Innotek Basic Remote Dog Trainer FS-15

Remote Training

To start we will learn about basic commands that involve teaching your dog to Sit, Down and Break!

These commands will help your dog to be safe, better behaved and more reliable around guests. These simple commands also offer you the opportunity to solve a number of common problem behaviors that may be undesirable to your family, neighbors and friends.

Perhaps the most important command is the release command. This command can be a word that you choose such as FREE!, BREAK! or OK!

For the purpose of this video we will use “Break” as the release word. This release word tells your dog that it is OK to move about.

With an effective release command, there is no reason for the command “STAY”. Your dog will simply stay lying where told and move only when released.

After learning the three basic commands your dog will move to the more advanced commands that requires your dog to learn “Obey Commands” from greater distances. Such as;
* Come – used to call your dog when he’s off-leash; and
* Go To – used to direct your dog to their spot or place

Memorize these five basic commands and use them consistently and you’ll be on your way to training your dog to associate each command with a specific action.

Whether your dog is a companion pet, or your best hunting buddy, these five basic commands will cover the most common behavior requirements.

One thing to remember. We recommend that you do not use different words interchangeably, such as “Off!” one time and “Down” the next, you’ll just confuse your dog.

Choose a word and stick with it.

Throughout the training process you will want to use plenty of praise, playing with toys, treats and lot’s of attention for appropriate behavior.
Discourage the wrong behavior by withholding attention, play and treats and wait for the first opportunity to lavish the attention again for the appropriate behavior.

The Innotek remote trainer comes with several different levels of stimulus. Regardless of how many levels your remote trainer allows, always use the lowest level of stimulus that produces the desired result. With the proper level, your dog reaction should be a little shake of the head, twitching of the ears or a look to you. Your dog should never be fearful of the tap as it should simply be a distraction from one behavior to a better behavior.

Innotek remote trainers feature patented microprocessor technology that prevents other transmitters in the area from interfering with your training.

Most Innotek hand controllers will automatically synchronize to the training collar when you turn your unit on, however, in some cases it will be necessary, before using your remote trainer for the first time, to “synchronize,” or “match up,” your hand controller to the dog’s training collar. Please refer to your owner’s guide to ensure proper operation.

Depending on your Innotek model, the hand controller may also have other useful features such as tone and click options. For operating instructions for your specific collar and transmitter, refer to your owner’s guide.

The first command you teach your dog will take the longest to accomplish. Your dog has yet to understand the learning process, so everything you do and say will be new.
Don’t loose heart! With every command, and passing day you spend training, it will become easier and faster once your dog understands what to expect.

STEP 1

First, attach a six foot leash and do not attach the leash directly to the electronic collar’s neck-strap. Attach the leash to a separate nylon or leather collar. If you choose, it is helpful to have a treat in the hand holding the leash.

With your dog on the leash and by your side, grasp the leash by the buckle under the dog’s chin. Pull up on the leash and push down at the base of the dog’s tail in a gentle movement. Give the command SIT. Hold your dog in position for 5 to 10 seconds and then release by giving the dog your release command and rewarding with the treat and plenty of praise. For the purpose of this video we will use BREAK!

Perform a number of repetitions, but only as many as you have your dog’s full attention. Resist the urge to push your dog to the point of resistance. We have found that 10 – 20 repetitions are optimal for any single training session. Have two training sessions per day with your dog on this command. You will know it is time to move on to the next phase when your dog anticipates the “sit” command and your prompting by sitting before you can pull up on the leash.

STEP 2

The next step is to reinforce the sit command.
With the training collar ON and your dog on a six foot leash, press and hold the hand controller button as you give the command “sit”. Keep holding the button until your dog is sitting. Immediately release the button. Praise your dog calmly while sitting.
Release your dog with the “break” command and enthusiastically praise.

Should your dog break from the sitting position prior to giving the release command, immediately press and hold the hand controller training button and help your dog into the sitting position again. Repeat this step until your dog remains in the sit position for 10 seconds or more.

Repeat this exercise two times per day until your dog sits without you having to use the hand controller button. Use treats and lots of praise.

Once you determine your dog has mastered the “sit” command without using the hand controller or your assistance, you’re ready to work with your dog “off-leash” and add increased distractions to your training environment.

