal situations.

✅ Useful for Heeling & Positioning Work: The pole itself can be used as a visual guide for precise obedience training, especially in heeling drills.

A flirt pole is more than just a game—it’s a training tool that improves responsiveness, control, and engagement.

Final Thoughts from Chris – Keep It Simple

There’s no shortage of training gadgets out there, but more gear doesn’t mean better results.

These four tools cover 95% of my daily training needs—whether I’m working with pet dogs, competition dogs, or serious working dogs. They’re practical, effective, and actually get used.

If you want to cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters, start here.

📌 No gimmicks. Just quality gear that works.