Please see the following recommended class supplies, tips and suggestions to help get the most out of your training experience with us...
Please bring your dog to class with an empty or partially empty belly. Whenever possible we suggest puppies and dogs in training earn most or all of their meals during training with family members.
FOOD/TREATS - Treats should be no bigger than ~ 1/4 the size of your dog's pupil or an induvidual piece of kibble. Using a small Tupperware/ziplock container or snack baggie, mix your puppy or dog's dinner kibble WITH and some higher value treats like hotdogs (cut into small quarters), ground hamburger, dry cereal, cheese, bacon bits. There is a variety of commercial products like "Natural Balance" rolls or "Mini Zukes" available in pet supply stores. For fussy dogs try peanut butter or cheese whiz in a small container. Sublime Canine also carries a small supply of Crazy Dog dehydrated liver treats for sale.
Important: Avoid products with the ingredient BHA which can negatively affect your dog's behaviour contributing to hyperactivity.
COLLARS/HARNESSES - Collars can be made from any material but should be flat or rolled with a buckle or snap closure OR a "Martingale" (No Escape) collar OR a Harness. Martingale style collars are known as the "no escape" collars, popular with Greyhounds, these collars are an excellent choice for dogs that can escape regular flat collar or harness. Please Note: Smaller breeds or dogs with trachea concerns may use a regular black clasp harness or front walk harness. Choke, prong and electric shock (e-stimulus) collars are not recommended nor permitted in class.
LEASHES - Leashes can be made from any material and should be 4-6' in length. Clicker Leashes w/3' leash lengths are also acceptable and encouraged. Retractable (Flexi) leashes are not recommended for training classes.
TREAT POUCH - It doesn't have to be fancy, just easy to get your hand in and out of. There are a wide variety of treat pouches on the market that range between $5.00 - $20.00. Also a fanny pack (found at most dollars stores) will do the job for only $1.00 - $3.00 and are usually big enough to carry other doggy items like poop bags or a tennis ball.
TOYS - If your dog has a favourite toy including but not limited to tennis balls, Frisbee, flying squirrel, squeaky toy, tug toy, bumper or anything else that entertains your dog, bring along 1 or 2 of your dog's favourite toys.
BLANKET (Dog Bed/Crate if easily transportable) - Many of our training classes encourage the use of a blanket of mat to train your dog how to relax anywhere in any environment. Crates (X-pens) may also be used but are not required.
Optional - CLICKER - Included with the registartion in any group classes is a box clicker or I-click clicker for FREE! Extra or multiple clickers may be purchased for $3.00/ea or 2/$5.00.
Optional - CLICKER LEASH - Combine the benfits of a clciker built right into the handle of a ergonomaically designed habdle. They produce a "click" noise that is quieter than traditional box clickers but a bit louder than the I-clicks. By integrating the clicker into the handle of the leash it can make your clicker training easier and more consistent.
Optional - SENSI (No Pull) /FRONT WALK HARNESS - These harnesses work by preventing signals that cause a dog to pull. Great for training and everyday use, front-clasp harnesses are also good for dogs that are prone to or are suffering from neck injuries. Sublime Canine carries a small stock of Sensi harness for loan and purchase.
Optional - GENTLE LEADER/HEAD HALTER - There are many different types of head halters on the market but the "Gentle Leader" by Premier which seems to be the most reliable and comfortable for most dogs. It is highly recommended your dog go through a desensitization program with the gentle leaders before using them for training purposes.