Training a dog in public can be challenging, especially when curious strangers or other dogs get too close. If you’ve ever tried to focus on your puppy’s leash manners while someone reaches out to pet them, you know how quickly things can go sideways.
One simple tool can make a big difference a clear, visible patch.
Why Visibility Matters in Training
When people see a patch that says In Training, Please Give Me Space, or Do Not Pet, they are more likely to give you room. This reduces distractions so you can focus on teaching your dog good habits. It also helps protect your dog from overwhelming situations, which is especially important during the early stages of training.
Building Public Manners for Puppies
Puppies in training need controlled exposures to the world around them. Wearing an In Training patch sends a clear message that your dog is working and not ready for random interactions. This makes outings smoother and helps prevent setbacks in social skills.
Some of our most popular training patches include:
-
In Training – great for all puppies and service dogs in training
-
Please Give Me Space – perfect for shy or cautious pups
-
Do Not Pet – helps prevent overstimulation from strangers
Supporting Reactive Dogs
Reactive dogs benefit from clear communication too. Whether your dog is nervous around other dogs, startled by fast movements, or working through behaviour challenges, the right patch can help create a buffer zone.
Popular options for reactive dogs:
-
Nervous Dog
-
No Dogs
-
Working – Please Ignore
These small signals can make public outings less stressful for both you and your dog.
Matching Gear to Training Goals
One of the advantages of using Velcro patches is the ability to swap them out as your dog’s needs change. You can start with In Training and move to Working Dog once your dog is ready.
For those who enjoy making their own gear, our embroidery files allow you to create custom patches at home with your embroidery machine. This is a cost-effective way to personalise your training tools.
Choosing the Right Patch
When selecting a patch, keep these tips in mind:
-
Pick a size that is easy to read from a distance
-
Choose high-contrast colours for better visibility
-
Look for durable, weather-resistant materials
-
Make sure Velcro is strong enough to stay put during active training sessions
Where to Get the Right Patches
We offer a full range of ready-to-ship patches for puppies in training, service dogs, and reactive dogs.
If you have an embroidery machine, you can also browse our embroidery files collection for instant downloads to make your own patches.
Final Tip: A patch is not just a label. It is a training tool that helps create the right environment for your dog to succeed. The clearer the message, the smoother your training sessions will be.