Our Toolbox

Explore 25+ tools to adopt, buy, raise, train, and care for working breeds.

1. Educational Resources

1.1. Pat’s Full Training System

• Pat Stuart is a special forces veteran, certified NePoPo® instructor who was mentored by Bart Bellon, certified decoy, and Assistant Director of PSA in Australia.

My favorite programs so far:

1. Raising a high-drive puppy: Video course + complete roadmap for raising a high-drive puppy.

2. The Wavetops: Video course + course guide on the 3 fundamentals of dog training from a big picture.

3. The Deepdives: Video course with detailed breakdowns on the 3 fundamentals of dog training.

4. Handler Basics: Video course on the physical skills that separate good handlers from great.

5. Decoy Basics: Video course and starting point for anyone stepping into the suit.

Whether you're just getting started or refining advanced skills, it meets you where you're at and takes you further.

If you're ready to invest in Pat's Full Training System, you can save over $250 USD with code 'K9BITES'.

1.2. Pat’s Free Training System

If you want to start with the basics, Pat's Free Training System is perfect.

My favorite programs so far:

1. The Overview: Video course + cheat sheet on everything you need to know about dog training from 50,000 ft.

2. The Box: Video course on the dopamine box used to build confidence, focus, and resilience.

1.3. Jerry’s Controlled Aggression Training Manual

• Jerry Bradshaw founded the Protection Sports Association (PSA), National Tactical Police Dog Association (NTPDA), Tarheel Canine, and Controlled Aggression Podcast.

2. Insurance

• Recommended by vets.

3. Home Equipment

3.1. Crate

• Gunner Kennels are also safe for the car (certified by Center for Pet Safety).

3.2. Crate Pad

• K9 Ballistics makes the toughest.

3.3. Platform Bed

• Kuranda makes the toughest.

3.4. Exercise Pen

• For puppies.

3.5. Baby Camera

• For monitoring them when you’re away.

3.6. Spill Proof Bowl

• For messy drinkers.

3.7. Kibble Container

• For keeping kibble airtight.

4. Training Tools

4.1. Collars, Patches, & Harnesses

4.1.1. Puppy Collar

• For daily wear and agitation work.

• Can also use a v-type harness.

4.1.2. Adult Collar

• For daily wear and agitation work.

4.1.3. Harness

• A better alternative for agitation work.

4.1.4. Working Dog Patches

• Great additions to collars and harnesses.

4.2. Biothane Leashes

4.2.1. Leash (4’x3/8”)

• For daily use.

• Can be used to animate bite development toys, like a flirt pole.

4.2.2. Long Line (15’x3/8”)

• For recall training and exploring.

4.3. Rewards

4.3.1. Treats

• Start with kibble and progress to small special treats like liver.

4.3.2. Treat Pouch

• Holds poop bags as a bonus.

• Can also use a fanny pack.

4.3.3. Leather Rag Tug

• For redirecting puppies

• First surface for bite development.

4.3.4. Syntek Bite Pillow

• Second surface for puppy bite development.

4.3.5. Round Pillow

• ALM makes the best pillows.

• Durable and can be animated.

4.3.6. French Linen Tug (3”x10”)

• Use small tugs since they’re portable and encourage good targeting.

4.3.7. Ball on a Rope (3”x10”)

• Introduce it after your dog is accurate with biting the tug.

• Don’t let them chew on the rope.

4.4. Training Collars

4.4.1. Prong Collar (2.25mm)

• Herm Sprenger is the gold standard.

• Be careful applying pressure, especially to pain sensitive dogs that react.

• Can use martingales/slip leads for pain sensitive dogs.

4.4.2. Additional Prongs

• Purchase extra 2.25mm links as they outgrow it.

4.4.3. ClicLock Quick Release

• Replace the center plate on your prong collar to make it easier to take on and off.

4.4.4. Safety Clip

• Connect flat collar to your leash in case your prong collar fails.

4.4.5. E-Collar

• Educator’s Mini ET-300 is affordable and has more than enough range.

4.4.6. Gear Keeper

• Connect your e-collar transmitter to your pants for hands-free access.

