Before you start training your dog, the setup matters. In this video, Melbourne Dog Trainers’ Jonathan walks you through the three essential pieces of equipment every new student needs, a training pouch, a clicker, and a leash, and exactly how to use each one. You’ll learn why timing is everything, the right way to hold a clicker so your hands stay free, and a leash-handling technique that keeps both you and your dog calm and in control. Get these fundamentals right and everything that follows becomes a whole lot easier.
Melbourne Dog Trainers — Basic Setup & Leash Handling Trainer: Jonathan
Introduction
Hi everybody, good day. My name’s Jonathan, one of the trainers here at Melbourne Dog Trainers. In this video we’re going to talk about the setup, what you need before we even get started with dog training.
The Training Pouch
On your equipment list will be what we call a training pouch. They vary in different shapes and sizes depending on what you want. The purpose is really about timing, in good training we’re looking for timing, fairness, and consistency. The pouch lets you get in quickly and deliver that reward almost immediately.
Avoid using a Ziploc bag in your pocket, it delays treat delivery and the plastic crinkle distracts the dog, making them forget what they were being rewarded for.
The Clicker
You’re also going to need a clicker. It makes a unique sound that dogs respond well to.
To hold it correctly: place it in the palm of your hand and roll one finger over to click. This keeps your hands free for other tasks, clipping a leash, tying shoes, adjusting clothing, while still being able to click and reward simultaneously.
Important rule: click always equals food. Even if your timing is off and you click by mistake, still follow through with the reward. Thank you, Pavlov.
If holding it feels uncomfortable, it’s just because it’s new. Spend the next hour with it sitting in your hand, getting used to the feel.
The Leash
A good leash is around 1.8 metres long. To hold it correctly:
- Thumb out like a thumbs-up
- Loop goes over the thumb
- Wrap all fingers around it
This grip handles even the biggest, strongest dogs and — crucially — keeps your hold relaxed. If you tense up when you see something stressful, your body language changes and your dog picks up on it. A strong but loose grip means you don’t need to change anything.
If you’re used to sliding your hand down the leash until you feel the dog’s pressure, break that habit. Instead, one hand holds the leash, the other comes up to hold it like a golf club, then both hands return to a neutral position near your belly button, close to your core.
If the dog pulls: don’t extend your arms, use a foot to brace instead. Arms stay neutral.
To shorten the leash: roll it up, grab lower, loop it over the thumb again, wrap fingers around. To release, just roll it back off.
Wrap-Up
That’s it for this session. Stick with us for the next one where we’ll cover the lure and how to hold food. Thanks!