Beacon Dog Training recommends several different types and brands of equipment, depending on the individual dog.

FLAT COLLARS
Flat collars are a fantastic piece of equipment for carrying a dog's identification tags, and as a way to secure a dog in an emergency. We don't recommend flat collars for dogs that pull or lunge on leash, as dogs can easily injure their throat or neck by putting pressure on a flat collar.

FRONT ATTACHMENT HARNESSES
Front attachment harnesses are a superior choice for almost any dog, including those that pull on leash. Because the leash attaches at the front of the dog, the dog can’t lean forward into the leash like they can with a harness that attaches on the dog’s back. Harnesses of any kind are beneficial as they reduce the risk of neck injury, however most dogs will pull more in a back attachment harness than they would in a collar.

Very strong pullers or bigger, stronger dogs may discover how to pull effectively in a front attachment harness by leaning their shoulder into the leash; for these dogs a head collar will likely be more effective.

TWO POINT ATTACHMENT HARNESSES
A variation on the front attachment harness, these harnesses are designed for use with a double ended leash attached to both the front and back. This system gives the human more control with the two points of contact, but is a bit tricker to learn to operate.

HEAD COLLARS
Head collars, or head halters, are collars with a strap that goes over the dog’s nose, taking pressure off the dog’s neck and giving the owner better directional control. Head collars are a good choice for very strong pullers and bigger dogs. The work to reduce pulling because it is uncomfortable for the dog to pull in them, but are a much safer and humane choice than choke chains or prong collars. We don't recommend head collars that clip to the leash under the chin; only those that attach at the back.

LEASHES
For everyday walking and training we recommend flat leashes that are between 2m and 2.2m in length and lightweight. Rope and chain leashes can be difficult to hold onto if the dog pulls. We don’t recommend elastic leashes for everyday use either, as they encourage lunging when the dog learns they can extend the leash by pulling suddenly. Wind up retractable leashes are very dangerous, as the thin synthetic cord can easily cause lacerations if it becomes wrapped around a human or dog.

We recommend the use of “long lines” for practicing behaviours at a distance or given a dog more freedom on an outing. Long lines, or tracking leads, are long flat leashes, and are a much better alternative than extendable leashes or long ropes.