Training Tips & Schedule

Tips

• Your pet must not be off leash for the initial 7 to 10 days of training. Keep your pet on a leash in the yard for 5 days after initial training. (IMPORTANT: If your pet is let off leash or leaves the yard, training must pause for 24 hours and then extend for another 5 days before releasing off leash.)
• From Day 1, your pet should always wear the collar! The collar must be snug and make skin contact when they're in the yard, and should be removed at night or if in a crate. Check the collar fit especially for a growing puppy. If it is too tight, it will cause skin irritation. If it is too loose, they will not feel the correction.
• If training more than 1 pet, train them separately, at least for the first 5 to 6 days.
• Training sessions should be 5 minutes or less, twice daily. For the first 5 days, walk your pet around the yard inside the flags with the collar on, warning them when close to the flags using a cue such as “CAREFUL.” Do not drag them near the boundary if they resist. Reassure your pet that they're safe inside the yard and keep training fun & low stress!
• No more than 3 or 4 electronic collar corrections per day.
• On Day 7, let your pet run free off leash. For at least 4 days, stay in the yard with them. Your pet will generally keep 10–15 feet away from the flags. If your pet charges the flags, warn them with the word “CAREFUL” and repeat a day of training. If your pet seems afraid to go outside, reassure them that they're safe, play with them, and give treats in the yard. Always reward positive behavior and enjoy spending time playing outside together!
• For 2 weeks, carry or drive your pet out of the yard when going for walks. For at least an additional 2 weeks, use a “Magic Carpet” (such as a car mat or towel) when exiting the yard with your pet.
• Flags should remain in the yard as originally set for 1 month, and then remove every other flag every few days.
• Have Fun! Always try to end a training session with some fun time such as throwing a ball around, playing with your pet or whatever makes them happy.

Taking your Dog for a Walk

The Walk is a great thing! It is easily accomplished by being consistent. Whether you walk the dog from the property or drive somewhere, you need to take the collar off before leaving the property. There is a two week period we recommend that you lift your pup over the driveway line (or area that you take your pet out of for walks) with the collar off of him/her. During this time you want to use a code word (examples: free, safe, abracadabra). This will set you up for the magic carpet! The magic carpet sounds strange but it helps your pup understand they are free to go for walks.

What you will need for the magic carpet is a doormat or a car-mat or something easy to bring out to the fence line.

Bring the magic carpet out in advance of your walk to where you want your pup to leave the property. Take the collar off of your pet. Use your regular walking leash to have them walk over the magic carpet for your walk. Use your magic code word. On the way back through go through the same exact spot and bring the magic carpet with you so that your pet does not mistake the spot as their escape route. You did it! Do that for two weeks and you are ready to start regular walks!

Remember, this is a guide - questions are welcomed and additional training is available!

ANY questions or for training assistance/service/other future needs – call 314-965-9209 or email us at dogwatchstl@gmail.com.