Electroninc dog training tips, advice and problems

We have put together a few helpful tips and tricks to help overcome your dog training problems.

If you have any dog training tips or advice you would like to share with other dog owners please send us your dog training tips. We will endeavour to include them on this dog training web site send us your dog training tips.

PAC dog training collar

The PAC electroninc dog training collar has resulted in many thousands of dogs' lives being saved, and tens of thousands more wayward dogs now enjoy a quality of life and freedom that has been improved - beyond all recognition. At the same time, the use of PAC's dog training collars has resulted in an enormous reduction in heartache and frustration for the owners and dog trainers of dogs with behaviour problems. The use of the PAC dog training collar has also prevented countless situations where problematic dogs might otherwise have killed or painfully maimed other creatures, for example, sheep, deer and chickens.

In a recent survey of PAC clients over 90% of all clients claimed that use of their PAC dog training collar had been successful. See for yourself on our our testimonials page

If your dog is driving you to distraction... and driving himself to an early demise through sheep chasing, deer hunting or harassing any other animals several fields or gardens away... or simply being a nuisance to others in the park, then the powerful arm of the PAC AXT dog training device should enable you to discourage him, quickly and for all time.

Long distance dog training

Beside its obvious advantages to dog owners the PAC AXT electroninc dog training collar also brings new dimensions to farmers and to field-sports enthusiasts whose dogs are often working (and possibly misbehaving) at greater distances, whatever the terrain.

Although we at PAC dog training do not normally recommend dog training and correction at ultra long distances, if you can still see your dog half a mile (800 metres) or more away, or if he can still hear your voice- or whistle-commands, then the AXT dog training device can extend your sphere of influence and control with confidence. The level of correction will not be affected by the distance, no matter whether it need be a mild 'pins and needles' sensation for minor disobedience problems... or a more appropriately powerful deterrent against life-threatening or anti-social behaviour.

Remote dog training device

A remote dog trainer is a wonderful aid to dog training where conventional methods have failed, but it is not intended either as a short cut to conventional dog training or an excuse for poor or shoddy dog training. It must also be stressed that it is a dog training aid... not a punishment tool.

Furthermore, the dog training unit is not itself a dog trainer. That responsibility lies in your hands. If you are of the school that believes that more gets rapid results, or you are of an impetuous disposition, it is very likely that this electronic dog training tool is not for you. For the sake of your dog's welfare, never allow children to have access to electroninc dog training equipment. Clearly, the same applies to anyone of doubtful or unknown temperament, and to anyone who is unaware of the dog collar's function and its recommended usage.

Why should I use a remote dog training Collar ?

It is utterly pointless attempting to correct bad dog behavour some minutes, or even seconds after the dog has 'committed an offence', since he will hardly be able to associate the punishment with the crime. Late punishment will make the dog believe that the dog trainer is cruelly dominant, and cause him to be reluctant in future to come back... just to be punished. Dog training then takes a giant leap - backwards! Corporal punishment can easily result in damage to the dog, both psychologically and physically.

Not all dogs respond to standard "compulsive" or "reward" dog training methods, and, until you encounter a difficult dog, it is hard to imagine the need for a Remote dog trainer. The use of such a dog training tool, as a last resort, can be extremely effective in curing a comprehensive range of problems - quickly and usually pain-free. Correct use of the dog training device will inevitably elevate the dog trainer to surrogate 'pack-leader' or 'top dog'... and will allow him to be far less physical with his dog.

The enormous power of the PAC dog training system as a dog training instrument lies not so much with the strength of correction available, but more with the timing of the correction, either during or immediately following the deed. It is believed that a dog's limited ability for logical reasoning will cause him quickly to associate his disobedience, or undesirable act, with the correction. The message gets home very quickly, and because the timing is so immediate, the level of correction needs most often to be no more than a slight discomfort. Since it is possible to use low levels of stimulation, it will not inhibit the dog's spirit. Indeed, the correction should not normally constitute a shock at all, being rather like a very long, invisible check-cord that tingles, but does not tangle.

Dog training - The relationship with your dog

Many users have found that their dogs tend to bond more closely when they have been trained with the PAC remote dog trainer. This most likely happens because, after a correction, the dog comes back with the view that "There's something quite scary out there... but at least you're a friendly face"... And you can praise him for being so good!

