Teaching Basic Obedience, the “Sit” Command
The “Come” Command
The “Stay” Command
Eliminating Unwanted Behavior Jumping Up
Pets typically jump up to get attention. If you do not want your pet to jump on you, then friends or members of the family should not encourage this behavior. That means every time your pet jumps on someone, he should be reprimanded or redirected to an alternate and acceptable behavior, for which he can receive praise.
Note: It is best if your pet first understands the “Sit” command.
Digging
It is important to first understand why your pet is digging. Many dogs, such as terriers, were bred to flush out prey, and digging is very innate to them. Other dogs may be digging to find a cool spot to lie down, or simply out of boredom. Your pet may no longer have the desire to dig if he is provided with the following:
Chasing
Chasing is an instinctive behavior stimulated by moving objects. Some dogs have a particularly strong desire to chase that can put them in harm’s way and leave you helpless. Never allow your dog off the leash or out of a contained area until he has learned the “Come” command, regardless of the distraction. Be consistent and correct your dog every time he chases something.
Trash Raiding
The easiest way to prevent trash raiding is to remove garbage and tempting food from your pet’s environment. You can use the Remote Trainer to teach your pet to stay away from these items; however, you must be prepared to correct your pet every time he approaches them.
Excessive Barking
Barking is an instinctive behavior for dogs. It is impossible to keep your dog from barking entirely, but you can teach him be quiet when you give him a command.
Note: This will only be effective when you are at home with your dog.
- Put a separate, non-metallic collar on your pet’s neck ABOVE the Receiver Collar and attach a 10-foot leash.
Note: Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the Contact Points. - Hold the leash and the Remote Transmitter in one hand. Keep your other hand free to guide your pet into a “Sit” position.
- Press and hold the Stimulation Only Button.
- Immediately give the “Sit” command while continuing to hold the Stimulation Only Button.
- Release the Stimulation Only Button as soon as your pet is in position and praise him.
- Release your pet from the “Sit” command and play.
- Repeat Steps 2 through 6.
The “Come” Command
- Put a separate, non-metallic collar on your pet’s neck ABOVE the Receiver Collar and attach a 10-foot leash.
Note: Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the Contact Points. - Hold your leash in one hand and the Remote Transmitter in the other.
- Wait for your pet to walk away from you. Using the Recognition Level for your pet, press and hold the Stimulation Only Button on your Remote Transmitter.
- Immediately give the command “Come” while continuing to hold the Stimulation Only Button.
- Using the leash, gently guide your pet toward you until he begins to come in your direction.
- Immediately release the Stimulation Only Button as soon as your pet steps towards you and praise him enthusiastically.
- Quickly move backwards as your pet begins to come back to you, praising him the entire time.
- Praise your pet when he returns to you.
- Repeat Steps 3 through 8.
- Once your pet responds readily to the “Come” command several times, back away from him without giving a command. When your pet turns toward you, give the command “Come” (WITHOUT STIMULATION) and praise him while you continue to back up. Praise your pet when he returns to you.
- Use your leash to prevent your pet from running past you. If your pet manages to run past you, repeat Steps 3 through 8.
The “Stay” Command
- Put a separate, non-metallic collar on your pet’s neck ABOVE the Receiver Collar and attach a 10-foot leash.
Note: Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the Contact Points. - Put your pet on his bed. Hold your leash in one hand and the Remote Transmitter in the other.
- Staying within 3 feet, walk the perimeter of the bed. Do not say anything to your pet.
- If your pet tries to leave the bed, press and hold the Stimulation Only Button and give the “Stay” command. Continue to hold the button until your pet is back on his bed. If necessary, use the leash to guide your pet onto his place.
- Praise your pet when he is back on his bed.
- Once your pet has settled for a few seconds, release him and play calmly.
- Repeat steps 1 through 5.
Eliminating Unwanted Behavior Jumping Up
Pets typically jump up to get attention. If you do not want your pet to jump on you, then friends or members of the family should not encourage this behavior. That means every time your pet jumps on someone, he should be reprimanded or redirected to an alternate and acceptable behavior, for which he can receive praise.
