Before we begin with formal training, it is essential to understand that many of the behavior issues, or training difficulties that people struggle with can be reduced down to imbalances in the relationship. We have put together some information for you about how to assess, and if necessary restructure your relationship. Please take a moment to review the following link at it contains some very valuable information that can make or break your success:
The “Place” Command with Prong Collar and Leash
Key Points:
- “Place” means “Go to the object and stay”.
- You may have as many different “places” as you want.
- Your dog must stay until you give the release cue “Break”.
- Both you and your dog should be within 3-5 feet from the “place” before you give the command.
- If your dog does not comply after the first command, use the leash to guide him straight on to the “place”
- Leash guidance for “place” should always be low and horizontal to give clear direction.
- All praise and reward should be given while your dog is on the “place”. We want them to like being there because good things happen to them in that spot.
- If your dog leaves the “place” before you give permission (break), say no while giving a pop on the the leash, then guide him back to the “place”
- If at any point your dog seems confused or unsure, use guiding body language such as pointing, or moving toward the “place”.
- Wait at least two seconds after praising your dog before releasing them.
- If you are using the “Place” command to control your dog around exciting events, make sure that you do not release him until he is totally relaxed. This will teach him that calmness is the key to freedom.
The “Down” Command with Prong Collar and Leash
Key Points:
- The command is simply “Down”, not “Lay down” or any other variation.
- The dog must stay in the down position until released. You do not need to say “Stay”.
- Release your dog from the position by saying “Break”.
- Once your go is completely down, praise and reward.
- Give the command only one time, if your dog does not immediately respond apply pressure with the leash using either the foot, hand, or walking up the leash technique.
- All praise and rewards should be given while your dog is in the down position.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s elbows, they will typically be the first things to lift if your dog begins to stand up.
- If your dog stands up before given permission, say “No” and give a pop on the leash in a downward/sideward angle. After the pop, you may have to guide your dog back into the down.
- If when your dog gets up he starts walking away, step on the leash to prevent him from leaving, then give a pop on the leash and bring him back to the original spot and guide him back into a down.
- If you are using the “Down” Command to manage your dog’s behavior during an exciting event, have him stay until he is completely relaxed before releasing him. This will teach him that calmness is the key to freedom.
“Traditional Heel” Command (Traditional Leash Walking)
Key Points:
- Hold the leash with an overhand grip (Thumbs up, pinky down).
- Keep the leash short but not tight.
- Imagine an invisible boundary line across the front of your hips.
- Always correct your dog right at the boundary, not after he has already gone in front of you.
- Stay relaxed, let your arms hang at your side and swing naturally.
- Let the weight of you arm swinging do the work for you when correcting, just add an extra flick of your wrist.
- Walk at a good pace and with “purpose”. The slower you walk the more difficult it is for the dog. Purposeful movement makes the dog want to follow you naturally.
- Your dog should sit when you come to a stop. If he doesn’t, gently pull straight up on the leash, and release when his butt hits the ground.
- When you want to give your dog a chance to use the bathroom or just relax and sniff around, come to a stop, make sure your dog sits, then use the release cue “Break”. At that time you can give them a bit more length of the leash and casually hang out or walk in a more casual manner. This casual style of walking will be contrasted against the more purposeful walk that you do while heeling.
The “Place” Command with Remote Collar
Key Points:
- “Place” means “Go to the object and stay”.
- You may have as many different “places” as you want.
- Your dog must stay until you give the release cue “Break”.
- Both you and your dog should be within 3-5 feet from the “place” before you give the command.
- If your dog is further away, use the “Come” command to bring them close, then command “Place”.
- If your dog does not comply after the first command, press and hold the button until they begin compliance.
- If your dog leaves the “place” before you give permission (break), say no while pressing and holding the button until the dog begins to return.
- If at any point your dog seems confused or unsure, use guiding body language such as pointing, or moving toward the “place”.
- All praise and reward should be given while your dog is on the “place”. We want them to like being there because good things happen to them in that spot.
- Wait at least two seconds after praising your dog before releasing them.
- If you are using the “Place” command to control your dog around exciting events, make sure that you do not release him until he is totally relaxed. This will teach him that calmness is the key to freedom.
The “Come” Command with Remote Collar
Key Points:
- The command is simply “Come”, not “Come on”, “Come Here” or any other variation.
- Use your dog’s name if he isn’t paying attention or expecting a command.
- Command “Come” and praise your dog the moment he begins coming to you.
- Ask for a sit when he gets to you, do not pet or give any treats until he is sitting.
- Give the command only one time, then if the dog doesn’t respond press and hold the button until he begins to move toward you.
- Even if you had to correct your dog, still praise and reward him the moment he comes to you.
- If your dog seems at all confused or unsure, try squatting down to encourage him to come to you.
The “Down” Command with Remote Collar
Key Points
- The command is simply “Down”, not “Lay down” or any other variation.
- The dog must stay in the down position until released. You do not need to say “Stay”.
- Release your dog from the position by saying “Break”.
- Once your dog is completely down, praise and reward.
- Give the command only one time, if your dog does not immediately respond, press and hold the button until they comply.
- All praise and rewards should be given while your dog is in the down position.
- Keep an eye on your dog’s elbows, they will typically be the first things to lift if your dog begins to stand up.
- If your dog stands up before given permission, say “No” while pressing and holding the button still he lays back down. He must lay back down in the original spot.
- If he has moved from the original spot, either physically bring him back, or use the “Come” command to get him back to the original spot.
- If you are using the “Down” Command to manage your dog’s behavior during an exciting event, have him stay until he is completely relaxed before releasing him. This will teach him that calmness is the key to freedom.
Doorways:
For information on doorways and thresholds, please view the “Doorways” portion of the video found at https://www.considerthedog.com/programs/walking-behind
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