The use of the tone facility in conjunction with, or in place of, electrical stimulation, enhances even further the AXT electronic dog training system as the quickest, most effective and most humane training tool available.

When should I not use a remote dog trainer?

Before starting any dog training with the active dog training collar, if your dog has a medical condition, such as a heart problem, it is essential that you seek the advice of your veterinary surgeon.

If your dog is of a nervous disposition be sure to check the effect of the stimulation while the dog is on a secure line or in a safe area. Dog training should cease if there are any signs of trauma.

Do not use an electroninc remote dog trainer on a dog that is less than six months of age. Never use it on a dog younger than about ten months old for obedience training, since he must first understand completely the command that you give, before you make any attempt to correct him using the stimulus.

The 'dummy collar' familiarisation period

It is very important that your dog does not associate the dog correction training with the collar itself. Otherwise you will have lost some of your advantage, since the dog will soon realise that when he is wearing the electroninc dog training collar he will have to behave himself, and when he is not... he can do just what he jolly well pleases! As a result he will very likely have to wear the electronic dog collar most of the time whenever he is out.

To avoid this realisation, you will need to familiarise your dog with the collar for at least 10 -14 days, before you enter the active dog training phase. An inexpensive dummy collar is available for this purpose.

The main aim of the dummy dog collar phase is to condition your dog to the shape, weight and feel of this strange, new collar. To ensure a good result, he should be made to wear the dog collar more or less continuously for the first two or three days... and certainly always when taken out for exercise. During the first week, fit the dummy collar loosely, so that it flops around the dog's neck and make its presence felt, deliberately making the dog aware that the training collar is there. The dog then gets used to the collar and soon ignores it and forgets about it. Thereafter, for the next few days, each time you fit the dog collar, it should be progressively tightened till you can just get each of two fingers between the two probes and the dog's neck. That should be tight enough...snug... and comfortable, with the electronic collar probes positioned centrally on the front of his neck.

If the dog's neck tapers, position the electronic dog collar at the narrowest section (nearest his head). Most dogs will eventually associate the fitting of the collar with good fun and after several days you should have achieved this objective. A function of the weight of the collar box is to maintain the ideal position of the electronic contact probes - at the front, centre point of the dog's neck.

Despite all the above, there have been instances where some dogs also get to associate the correction with the presence of the electronic dog training handset. It is our strong recommendation, therefore, that you are very discreet when handling the PAC electronic dog training handset. Ideally the electronic dog training handset should be kept out of the dogs sight; perhaps in a top jacket-pocket. But, just in case you are unable to hide it, carry it with you during the dummy training period to enhance the effect.

Progression to 'live' dog training using the electronic dog training collar

For a day or two before your first live dog training session, go through the same process with the active collar. As before, fit it snugly such that you can just get each of two fingers between the two probes and the dog's neck. Make him wear the active collar frequently, and take him out wearing it - at least once. In this way, he will also become familiarised with the smell of this new electronic dog collar. Some particularly scent sensitive dogs might well be able to smell a difference between the dummy dog collar and the active electroninc dog collar.

If your dog needs to be taken out on a lead, or to be attached to a line, he should also wear a normal collar at the same time. Never attach a line to the PAC electronic dog training collar, as this might damage the collar. If you feel you might need to use a line during training with the active collar, give him complete freedom of the line.

Do not be in too much of a hurry to introduce your dog to a live training situation. Ideally you should only do this after you have firmly established an appropriate intensity setting - for your dog - and that you are getting a positive response.

Be careful not to over tighten the electronic dog training collar and remember always (at least daily) to check the dog's neck for soreness before fitting it. In the event of any sign of irritation leave the collar off for a day or two, before progressing with your training programme.

Setting the electronic dog training collar to the correct intensity

The electronic dog training collar stimulation level (intensity) is controlled solely from the handset.

Irrespective of size, breed and type of problem, each dog is an individual. Before using the active dog training collar in a live situation it is important that you establish the most appropriate correction level for your dog. While it may seem logical to assume that a small dog will need less corrective stimulation than the bigger dog, this is not always the case. There are many examples of large dogs, such as Great Danes, that are highly sensitive... and of some smaller dogs, such as Beagles that require a much higher level of correction. Further, among dogs of the same breed, and even among dogs from the same litter, there can be wide variation of reaction to a particular stimulus level. In addition, the insulating effect of the fur on longhaired breeds will often require a higher setting... or the use of different probes on the electronic dog training collar.

