Why I Leave Training Tools On Dogs 24/7 (And Why The Best Results Come From Clients Who Do The Same)

I’m about to share one of the most controversial pieces of advice I give to my serious clients:

For a few crucial weeks during training, the training tools should stay ON your dog almost all the time – not just during formal training sessions.

This goes against what most trainers will tell you. But after seeing the results with thousands of dogs, I’m convinced this approach is why our clients see transformation in weeks instead of months (or years).

Most dog owners think of training like this:

1. Put on special collar/harness/leash
2. Do 15-30 minutes of focused work
3. Remove tools and return to “normal life”
4. Repeat tomorrow
5. Hope it eventually sticks

This approach signals to your dog: “We’re training now… now we’re not.”

The result? Your dog learns to behave during “training mode” but goes back to old habits the rest of the time.

The Approach That Actually Works

Our fastest transformations happen when clients:
• Keep appropriate training tools on their dog whenever supervised
• Are ready to reinforce or redirect behavior at ANY moment
• Blend training seamlessly into everyday life

For example:
• Their special collar stays on during TV time
• Their training lead remains attached during dinner prep
• Their long line is there for backyard time

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE

Always remove ALL training tools when:
• Your dog is unsupervised
• Your dog is in their kennel/crate
• Your dog is playing with other dogs
• When the tool could potentially get caught on something

This approach is about maximizing supervised learning time, not taking risks with your dog’s safety. No training goal is worth endangering your dog.

Why This Creates 10X Faster Results

This approach works because:

1. Consistency becomes automatic
   When the tools are already on, you’ll actually use them. No more “I would have corrected that, but I didn’t have the leash handy.”
2. Your timing improves dramatically
   Perfect timing is critical in dog training. Having tools already in place means you can respond the instant a behavior starts – not after running to grab a leash.
3. Learning happens throughout the day
   Instead of 15 minutes of learning and 23.75 hours of old habits, your dog is learning continuously.
4. You set yourself up for success
   The barrier between “I should train” and actually doing it disappears.

Yes, this approach requires more diligence for a few weeks. But I constantly hear clients say:

“I wish I had done this from the beginning instead of dragging training out for months.”

By condensing the learning period through consistency and perfect timing, you:
• Reach your goals faster
• Experience less frustration
• Create reliable behaviors that last
• Enjoy more freedom with your dog long-term

Would you rather put in intense effort for 3-4 weeks or moderate effort for 6-12 months?

That’s the choice that determines whether you’ll have a well-trained dog by next month or still be working on the basics next year.

If you’re currently training your dog, I encourage you to try this approach for just 7 days (always following safety guidelines). The difference will speak for itself.

Your friend who helps the training stick for life,

Ryan