Training Treats and Tools for the First Class

Packing for your first training class starts with a bag of freeze-dried treats from our kitchen in Malvern, Pennsylvania, broken into small pieces your dog can eat in one bite. The right treats and a few simple tools make the first class easier on both ends of the leash. Here is what we would pack.

Treats for training

Small, high-value treats make repetition easy, and freeze-dried treats break into training-size pieces without falling apart in your pocket. Our beef liver, chicken hearts, and chicken feet are single-ingredient, so you always know what is in the bag. Many trainers reward with small treats, and a pouch of bite-size pieces keeps the pace of a class moving without a lot of fumbling. Cheddar and sardines are worth having on hand too, in case your dog is pickier about one texture over another on a given day. Bring more than you think you will use; a first class runs through treats faster than a walk around the block.

A leash, a harness, and a pouch

Bring a leash your dog already knows and a harness that fits well before you get to the first class, not on the way in. 2 Hounds Design makes its harnesses in North Carolina with globally sourced materials, and the Freedom No-Pull Harness is sized by measuring the largest part of the chest behind the front legs and choosing the smallest size that still fits. Pair it with a treat pouch from Up Dog Shop so treats are one motion away instead of buried in a pocket. Our Freedom No-Pull Harness collection has the current sizes and colors.

Durable toys for after class

Some handlers use a toy as a reward instead of, or alongside, a treat. SodaPup's USA-K9 line is built for that kind of repeated use, with rubber and nylon toys sized for handler work. A toy is also a good way to end a session on a high note once the treats have done their job for the day. Supervise play and size up for strong chewers.

Building a routine before the first class

If you have a few days before your first class, practice at home with the same treats and the same harness or collar you plan to bring. Getting your dog used to the pouch and the sound of the zipper, or the feel of a new harness going on, means the first class is not the first time your dog has seen any of it. A short practice session in the yard or the driveway is enough. Keep it low key and let your dog set the pace.

What to expect at the first class

Most first classes are about getting your dog comfortable in a new place with other dogs and people around. Bring water, something to sit or stand on if the floor is hard, and a little patience for the first few minutes while everyone settles in. Arriving a few minutes early gives your dog time to look around before the class starts, and it gives you a chance to find a spot away from the door where things tend to be busiest. Bring a notebook or your phone if you like to jot down what the instructor covers, since the first class is usually more about groundwork and less about tricks.

Shop by category

Our dog training gear collection has treats, harnesses, and toys in one place. Partner items like harnesses and toys ship from their makers through Shopify Collective, while our treats ship from our kitchen here in Malvern.

Keep the treat bag full between classes with Modified Monthly, our subscription box that sends a rotating mix of treats to your door every month.

Want the whole shelf at once? Explore our products puts every treat, toy and piece of gear in one searchable place, treats first.

Questions

How small should training treats be?

Small enough for your dog to eat in one or two bites without stopping to chew for long. Freeze-dried treats break apart easily by hand, so you can size pieces to your dog on the spot.

Should I bring a harness or a collar to class?

Bring whatever your dog is already used to wearing. If you are switching to a harness for class, get your dog wearing it at home for a few days first so class is not the first time.

What else should I pack for the first class?

A leash, treats, water, and a treat pouch cover most of it. Some handlers also bring a favorite toy in case their dog responds better to play than food as a reward that day.