Other training accessories

Which dog accessories are useful depends on how you're out and about with your dog. For everyday use, dog leashes, collars, poop bags, reflectors, and dog mats are especially important. If you often travel by car, you should also consider a sturdy dog crate and matching attachment accessories.

Basic dog equipment includes a suitable collar or harness, an appropriate leash, poop bags, a sleeping or resting spot, and depending on your daily routine, additional accessories for safety and grooming. For being out and about, reflector patches, a dog mat, a dog crate, or other accessories can be especially helpful. A training whistle or gloves for yourself can also be part of the basic equipment.

Dog accessories that are lightweight to carry, sturdy, and quick to use are suitable for being out and about. These include, for example, compostable poop bags, reflector patches for better visibility, a foldable and water-repellent dog mat for breaks, and accessories for collars and leashes. A secure dog crate can also be important for transport by car.

Reflector patches increase visibility at dusk and in the dark by reflecting light from car headlights or bike lamps – with no battery required. They can be attached to a harness, leash, or dog coat with Velcro. Especially useful for dark-coated dogs, in rural areas without street lighting, or for active/older dogs. A securely fitted collar or harness is also important so your dog can be reliably guided. In addition, the ClicLock buckle (200 kg breaking load, UV- and seawater-resistant) can provide secure hold for the collar.

Useful accessories for prong collars include replacement links, ClicLock closures, safety clips and coupling straps, as well as covers and sleeves. Replacement links help adjust the length more precisely, while a ClicLock closure can make putting on and taking off easier. Accessories should always match the specific model and size of the prong collar.

ClicLock is the SPRENGER safety closure: the button is pressed down and slid into the metal housing, with an audible click confirming secure engagement. A plastic slider then prevents accidental opening. With a breaking load of 200 kg, it holds even large, powerful dogs during training.

Both are retrieving objects used in dog sports or hunting. There's the elongated, sausage-shaped dummy with filling (available in many variants and firmness levels) and the food dummy, a bag with a zipper for filling with food. There are also special forms, such as the duck retrieving dummy, which is designed to resemble real game. Important: a dummy is not a tug toy – it's meant to be searched for and brought back.

Nylon and fabric collars or leashes can be machine-washed at a maximum of 30 °C with a gentle detergent (e.g. wool detergent) – ideally inside an old pillowcase to protect the drum from metal parts. For spot cleaning, it's better to wash by hand with warm water, a bit of soap, and a soft brush. Biothane can simply be cleaned with clear water and a soft cloth. Afterwards, let everything air dry, never in direct sunlight or on a radiator. Metal parts such as buckles, carabiners, and chain links should be checked regularly for wear or damage.
Collars and leashes made of BioThane can be cleaned very easily with water and a cloth.

Useful accessories for dog chain collars include shackles, split rings, safety clips, or coupling straps.