Note: It is best if your pet first understands the “Sit” command.
- Choose your pet’s Recognition Level.
- As soon as your pet lifts his paws off the ground to jump on you, press the Stimulation Only Button and give the command “Sit.”
- Release the Stimulation Only Button immediately once your pet is sitting, and verbally praise him.
- If your pet ignores the stimulation, increase the Intensity Level by 10.
- Practice this exercise in several different areas and use different people for distractions.
Digging
It is important to first understand why your pet is digging. Many dogs, such as terriers, were bred to flush out prey, and digging is very innate to them. Other dogs may be digging to find a cool spot to lie down, or simply out of boredom. Your pet may no longer have the desire to dig if he is provided with the following:
- A cool, shaded area in which to lie down, and plenty of water.
- An alternate activity, such as a favorite toy.
- Plenty of play, exercise, and attention.
- A yard free from rodents or prey that he may be trying to flush out.
- Choose the Intensity Level 10 higher than your pet’s Recognition Level.
- Place the Receiver Collar on your pet and wait at least 10 minutes before placing him in the yard. No other people or pets should be in the yard, as you do not want your pet to associate the stimulation with anything other than his digging. Your pet must be securely fenced in or contained during training.
- From a window or area where your pet cannot see you, wait until your pet begins to dig.
- While your pet digs, press the Stimulation Only Button and release it when he stops digging. Only press the button while your pet is in the act of digging, and do not say anything to him.
- If your pet ignores the stimulation, increase the Intensity Level by 10.
- Continue to watch your pet, as he may choose another area to dig.
- Do not allow your pet in the yard unsupervised until he has completely stopped digging.
Chasing
Chasing is an instinctive behavior stimulated by moving objects. Some dogs have a particularly strong desire to chase that can put them in harm’s way and leave you helpless. Never allow your dog off the leash or out of a contained area until he has learned the “Come” command, regardless of the distraction. Be consistent and correct your dog every time he chases something.
- If your dog has not learned the “Come” command, keep a leash on him so you can physically stop him before he reaches the object he is chasing.
- Choose the Intensity Level 10 higher than your dog’s Recognition Level.
- Set up a scenario where your dog is enticed to chase an object. Common items could be cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc. (do not use toys).
- When the object passes in front of your dog, make sure to hold the leash with a fi rm grip. As soon as your dog begins to chase the object, press and hold the Stimulation Only Button until he stops.
- When your dog stops chasing the object, immediately release the button, walk backwards and give the command “Come.” Praise your dog as he comes to you.
- Repeat the process until your dog stops chasing the object.
Trash Raiding
The easiest way to prevent trash raiding is to remove garbage and tempting food from your pet’s environment. You can use the Remote Trainer to teach your pet to stay away from these items; however, you must be prepared to correct your pet every time he approaches them.
- Choose the Intensity Level 10 higher than your pet’s Recognition Level.
- Pick a temptation for your pet and position yourself where he cannot see you.
- While your pet’s mouth is touching the temptation, press and hold the Stimulation Only Button. Immediately release the button when your pet leaves the temptation.
- Do not say anything, as you want your pet to associate the stimulation with his behavior, not you.
- If your pet does not respond to the stimulation, increase the Intensity Level by 10 and repeat the process.
- Repeat this process in several different locations with different temptations.
Excessive Barking
Barking is an instinctive behavior for dogs. It is impossible to keep your dog from barking entirely, but you can teach him be quiet when you give him a command.
Note: This will only be effective when you are at home with your dog.
- Choose your pet’s Recognition Level.
- Put your dog in a situation that will tempt him to bark.
- When your dog begins to bark, press the Stimulation Only Button and give him the command “Quiet.”
- Immediately release the button once your dog stops barking and praise him.
- If your dog ignores the stimulation and continues to bark, increase the Intensity Level by 10 and repeat the process.
- Practice this exercise in different areas using different situations that would cause your dog to bark.