Heartland Dog Training: Beginner's Class Week One

Week One Lesson
Page One
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WARNING: Your Training Collar could kill your dog.

Ever wonder why it is sometimes referred to as a 'Choke' collar? The reason is that many dogs have choked to death wearing one. The owners of these dogs left the collar on when the dog was unattended and the ring became caught on something. The dog tried to pull away and not being able to slip out of the collar, the dog choked to death.

WE CANNOT IMPRESS UPON YOU ENOUGH, THE IMPORTANCE OF NEVER LEAVING THE TRAINING COLLAR ON YOUR DOG UNLESS YOU ARE RIGHT THERE WITH YOUR DOG. The training collar is a great tool for training. It is comfortable on your dog and humane. It only becomes a potential 'choke' collar when it is left on an unattended dog.

You should have a buckle type collar on your dog for identification and tags. I prefer one made of Nylon, rather than leather, for two reasons. One is that nylon dries very quickly when it becomes wet and I can take a permanent marker and put my name and phone number on it. Owner identification can be made through the Rabies tag number, but that would take time. While my dogs would not 'run' away, I still want that information with them.

When Training....
Say your commands clearly. Do not tell your dog to "Sit Down". These are two different commands and will come to mean two different things to your dog. As soon as your dog has responded to your command, Praise your dog.Praise is the only way Your Dog Will Know It Is Doing the Right Thing. Be Consistent. It will confuse your dog if you correct one time for something and the next time you let your dog get away with it. Be fair with your dog.

Things to Practice This Week....

Teach your dog to respond to the "Sit" command.
Have your dog on your left side and your dog between you and a solid object. Stand facing straight ahead and sit your dog straight beside you. Pull straight up on the leash and push down on the dog's rear - at the base of the tail. At the same time, you are to give a One Word "Sit" command, then Praise!
The solid object will prevent your dog from swinging its rear out and your body will block the dog so it must sit "straight.
Practice controlled walking. This is telling your dog to "Let's Go" or "Let's Walk" and have them walk, without pulling. Any time your dog is pulling against the leash, use the "Pop-Release" correction described on the Terms and Commands' sheet. Give the command "Back" as you make the correction. (If you had told your dog to Heel', then you would use the word 'Heel' when you made the correction). For right now, just teach your dog to walk nicely without pulling. As soon as you make the correction, loosen the leash. When they are back and not pulling. Talk to them and Praise!!
Practice getting your leash from one hand to another, quickly and smoothly. Slip your collar, with the leash attached, on a door knob. Hold the leash in both hands. Your left hand should be palm down. Bring your leash from the right hand over to the left hand. Grasp the part of the leash where the left hand was, (close to the snap), with your right hand. Drop your left arm to your side. This is the motion you will be using when you stop and sit your dog.
Call your dog just to pet, praise and love them. Treats are a great way to reward your dog for coming to you. Enjoy the time spent with your companion.

If You are Having a Problem this Week, Give Us a Call
309-690-7829

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