Dr. Colleen's Favorite Training & Behavior Products

Food Toys

Available in many shapes, sizes, and levels of difficulty, food toys make meal time fun.  It will fulfill your pet's natural instinct to "hunt" food while utilizing their mental energy to satisfy their play drive.

Tricky Treat Ball

This food toy is well-suited for herding type breeds that like to use their noses to push things around.  As your pet pushes the ball around, treats will randomly fall out providing a tasty treat.  Tricky Treat Ball is not appropriate for dogs with high chew drive.  Please use supervision if you choose this food toy for your super chewer!  This is a novice food toy.

Buster Cube

If your pet prefers to use paw action to bat items around, this is the perfect toy.  As your pet paws the cube, turning it from side to side treats will sporadically fall out.  This is an intermediate food toy.

Squirrel Dude

This food toy is designed for pets that like to chew and bounce things.  Its awkward shape makes for unpredictable treat dispensing fun as your pet works to get the tasty reward.  This food toy provides the highest level of difficulty.

Premier Pet Products

This company produces an extensive line of food toys we love!  We stock the following items but can order any product from the line for dogs or cats:

• Squirrel Dude
• Bouncy Bone
• Twist N' Treat
• Egg-cerciszer

Harnesses and Leaders

There are several great alternatives to the traditional leash. While these products offer advantages that assist training to stop pulling, they must be used properly and in conjunction with training in order to be successful.  Without training, dogs can still pull, regardless of the product being used; they must be taught not to pull.  If you are unsure how to fit your harness, we can schedule an appointment for a technician to fit the harness to your pet.  We also offer training services if you would like assistance teaching your pet to walk on a loose leash. These products are recommended because they are effective, kind, and humane alternatives to choke collars, pinch collars, and shock collars. 

Why choose harnesses and head halters instead of choke collars, pinch collars, and shock collars?

Choke collars, pinch collars, and shock collars are considered to be punishment based or aversive training products.  Dr. Colleen and Karen Pryor Dog Training and Behavior Academy Graduates never use or recommend punishment based or aversive training methods.  The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior states: "punishment (e.g. choke chains, pinch collars, and electronic collars) should not be used as a first-line or early-use treatment for behavior problems. This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behavior problems.  This is due to the potential adverse effects which include but are not limited to: inhibition of learning, increased fear-related and aggressive behaviors, and injury to animals and people interacting with animals."  No product will work to stop pulling without the appropriate training.  The products recommended here are the kindest, most humane aids to teach your pet to stop pulling.

Gentle Leader

In contrast to the other harnesses featured here, the Gentle Leader fits around the head and muzzle of your pet.  We use halters on horses which provides great control- why not use the same concept for dogs?  The unique design aids training to stop pulling and provides optimum opportunity to redirect your pet's attention and body position.  A proper fit is very important.  Please visit our Training Tools video page to view ways to help your pet enjoy the Gentle Leader (desensitization) and how to properly fit it.  You may also click the photo to the right for to visit the Gentle Leader website. 

Freedom No-Pull Harness       

This harness incorporates a patented martingale loop on the back of the harness which tightens gently around your dog’s chest to discourage pulling.  The manufacturer backs this up with an industry leading Chewing Warranty- they will replace up to two chewed straps for free, no questions asked, for just the cost of shipping.

They  offer the No-Pull harness by itself OR with the Deluxe Training Package, which includes the no-pull harness and the 2 ended leash to make training your dog easier!

Dr. Colleen likes it because:

• The shoulders move easily and freely allowing a dog to run naturally.

• The front clip allows you to redirect a dog and get their attention.

• There is no pressure on the sensitive trachea (windpipe).

• My clients have been able to handle their large exuberant dogs because of the unique leverage of the front clip and martingale clip on the back.

Easy Walk Harness

This harness has a front leash attachment.  It fits across the chest and around the shoulders.  It is easily adjustable to provide a great fit.  It is accommodates short muzzles, and aids training to stop pulling.  Click the photo to the left to visit the Easy Walk Harness website.

Perfect Fit Harness

This harness works well for pets that may be fearful as it has a snug, comforting fit.  It has features two attachment options: front and/or back.  This harness is fleece lined for maximum comfort!  This harness is ideal for back injuries.  It covers a range of sizes from 15mm-40mm to achieve a great fit for all sizes.  Click the photo below to visit the Perfect Fit Harness website.