Dog Training Tips

Following the initial training session, you will need to reinforce what your pet already knows. Place the DogWatch collar on your pet and walk the pet, on leash, 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 the pet back to safety and praise the pet for returning to reinforce the training. The keys to successful training are consistency and repetition. Praise the 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 and carry the pet. This is to prevent confusing the pet about leaving the yard. After the 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 the pet venture too near the boundary. Gradually increase the time your pet is allowed outdoors unattended for the first few weeks.
 

Make sure the collar is snug enough to keep the posts in good contact with the pet's skin. If your pet has a heavy coat, trim the fur under the receiver. Longer contact posts are available for very heavy-coated pets.  

Remove the DogWatch collar after each training session. After the training period, the 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.

 

When you take the pet 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 pet to follow you.  

The pet 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 pet to sit. Place the towel on the ground then cross through the flags with the pet 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 pet to sit and pick up the towel. When you bring him in the house, snap the DogWatch receiver collar on your pet and bring him out to the flags to remind him of the boundary.