Camp TOC Supplies
Below we have listed some of the supplies you’ll use throughout Camp TOC. Under each item, we describe how and when you will use it (to help you determine if you need to make any purchases) along with some links to product options. These product links serve as examples only — please know that there are many great options at various price points, so don’t feel tied to anything we link to. [Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]
Food rewards (treats and/or regular food)
We will use food rewards throughout camp to reinforce behavior we like and to play fun food games. If possible, try to have a range of food rewards: low value, medium value, and high value. Your dog decides what is low and high value, so you may need to play with this (for example, low value for some dogs is kibble or carrots and high value may be pieces of chicken breast).
A treat bag
Putting your treats into a pouch tends to be an easier way to train, but we’ll leave this up to you. You could put food in your pocket if you prefer.
A Clicker
Clickers can be really powerful markers. We love using them to teach new behaviors (especially tricks). You can also simply use a verbal marker like the word “yes” if you prefer. (Note: If you have never used a clicker before, we recommend muffling the sound a bit at first when you condition it to make sure your dog isn’t afraid of the sound.)
Two identical toys
We will do some toy play during camp to build engagement and to work on drop it. If you have a dog who runs off with toys or doesn’t want to relinquish them, having another identical toy (e.g. same value toy to your dog) that you can whip out is often helpful. You can also use two toys that your dog likes (even if they aren’t identical). If your dog naturally brings you toys, you may not need two! For engaged play, I tend to really like using toys my dog can tug (some dogs enjoy tug more than others). For drop it, I recommend having some plush toys that are a bit better suited for indoor play.
You can get other types of toys too -- longer toys that you can drag, toys that squeak, balls, etc. Get what makes sense for your dog.
A long line (long leash)
We will use a long line during camp twice: decompression walks and recall with distractions. A long line can give your dog more freedom on a nature walk, and with recall, it can allow you to work through tougher distractions. The length and type of long line is up to you. Personally, I have a 15 biothane line and 30 foot biothane long line. I recommend the 15 foot one to begin with. Longer lines can come with risks, so be sure to prioritize what you feel safe & comfortable using. (Note: You may also want a back clip harness if you plan to use a long line).
*Frisbee
We will play a little frisbee during the Sports section of week one. If you want to participate during camp, you will want to have a frisbee. If feasible, I find it helpful to have two frisbees (it can be helpful when it comes to reinforcing behaviors). I own frisbees from Hero Disc USA (they are made specifically for dogs). I am sure there are other frisbees out there that will work great, so don’t feel tied to what I have listed. (Note: You may want to think about the durability of the frisbee if you have a dog who tends to chew and destroy.)
Something to use as a paw target
We will do some paw targeting “tricks” during camp, so you will want something your dog can touch with his paw.
Tupperware lid (I usually just pull something I already have out of my drawer that I don’t mind my dogs pawing).
Painters tape
To teach your dog to shut the door, you will likely want to tape a target to the door (you can get creative and do this with a post-it note as your target if you want and then you won’t need tape). I am listing painters tape just in case you want to safely tape the paw target to a door without causing damage when you pull it off (masking tape will likely work fine for most surfaces too).
Regular six foot leash
A leash can be super helpful in training sessions. You may want your dog to wear a normal six foot leash to work on some of the engagement games outside and to work on some early recall with distractions. Whatever leash you have is likely fine for this!
DIstractions
You most certainly don’t need to buy anything for this! You will be able to come up with a million different distractions to pull out to make progress in your training. In camp, I will use simple things like empty food bowls, bowls with food in them, chews, toys, skateboards, and family members.
Some object to wrap a PAW around
One of the tricks we will teach at camp is a wrap (basically a side hug). To train this, you will want some object that your dog can wrap their paw around. In the videos, I use an umbrella, but you could also use a broomstick, a rolled up yoga mat, etc. (Basically think anything stick-like).
Objects to Retrieve
During week two, we will work on a directed retrieve (teaching your dog to go get and bring you a specific object). If your dog tends to run away with certain toys and not want to give them to you, Mollie, who teaches this part of camp, recommends using an object your dog has never seen before. You can try getting a plastic dog obedience dumbbell or you can simply use something you already have that you don’t mind your dog’s mouth touching (like a wooden spatula).
Smart Phone
For the art section of weeks one and two, we will use an iPhone to talk about shooting photos and videos of your dogs. Certainly don’t go buy an iPhone for this. Much of the conversation will apply regardless of the device you are using!
*[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning TOC may get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you.]