Advanced
Off-Lead Training
A primer on advanced Off-Lead Training
Voice
training is the next training step after leash training. It allows
you to enjoy time with your pet, knowing that he will be safe
and well behaved wherever you take him. A pet that isn't trained
to obey voice commands is put at risk every time your door or
gate is opened. That's why while it's crucial to train your pet
to "sit" and "stay", there are also privileges
associated with having a pet who's properly trained to obey a
full range of voice commands such as "heel", "come",
"down", and "no".
Start
early and train thoroughly.
Voice training should begin as early as possible. While it's not
difficult, it does require the same patience and persistence as
leash training, as well as a bit more time. But keep in mind that
retraining a "problem pet" requires a great deal more
effort than training him right in the first place.
Voice
training is all about developing and reinforcing clear, consistent
communication between you and your dog. Always begin off-leash
training in a safe, fenced-in area and teach each new voice command
separately, in a sequential order. Build trust by using the same
one-word voice commands, in the same tone, every time you train.
Your pet needs to learn that you are dependable. An unexpected
reaction from you will cause confusion, and a stressed pet stops
learning. The same command given in a new situation is another
source of confusion; once your pet has mastered essential voice
commands in the fenced-in setting, you will need to repeat the
training in a variety of situations until he clearly understands
that voice commands must be obeyed no matter where you both are
or what distractions are occurring.
Command,
reward, repeat.
Training methods vary in the details, but in general, voice command
training involves ensuring your pet's safety; teaching your pet
by reinforcing and correcting his responses; and distraction-proofing
him through extended training in novel situations.
The
basic methodology for an average household pet works like this:
•
In a safe, distraction-free environment, show your pet the correct
behavior while voicing its corresponding one-word command in a
clear, authoritative tone.
• Praise each successful accomplishment with petting or
verbal praise, and reward with a treat if you choose to. (Note:
Never confuse your pet with extra words during the one-word command
phase of training.)
• Repeat until your pet learns to respond immediately to
each one-word command.
Distraction-proof
your pet by repeating the training in different settings and situations.
Off-Leash Training Aids
There
are a number of devices for helping you train your dog to respond
promptly and reliably to your voice commands. These are the categories:
Long
Line and Drop Line
•
Specially designed leashes (leads) to ensure your pet's safety
when you begin interim training in novel, unfenced situations.
Static Correction Collar (E-Collar)
•
Delivers low levels of electrical stimulation that can be adjusted
to match the dog's temperament to eliminate unwanted behaviors.
• Controlled by a remote device held in the owner's palm
during training sessions.
• Can be programmed to work when owners are absent for either
barking and containment issues
Spray Collar
•
Uses a burst of water or scented spray that discourages dog's
from continuing with their unwanted behavior.
Clicker Training Devices (also called C&T, for Click
and Treat)
•
Small devices based on Pavlovian conditioning that help your pet
learn a command by associating the sound of the clicker with receiving
a treat: for example, you say "sit" and as soon as your
pet's butt hits the ground you click, then praise and reward him
with a treat.
• Once the voice commands are established, treats and clickers
aren't needed.
For more detailed information on remote collar
selection, and off-leash training techniques, browse through these
links:
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