Training tools
Tools are a last resort
Justin does his best to train without them. Nothing goes on your dog until you have agreed to it.
The rule that comes first
Reward-based first
Reward-based training with clear, fair leash communication: one cue, immediate reward, a release word before the dog breaks position. A tool only comes up if that's not enough.
Discussed and agreed before anything goes on your dog
Say no to either one and nothing changes: the price stays the same, training continues, and if a tool's included in your program, you keep it anyway.
A step, not a crutch
Think training wheels, not a permanent fix - every tool starts at the lowest effective level, and the goal from day one is needing it less, not more. As your home practice stays consistent, your dog leans off it and works the cue alone.
The two tools we use
Prong collar
Herm Sprenger Ultra-Plus with ClicLock
- What
- Never for dragging or holding pressure - just a light leash pop, spread evenly around the neck with the J-shape leash and pop-and-release. German-made stainless steel with a ClicLock quick-release buckle and swivel ring for clear communication.
- When
- Dogs that pull hard, ignore leash communication on a flat collar, or lunge at distractions - only after discussion and your approval.
- Sizing
- Fitted by Justin to your dog, with additional links as needed: 2.25 mm (up to ~40 lb), 3.2 mm (up to ~88 lb), 4 mm (up to ~154 lb).
- Fit
- Worn high on the neck, snug, never left on unattended.
- Cost
- $62.98 plus 6% Florida sales tax ($3.78) = $66.76, added to your balance at drop-off - only if authorized and used. Purchased for your dog and kept by you.
E-collar
Dogtra 280X
- What
- Not a punishment device - a communication tool for off-leash-level reliability, introduced at the lowest level your dog notices, more nick than shock. (100 precise stimulation levels, vibration, tone, boost button for recall, safety level lock, LED light, half-mile range, IPX9K waterproof, USB-C rechargeable. For dogs 10 lb and up.)
- When
- Only after your dog understands the obedience cues, and never before the three-day introduction.
- Cost
- Included in the 4 and 6 Week programs; optional (+$600) with 3 Week; not offered with 2 Week. Covers the Dogtra 280X unit ($234.99 value), the 3-day intro, and Go-Home Lesson instruction. Even when included, using it on your dog is still your decision.
How a tool is introduced
Once your dog understands the obedience cues, the e-collar is added over three dedicated days - never before. You learn to use it yourself at the Go-Home Lessons.
01
Day 1
Conditioning at the lowest level your dog notices.
02
Day 2
Layering it onto Sit, Down, Place, and recall.
03
Day 3
Proofing around distractions.
What we never do
No retractable leashes or harnesses - training uses a flat collar with ID tag and a standard 6 ft leash.
Please don't bring your own prong or e-collar - if one's needed, Justin provides it.
Your decision, always
Say no to either tool and nothing changes for you or your dog's training - the checkbox on the Agreement is simply how you tell us. Nothing checked means flat collar and leash only; you check one box per tool, Authorized or Not authorized, before either ever goes on your dog. Declining an included e-collar doesn't change the price - you keep the unit either way.
Prong collar
- Authorized
- Not authorized
Justin fits and uses it only if he recommends it and you've agreed. You keep the collar and learn its use at the Go-Home Lessons.
E-collar
- Authorized
- Not authorized
Justin fits and uses it during the three-day introduction and after. Decline (even if your program includes it) and we train without it - you still keep the unit. Not offered with the 2 Week program.
Common questions
Questions before your evaluation?
Every tool decision starts with a conversation, not a package. Book a free evaluation - we'll walk through your dog's needs and answer anything this page doesn't.