Certainly, since a dog has an adrenaline rush, whilst he is chasing a quarry, it may well be necessary temporarily to increase the stimulation level of the PAC dog training collar. It is also worth bearing in mind that a dog's pain threshold is mostly, significantly higher than that of a human. Testing the stimulation level of a dog training device on yourself (e.g. on your arm) is not likely, therefore, to be very meaningful... but it is as well that you should be aware of the sort of correction that you are administering.

To find the appropriate stimulation level for dog obedience training, set the collar electrical stimulus initially to its minimum position. When you press the button you should see a mild but positive reaction. This will take the form of a slight movement of the dog's head and might cause him to be startled, but should not produce a greater reaction than this. Such a mild reaction should be sufficient in most cases to correct your dog's disobedience.

Beware, however, when you press the button on the electronic dog training device for the first time or two, he might well overreact - not necessarily to the strength of the collar stimulus... but to the surprise of it. Thereafter, he should he should no longer be so astonished at the stimulation.

Most dogs should change a persistently disobedient behaviour within a couple of dog training sessions... at a level hardly more uncomfortable for him than a pins and needles sensation. For some of the more determined, headstrong dogs, however, the setting might have to be increased after a period of dog training as they become more tolerant to the stimulation... and begin to ignore the low-level effect. On the other hand, however, if you notice that he is overreacting, you have clearly increased stimulation to a level that is too high. This must be reduced progressively, till it is just enough to get his obedient attention.

If your dog enjoys plunging into water, this will increase his sensitivity. Although you can compensate for this by reducing the stimulation output, we would recommend that in the early stages most of your initial training be effected away from water. But in any case, the collar in your AXT system is waterproof to several metres, and should not be affected. Do not use the collar in salt water.

Serious dog training problems

For correction of serious anti-social habits, such as sheep chasing, the intensity level should be set at least half way... and if necessary, be prepared to increase it near to maximum. Correction at such high levels only need normally be one-off!

Your first dog training session

For your first dog training session with a PAC electronic dog training device, make sure that everything is ready to work...

• Ensure that the electronic dog collar and the PAC electronic transmitter are sufficiently charged.

• Check that the dog collar is turned on and tuned into your handset.

• Fit the dog collar and check that it is a snug fit.

• Set the intensity to an appropriate level.

• In the case of dogs endowed with a thick coat, it might be necessary using a hair trimmer to remove some of his "high insulation" fur from under the neck, to allow better probe contact.

• In most cases it should now be time to let the dog off his lead...

Different dog training styles

There are two distinct dog training styles (or strategies) that are normally used with your PAC electronic dog trainer.

1) Enforcement of dog obedience... where dogs are wilfully hard-of-hearing or plain headstrong - running away, refusing to respond to recall or running-in on birds and other game...

or...

2) Aversion therapy... to create an aversion to his anti-social behaviour or activity - such as...
• Chasing or worrying sheep and other stock
• Chasing other animals (squirrels, dogs, cats, rabbits, foxes and birds, such as pigeons and gulls)
• Jumping up
• Eating unpleasant deposits, such as other dogs' faeces, or eating stones
• Stealing food from the work surface
• Escaping through a particular gap in the hedge or fence

Enforcement of dog obedience

If, for example, you were trying to correct a recall dog problem, establish the base level, working from the minimum intensity-upwards. Call your dog in a normal command tone. If the dog responds without correction then praise him. If he does not respond, call him again in a manner that suggests your displeasure. If he then comes, praise him. If he does not obey, use a trigger word such as "come!'... and press the correction button on the PAC electronic dog training device for about 1/2 second, initially, thus enforcing your command.

Your dog should return to you, encouraged by your praise. If appropriate, you may also wish to use a reward such as a titbit. More often than not, the one dog correction should cause your dog to obey your command to "come", to "sit", to "lie" or whatever. Check that you have achieved your obedience objectives over several more training sessions before gradually reducing the number of times he has to wear the collar.

Aversion therapy used in dog training

Where dogs exhibit anti-social behaviour such as eating their own-, or other animals'-faeces, swallowing stones, chasing bikes or cars etc. and often in the case of animal-worrying, the technique known as "aversion therapy" is used. For this therapy it is even more important that the dog has been properly trained to the "dummy effect" so that there is absolutely no association with the dog training equipment.

