Best In Bounds™ Training Tips

The leash is very important, because you must be able to pull your dog back to safety and praise the dog for returning to reinforce the training. Following the initial training, you will need to reinforce what your dog already knows. As mentioned during the initial training, the "tension" on the leash (created by your dog's avoidance of the flags) helps your dog focus his attention, while at the same time helping to convey your message to avoid the flags. For your pet training system to be successful, the keys are repetition and consistency.

VERY IMPORTANT: Keep in mind that your dog does not need to hear the tone or feel a correction - your dog only needs to avoid going into the correction zone.

Make sure the DogWatch collar is snug enough to keep the posts in good contact with the dog's skin (you should not be able to easily rotate the collar around his neck). If your dog has a heavy coat, trim the fur under the receiver. Longer contact posts are available for very heavy-coated dogs.

Remove the DogWatch collar after each training session. After the training period, the dog may wear the receiver collar during the day, but you should remove it at night and check the neck area under the collar for signs of irritation. Should the neck develop a sore, the collar is too tight. Loosen the collar to allow the area to recover and, if necessary, apply an antibiotic salve.

Boundary Training    Consistency and patience is important! In about a week, your dog will know his boundaries and will be a safe and happy dog in your yard!

Creating The Right Environment  Attitude and Consistency is Important!

1. Keep the training "light". Use lots of praise. Keep your dog's spirits high.
2. Use high happy tones for praise. Use low tones for negative commands.
3. Reinforce the boundary with commands. Use the commands "Watch Out! - Bad Flags" (be sure to use these commands ONLY when there is tension on the leash).
4. If your dog goes into the correction zone, steer him out of the zone - then after there is tension on the leash, use the command "Watch Out! - Bad Flags". Continue to use the command several additional times, while there is tension on the leash. After about 12 to 15 seconds of tension on the leash, let there be slack in the leash and at that instant begin to praise your dog!
   
   Note: If your dog does not want to go near the correction zone (this is a good thing!) you would take advantage of his resistance, which in turn would help create tension on the leash. Then use the command "Watch Out! - Bad Flags" and follow the technique outlined in step 4. On occasion, some dogs may be more anxious about approaching the flags. Gently coaxing your dog to come closer may help.
   
   VERY IMPORTANT - do not allow your dog to pull you to the house. Following the training session take your dog for a brief walk in the safe areas of the property - do not bring your dog near the flags, during this "relaxing" walk, as this might cause anxiety. If you encounter any difficulty, please contact us at 1-800-364-9282 so that we may help you.
5. Limit the training session to no more that 5 minutes (15 seconds of "tension" on the leash, followed by a few minutes of "quality time", praising your dog and petting him gently around his neck, ears and head. Do not rub your dog's belly if he rolls on his back (this reinforces submissive behavior and should be avoided)!
6. Your dog should not be allowed to run free in the yard for at least five days. If you would like to give him exercise during this training phase, you must do so under supervision.
7. To test the dog's readiness (after at least five days), you can set up a distraction, such as a neighbor or children. Closely supervise your dog to make sure he does not leave the property. Praise your dog for respecting the boundary!
8. If you are training more than one dog, train each dog separately, to avoid distractions.
9. Contact us if you have any questions about the training, or if you have questions about your dog's behavior during his training sessions.

Your Dog's Response to Stimulation  Stimulation has been a safe and effective part of dog training for over twenty years. All dogs respond differently when they feel a mild stimulation. Some dogs may demonstrate little, if any, reaction, while others may yelp or jump back. Some dogs "freeze". Do not try to comfort your dog if he receives correction from the dog training system or it will reinforce his anxiety.

Dog Personalities and Traits  Keep in mind that a dog's personality and traits differ among breeds. Dogs may not exhibit the same personalities and traits within the same breed.

Think of the property having two distinct zones:

1. SAFETY ZONE:
   This is the area where the dog is free to play.
    
   
2. AVOIDANCE ZONE:
   This is the signal field created by the boundary wire (this field is usually 6 - 8 feet in from the wire). When your dog crosses the signal field, the receiver collar emits an audible warning followed by a correction. When containment training is complete, your dog will remain in the Safety Zone.

1. Never call your dog to "come" or give a recall command when you are outside the flag line.
2. Never walk your dog through the flags during a training session.
3. Always reinforce the retreat concept by shaking the flags while saying "Watch out!" when your dog receives an audible warning or a correction during a training session.
4. Adjust the receiver collar periodically to ensure proper fit (collar should not be able to easily rotate around your dog's neck), and keep the contact posts clean.
5. After the training period, your dog may wear the receiver collar during the day, but remove it at night. Check your dog's neck area and make sure thereis no irritation.
6. Keep the training consistent: approximately 5 minutes (15 seconds of "tension" on the leash, followed by a few minutes of "quality time") once or twice a day.
7. NEVER throw a stick or toy in the avoidance zone.
8. ALWAYS maintain a positive attitude when training your dog.
9. Remember to praise and play in the safe zone during a traning session.

Your dog may leave the property during the first week of training and the next couple of weeks by removing the DogWatch collar and driving him off the property in your car, or if he is a small breed dog - you can remove the collar, then pick him up and carry him over the flagged boundary.

First, train your dog to "sit" and "stay", while leashed. We usually recommend starting this procedure inside your house, and making this a fun exercise. Remove the DogWatch collar, and then you would move back several feet (maintaining control with the leash). Set a towel or cloth down in front of your dog (OR place a bandanna around your dog's neck OR use his regular walking leash, etc.) then you would move back several feet. Give your dog a command to cross such as "good cross" - "let's go for a walk". After a couple of days of practicing inside the house, repeat this exercise in a "safe" area of the property. Then, after two or three additional days, you can introduce your dog to going for a walk off the property. When you return, repeat the process and when you get to the other side of the flags, ask your dog to sit while you pick up the towel. When you bring him in the house, snap the DogWatch receiver collar on your dog and bring him out to the pet containment flags to remind him of the boundary. Once this routine is established you can eliminate any steps that are no longer necessary.