Dog training tools: What, when, and why we use them

First written in November 2020 and last updated in November 2021.

Dog training tools can be a controversial topic. What even classifies as a training tool? How do we know if we’re using them appropriately? When is the right time and place?

I’ve seen several conversations about tool usage get pretty heated—but I don’t think the discussion has to be a polarizing one. Everyone who owns a dog uses some dog training tools! And the more we open our minds to different approaches and perspectives, the better we can make decisions for our individual lives with our individual dogs.

Here’s our take on dog training tools we use with our blue heeler, Scout. What are they? When do we use them? Most importantly: why do we chose the ones we do?

(If you’re looking for specific product and brand recommendations, check out this article on our favorite gear that includes direct links to where we bought everything. Below we dive into tools at a higher level and the “why” behind them.)

What is a dog training to…