In this strategy, it will be your objective to encourage the perception that there is some sort of "magic ring" around his quarry. You must appear not to notice what he is doing... and to appear to take no part in the correction. You give no commands. In this way, he will be conditioned to believe that his action alone is the cause for his discomfort. In other words, he must believe that the act of picking up faeces or stones, or chasing bikes or cars actually causes the unpleasant sensation. He must not be given any indication that you have had anything to do with it, although, having just been corrected, he is very likely to come back to you for comfort. At this stage, of course, you should be prepared to make a fuss and praise him.

This dog training technique is also very successfully applied to dogs that are worrying other animals such as sheep, deer, cattle, cats, chickens etc... But should not normally be applied in cases of aggression towards humans or other dogs unless specifically advised by a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist.

We would point out at this stage that while your dog might have responded well to the line during conventional, obedience training... when teaching him to leave sheep, for example - his desire level will almost certainly increase dramatically when in full flight. You should therefore be prepared quickly to increase the stimulation of the electronic dog training device to counter-balance this. Just one zap at high level should be sufficient to stop him in this adrenaline-assisted rush. After one or two further attempts, he should have got the message... and sheep should be off the menu, once and for all.

For a dog with a history, for instance, of persistent sheep chasing/worrying, some dog trainers would prefer to take the dog into a field with sheep and to give him a significantly high stimulus whenever he turns his head to "eye" the sheep. Others prefer to let the dog chase and get near to the quarry before administering a zap. Both approaches are extremely effective, but remember - no command is given in these cases. You should appear neither to have taken part... nor even to have noticed the sheep or your dog's reaction to them. The use of a long flexi-line can be useful here, as a safety back-up - just in case something goes wrong... like...

• The collar has not been fitted properly or set correctly
• The dog is sufficiently aroused to ignore the stimulation
• He is too well insulated (electrically) - trim his fur a little (see earlier section)

Remote dog trainer tone function

Although most PAC dog training device users prefer to use the tone, some trainers choose to start training using voice commands (that have emotional value)... followed by stimulation... then gradually to introduce the tone option at a later stage.

The tone facility on your PAC AXT remote dog training device should prove a valuable asset. Used initially in conjunction with stimulation, this mode of correction can have many advantages over stimulation alone. It should be seen quickly to be the preferred solution to long-term obedience training. If, following a disobeyed command a tone warning were to be given, followed immediately by a mild electrical impulse, the dog would soon perceive the tone to be a precursor to the stimulus. He is then likely to defer quickly to the tone without waiting for the second, less comfortable, stimulation-stage of correction. Dog training should then progress till the dog begins to defer to your command... without waiting for the tone warning. All that remains thereafter is to wean the dog off the collar altogether.

Beside the above, super-humane, progressive, dog training method, the tone facility can be used effectively...
• with hard-headed, younger dogs
• with highly sensitive dogs
• with older dogs or dogs suffering from a suspected medical condition
• silently to warn the dog that he is pushing his luck
• in situations where a loud command could unnerve others in the immediate vicinity (e.g. joggers, cyclists and children)
• where your command could affect the behaviour of other dogs
• where it would be undesirable to alert others to your presence... or that of your dog
• to alert a dog to your signal when he is some way off
• to attract your dog's attention where there is a high level of extraneous noise...

and, not the least.

• in the final stages of dog training, where the dog collar need not be so snug a fit, since close, physical contact of the probes with the dog should no longer be so important. This is an ideal situation for the long-term control of obedience.

Warnings about electronic dog training and control

When alternating between tone warning and stimulus correction on single-button-per-dog training system you should practise (without involving the dog) your ability to change accurately from tone-only... to the correct stimulus level for any particular dog. Timing is very important. You should aim to switch between the minimum setting (i.e. tone-only) to the correct stimulus intensity level in less that one second. If you have any doubts about your ability to do this, restrict your use of the dog training collar initially to stimulus correction, where the intensity level can remain in the ideal position for the dog being trained. As the training programme progresses, your dog should respond more readily to your commands and your use of stimulus should reduce, thus allowing you to use tone signals, with little need to change to stimulus.

If during training your dog is confronted with another animal (e.g. an aggressive dog or stroppy cow) be careful in the use of either the tone or the stimulus. If your dog is distracted during the confrontation, it might just give the other animal (the aggressor) a moment's advantage... to your dog's disadvantage. Try to anticipate the situation by getting your dog's attention... and recalling him in good time.

