Training Small Dogs

Your ultimate goals are the most important things to keep in mind when dog training with an electric collar. What do you want to accomplish in the end?

We suggest using a mild stimulation setting along with your voice commands. Release this stimulation once your dog has followed through. Your goal isn’t to harm or cause any discomfort, but rather to reinforce your commands with a light physical touch.Not only can your dog hear your commands, but he can also ‘feel’ your commands!

What setting should you use with small breeds?

Because smaller dogs are much more delicate, you want to stay on a lower setting. Begin with an audible tone or vibration, moving to one of the lower settings if necessary. Only move up if your dog doesn’t respond to the current setting.Be very cautious when training small puppies. You never want to frighten your puppy. It’s best to avoid any physical stimulation until your dog reaches at least adolescence (18-24 months). Limit your electric collar to an audible tone at this stage.

Step One: Size your e-collar appropriately for your smaller dog, ensuring a snug (yet not too tight) fit. You should be able to fit two fingers between the contact leads and your dog’s skin.

Your electric collar’s contact points should make contact with your dog’s skin. Make sure they aren’t covered by matted fur.The contact points should apply only light pressure to your dog’s neck.

Step Two: Begin training using beep with vibration mode. If you need to use ‘safe shock with beep’, start at level 1 and slowly increase until you find a suitable level.

Step Three: Give your small dog a command he knows, while simultaneously pressing the activation button on your dog’s e-collar remote. You’ll release the stimulation once your dog follows through!

 Remember, this isn’t meant to be used as punishment and shouldn’t be uncomfortable. It is only a sort of physical reinforcer to go along with your audible commands.

• Closely monitor your small breed dog during the first day of use to ensure a proper, working fit.
• Removing your dog’s electric collar at night or when you can’t offer supervision is recommended. There is always a slight chance the collar can catch and cause a hazard.

Training Example: The ‘Down’ Command

Step One: You see your dog lying on the furniture, and you want him to get down. You give your small dog the ‘down’ command. This assumes you’ve already taught your dog what the ‘down’ command means and won’t be effective if you haven’t taught the meaning of your command.

Step Two: Simultaneously, press the activation button on your dog’s electric collar. Your dog should be able to feel this light sensation.After repeated uses, your dog will begin to associate that feeling with something you want, or your commands. ‘Oh, it’s that feeling again! She must want me to do something.

Step Three: The second your dog complies with your command, release the stimulation on your electric collar.