4.4.7. Contact Pad

• For thick coated dogs, replace standard 3/4” contact pads.

4.4.8. Dominant Dog Collar

• To decrease arousal levels.

4.5. Muzzles

• As needed.

4.6. Assisted Shaping Tools

4.6.1. Foot Target

• Flip livestock feeding pans upside down to teach touch targets.

4.6.2. Training Platform

• Cato has the best bang for buck.

4.7. Socialization Tools

4.7.1. The Box

• Feed puppies by hand first, then use the box to build their confidence.

• Check out Pat Stuart’s free video lesson on the box, he covers it from start to finish.

4.7.2. Kiddie Pool

• For building confidence in puppies.

4.7.3. Jug of Rocks

• For agitation work.

• DIY by filling any household jug with rocks.

4.7.4. Clatter Stick

• For agitation work.

5. Mental & Physical Care

5.1. Toys & Enrichment

5.1.1. Puppy Kong (Large)

• Chew toys stimulate cartilage development in puppy ears.

• Stuff food inside (bone broth, kibble, etc.) and freeze it.

5.1.2. Adult Kong (Large)

• Black kongs are the toughest.

• Stuff food inside (bone broth, kibble, etc.) and freeze it.

5.1.3. Slow Feeder

• Also provides enrichment.

5.1.4. Lick Matt

• Spread food on top and freeze it.

5.1.5. Snuffle Mat

• Hide kibble in it.

5.1.6. Jolly Ball

• For outdoor herding fun.

5.1.7. Treadmill

• For indoor exercise.

5.2. Nutrition

5.2.1. Puppy Kibble

• If you choose to feed kibble, start with large breed puppy.

• Warning: Working breeds are known to experience food sensitivity and allergies. Speak to a veterinary nutritionist (board certified veterinary specialist) for a tailored recommendation if they’re experiencing problems.

5.2.2. Adult Kibble

• Switch to adult kibble once they’re 18-24 months.

5.3. Nutritional Supplements

5.3.1. Glucosamine

• Warning: Visit your vet If your dog is experiencing mobility issues.

• Promotes joint health.

5.3.2. Omega 3

• Promotes a healthy and smooth coat.

5.3.3. Fortiflora Probiotic

• Warning: Take as recommended by your vet.

• Supports digestive health and firms runny stool.

5.4. Topical Supplements

5.4.1. Paw Wax

• Musher’s Secret protects paws across the seasons.

5.4.2. Ointment

• Silver honey heals wounds quickly.

5.5. Hygiene

5.5.1. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

• Enzymatic toothpaste keeps teeth pearly white.

5.5.2. Poop Bags

• Pack of 300 with dispenser and leash clip.

5.5.3. Wipes

• For cleaning their ears, paws, and where the sun don’t shine.

5.5.4. Dog Stain Remover

5.6. Grooming

5.6.1. Equigroomer Brush

• Step 1 in de-shedding process.

5.6.2. Shampoo & Conditioner

• For cleansing and relieving itchy/dry skin.

5.6.3. De-Shedding Shampoo

• Step 2 in de-shedding process.

5.6.4. Mixing Bottles (4)

• For diluting shampoo/conditioner.

5.6.5. Loofah

• For scrubbing in shampoo/conditioner during baths.

5.6.6. Absorbent Towel

• Step 3 in de-shedding process.

5.6.7. High Velocity Dryer

• Final step in de-shedding process.

5.6.8. Nail Dremel

• Can also use nail clippers with a quick guard.

5.6.9. Flea & Tick Collar

• Warning: Ask your vet for a recommendation, since it depends upon your dog’s weight and your climate. They usually recommend Ivermectin or a collar like the one below.

5.7. Test Kits

5.7.1. DNA and Health Kit

• Embark’s is the most accurate.

• To put an end to the “What breed is my Dog” posts.

5.7.2. A22 Gene Test

• To test if your dog is a carrier of A22, associated with rage syndrome.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or if you have any recommendations.

Disclaimer: Some links in our toolbox are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you.