We also suggest that initial dog training be carried out in an area of high visibility in order that you may interact with your dog correctly. It would be wrong to attempt a correction if you cannot see the dog or what he is doing. At the moment you press the trigger button on the electronic dog control device, your dog will form an association with it. If, for example, he were on his way back to you at that time, it would create a negative effect in your dog's mind. Similarly, if you corrected him when picking up game he might well associate the stimulation in a manner that might put him off retrieving. Again, we stress "Timing is of the essence."

Some dogs with behavioural problems on-the-line will respond in an altogether different manner off-the-lead. In this case, the initial training of such dogs off-the-lead should ideally be carried out in a secure area such as a tennis court, enclosed garden or well-fenced field.

Dog training and reversion

Reversion to old habits (recidivism) can occur, particularly with headstrong or very intelligent dogs. It is your responsibility, as a dog trainer (and owner) to make sure this does not occur.

When you have completed your dog's obedience training with the electronic dog training collar, remember that he should, ever after, regard you as top-dog. Be sure, therefore, before giving a command, that the command is necessary. And when you do issue it... make sure it is obeyed fully. Otherwise, your dog could start to slip back into his old ways, since he might start to view your stewardship of the top-dog' position as doubtful. So we repeat... Training collars are wonderful aids to training where conventional methods have failed, but they are not intended as a short cut to conventional training or as an excuse for poor or shoddy training (or control).

In the case of anti-social behaviour, the strength of the instinctive and inherent genes of the dog is often strongly embedded. A fully trained dog, left to his own devices, in some cases, might sooner or later revert to ancestral instincts no matter how well trained, especially if he is continually confronted with unchecked temptation. Guard against this on a continuing basis. If necessary, a regular refresher programme of correction might be required.

And finally....

Your PAC AXT dog training device will be an invaluable aid to training your dog. Please use the system kindly, with care and sensitivity. If you have any doubts, think hard before pressing the stimulus button. Limit sessions to three or four corrections... and be ready, if necessary, to call the dog training session to a close for the day. Remember... dogs have 'off-days' too!

Always be prepared to seek advice from us here at PAC a qualified trainer or dog behaviourist.

Once your dog has been trained (cured), he should be safe off the lead and, provided he has not been presented with blatant temptations, or slack or sloppy instructions on your part, he should enjoy an unfettered freedom for the rest of his life (but see previous section on Reversion).

Good luck with your training!... and please let us know how you get on.

Dog training tips

• Put a Name & Address sticker on the electronic dog collar and electronic dog training handset, in case of loss in the field.

• Stick fluorescent strips to the electronic dog collar webbing to make it easy to find if lost in the grass or undergrowth.

• The electronic collar has a catch (with the quick-release buckle) that designed to pull apart in the event of the dog getting caught up in the undergrowth. If you are confident that he is unlikely to get his neck stuck down a rabbit, fox or badger hole, for instance, fix a linkage like a safety chain on a lady's bracelet. A short length of something like fishing twine will hold the collar loosely on the dog's neck, hopefully, till he returns. Alternatively, a conventional, buckle & strap is available from PAC electronic dog training collars.

• Check the probes each time you use the electronic dog training collar. If they become loose, tighten them, using the small, plastic spanner, to just beyond a firm-finger-tightness.

• If you plan to carry the PAC electronic dog training handset, say, in a jacket top pocket, reduce the chance of it slipping out inadvertently by wrapping a wide elastic band around it... Or wear the supplied lanyard around your neck.

Dog training summary

• Read the dog training equipment operating instructions carefully.

• Go through the dummy collar familiarisation process to avoid your dog's awareness of the collar.

• Determine the ideal correction level for your dog training needs

• Make sure the dog training kit is appropriately charged and ready to use before each dog training session.

• Fit the active dog collar snugly... but check daily for neck irritation.

• Be sure only to correct when necessary... and with good timing. If in doubt, avoid a correction.

• Limit your dog training sessions each to three or four corrections, maximum.

• Try to limit correction time, by pressing the button for between half to 1 second - or by setting the stimulus mode to momentary

• Use the tone warning facility, where possible, in place of the stimulus.

• Wean your dog gradually off the dog training collar

• If in doubt, ask for advice.