General Training Tips - Dogtra 4500 EDGE Handbuch

GENERAL TRAINING TIPS

Getting started
Your dog must know some basic obedience commands before e-collar
training. A dog learns by first being shown a command, followed by
lots of repetition over an extended period of time. As the dog becomes
proficient at these commands, you can introduce distractions and
different locations. With the correct amount of positive and negative
reinforcement, you should end up with a well-mannered dog.
On-leash obedience training
Your dog must fully understand the obedience commands(sit, stay,
here, heel, and kennel) before using the e-collar for reinforcement
of these commands. A leash attached to a standard collar is used to
teach the dog basic obedience commands. A tug on the leash/collar is
used to reinforce these commands. When your dog complies with the
command, use positive reinforcement/praise. Once the dog understands
these commands, the e-collar can be used to reinforce them further.
Beginning e-collar training
When your dog understands on-leash obedience commands, you can
start with e-collar training. With the dog on the leash with the e-collar
on, continue with your obedience drills. Light stimulation, on nick or
constant, is going to be applied as a command is given. The stimulation
is removed as the dog complies. Through repetition, the dog learns to
stop the light stimulation by performing the commands. E-collar training
is another form of negative reinforcement; similar to the leash and
standard collar training. When the dog complies with the command, we
use praise/positive reinforcement. The final step is the avoidance phase
in which the dog learns that he can avoid the stimulation altogether
62
by performing your commands. When these training procedures are
complete, the e-collar is used as a reminder when the dog does not
comply with your commands. Keep the initial training sessions short
and positive. Dogs have a short attention span, especially younger dogs.
How much stimulation to use
The level of stimulation best suited for your dog depends on your dog's
temperament and threshold for stimulation. Always start at the lowest
level and work your way up. The appropriate level can be found when
the dog responds to the stimulation with a mild reaction such as a
tensing of the neck muscles. The stimulation level may vary depending
on the training situation. When highly distracted, dogs will require a
higher level of stimulation.
For more training information, visit Dogtra's Support/Training section at
www.dogtra-europe.com.
63