Full discloser: some of the links below are part of various affiliate plans. Purchases made through the links help support Project Pawsible.
In the last post in this series, I talked strongly about crate training and why it’s such an important safety must have. The below list is split between shelters and rescues, then for dog owners.
Tools for Shelters & Rescues
Handling Equipment
Loopit Safety Leash is a slip lead meets clip on leash combination that allows for the best of all worlds when handling dogs, particularly ones within a volunteer or dog walking program. It reduces the possibility of an improperly fit collar meaning a loose dog in the facility–or worse, outside of it. It works by having a back up slip lead with a clip to a collar or harness. While walking, the leash pressure would apply through the collar or harness, but if either slips off then the backup slip lead keeps you and the dog connected.
2 Way Radios should be a priority donation request or budget item. It is much easier to get in touch with other staff members over the radio than over a speaker system, particularly within loud kennels.
Airhorns (4 pack) are another safety must have for high level interruptions between dogs. If a dog fight occurs (let’s be real, it’s a ‘when’ not an ‘if’) having an interruption tool that doesn’t put your hands near teeth is invaluable.
Bite resistant gloves are for when an airhorn may not be appropriate, such as handling dogs with a bite history for a behavior evaluation. It is important to know the difference between bite proof and bite resistant. Bite proof may leave you with bruises or potentially fractures depending on the bite and the quality of the glove. Bite resistant gloves will keep you from a puncture, unless the dog is biting hard. Be aware of what sort of gloves you need given the situation you’re putting yourself/your staff/your volunteers in.
Training/Cooperative Care
Target Sticks are an awesome training tool for teaching a dog to touch their nose to something for a treat, or paw something for a treat. There are dozens of ways this can be modified to make a dog easier to handle for grooming and vet visits, as well as encourage them to approach the front of their kennels when strangers come by!
Enrichment
These are a small selection of my favorite tools for scent, taste, mental, and physical enrichment. Kong in particular has many recipes for frozen fill on their website that can be used as recipe or inspiration!
Treats
My best suggestions when creating a variety of treats for the dogs in your program are: something crunchy, something soft, something stinky, something meaty, and kibble. These are the current mix of treats the dogs in my training program enjoy during our sessions:
Stewart Wild Salmon Freeze Dried
Full Moon Chicken Apple Sausage
Full Moon Cranberry Turkey Sausage
Tools for Dog Owners
Enrichment
These are a small selection of my favorite tools for scent, taste, mental, and physical enrichment. Kong in particular has many recipes for frozen fill on their website that can be used as recipe or inspiration!
Treats
My best suggestions when creating a variety of treats for the dogs in your program are: something crunchy, something soft, something stinky, something meaty, and kibble. These are the current mix of treats the dogs in my training program enjoy during our sessions:
Stewart Wild Salmon Freeze Dried
Full Moon Chicken Apple Sausage
Project Pawsible 
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