Dog Training Tips

Best In Bounds™ Training Tips

We've listed a few training tips to help you make the most of your DogWatch® purchase. If you don't find the answers you need here, review your Owner's Guide or contact us.

Reinforcing the Training

Following initial training by us, you need to reinforce what your pet already knows. Place the DogWatch® collar on your pet and walk the pet to all areas of your yard, near the boundary flags, several times a day for at least four to five days.

The leash is very important, because you must be able to pull your pet back to safety and praise your pet for returning to reinforce the training. The keys to successful training are consistency and repetition. Praise your pet immediately upon re-entering the safe zone.

Do not allow your pet to run freely in the yard during the training period, and avoid leaving the property for walks unless you leave by car or carry your pet over the boundary. This is to prevent confusing your pet about leaving the yard. After your pet has a good understanding of the audible warning, release the animal for short periods of time unattended. Observe your pet for these free times, and be prepared to reinforce the verbal "Watch Out" should your pet venture too near the boundary. Gradually increase the time your pet is allowed outdoors unattended for the first few weeks.

Collar Fit Is Critical!

Make sure the collar is snug enough to keep the posts in good contact with your pet's skin. 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, your pet 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.

Taking Your Dog For A Walk

When you take the dog off your property, remove the collar and attach the leash. Always leave the property from the same spot in the yard, such as the driveway or sidewalk. Suggest that you "go for a walk" to encourage the dog to follow you.

The dog may hesitate the first few times you leave the yard. Another option is to set a towel or cloth down between the flags. Ask your dog to sit. Place the towel on the ground then cross through the flags with the dog on the leash. Give him a command to cross such as "good cross". Go for a walk. When you return, repeat the process and when you get to the other side of the flags, ask your dog to sit and 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 flags to remind him of the boundary.

In addition we are always available to help you and your dog make the most of your DogWatch® system.

The Seven Rules
Internationally known Animal Behavior Therapist and Trainer, Raymond J. McSoley, helped DogWatch® Inc. develop our training program and continues to be a strong DogWatch® supporter. Read his testimonial on DogWatch® products. In his book Dog Tales, Ray outlines seven rules for dog ownership which he conveys to every client before working with them. These rules also form the foundation for our dog training philosophy.

Rule 1:
You must be responsible for learning to communicate with your dog.

Rule 2:
You must be the leader and the dog the follower - there's no room for equality in the dog's mind.

Rule 3:
If you're not teaching the correct behavior, then you're teaching the wrong behavior, because you're always teaching the dog something.

Rule 4:
You must be consistent in dealing with your dog.

Rule 5:
Don't expect your dog to know the difference between right and wrong. He is not a little person in a fur coat.

Rule 6:
You must be certain your dog understands why he is being corrected.

Rule 7:
Reward your dog for the proper behavior.

© 1988 Raymond J. McSoley. All rights reserved. Published by Warner Books Inc.