STEP 3

Now we’re ready to move on to “sit” training without the leash.
When your dog is obeying the “sit” command without prompting from you or the training collar, take the leash off and repeat the “sit” lesson in a controlled and secure area.
Gradually add distractions, such as petting your dog, people approaching, other dogs walking by and tossing a toy. Should your dog break the “sit” position prior to your release command “Break”, immediately press and hold the hand controller button until your dog self-corrects into the sitting position.

DOWN COMMAND

STEP 1

Ok. We’re ready to move into the next phase…the “down” command.
There are several different ways to teach your dog the meaning of “DOWN”. There are several different methods and much will depend on you and your dog which method provides the least amount of resistance from your dog.

With your dog in a sit position by your side, grasp the leash with one hand and place the other hand on your dog’s shoulder blades. With firm but gentle pressure, pull down on the leash until your dog is in the down position. With this method it is helpful if you are on a slippery service such as tile or linoleum that helps your dog slide into the down position. On courser surfaces, take your leash hand and “sweeping” your dog’s legs outward and guide your dog into the down position. Or, for resistant dogs, present your dog with a favorite treat in front of his nose. Slowly move the treat to the ground. Do not relinquish the treat until in the down position. As with the sit command, keep your dog in the down position for 10 seconds and use your release command.
Play and praise enthusiastically.

Repeat this step 10-20 times, two times per day. You will know it is time to introduce the training collar stimulus when your dog anticipates the down command and lays down with little guidance or resistance.

STEP 2

With your dog sitting by your side, give the command “Down” and immediate press and hold the hand controller button. Help your dog into the down position if necessary and immediately release the hand controller button.
Repeat this step 5 to 10 times, two times per day. Move on to the off-leash step when your dog immediately lies down to avoid the training tap from the collar and does not break prior to your “break” command.

STEP 3

When your dog is lying down without prompting from the leash and training collar, take the leash off and repeat the sit lesson in a controlled and secure area.
Gradually add distractions such as petting your dog, people approaching, other dogs walking by and tossing a toy. Should your dog break the down position prior to your release command “break”, immediately press and hold the hand controller button until your dog self-corrects into the down position.

Should your dog appear confused and unable to self-correct into the down position, help your dog back down with the leg sweep and go back and review STEP 1.

Teach your dog the “down” command, with distractions, until you are satisfied your dog knows what is expected.

GO TO COMMAND

STEP 1

Now, you’re ready to move into some more exciting part of training. The “go-to…”
You will need a marker that will identify the particular place you would like your dog to “go to”. A dog bed or blanket works well.

With the leash attached and you standing with your dog in a sit position two or three feet from your dog’s place, give the command “GO TO YOUR BED”. Immediately move forward, guiding your dog onto the bed and into a sit or down position. Do not repeat the “sit” or “down” command. GO TO your bed will mean, find your bed and lay down and your dog should rapidly anticipate that is your desire.
Use your release command after 5 to 10 seconds and make sure you play and praise. Gradually increase the amount of time you require your dog to stay on the bed prior to the release command.
Repeat this step 10 to 20 times, two times per day. If your dog should become distracted or resistant during this step reduce the number of repetitions in each lesson. As with other commands, you will know it is time for the next step when your dog moves toward the bed with little or no physical prompting from the leash.

STEP 2

Next step…reinforce the “go-to…” command.
Press and hold the controller button when you give the command “Go To your bed”. Your dog should right away move towards the bed and sit or lay down and upon doing so, immediately release the hand controller button.

Should your dog move off of the bed without the release command, immediately press the hand controller button and guide your dog back into position.
Remember, should your dog appear to be confused on what action causes the collar to turn off, repeat the early teaching steps.

STEP 3

We’re now ready to train the “go-to” step without the leash.
With the bed a few feet away, take the dog’s leash off and repeat the “go-to” lessons with increasing distractions and temptations. Roll a ball, ring the door bell and have people walk through the area. Your dog should not move from the bed or any other initital position.

You will also need to practice the “Go to” command from greater distances. As your dog perfects going to the bed when it is insight, move the bed to a location around a corner. This will most likely baffle your dog at first because the bed is not in sight, so help your dog to the new location before you use the remote training collar.
This request is like a totally new command for your dog and you may need to start with the first step; teaching.

As you add new commands, you will find that your dog is moving through the steps with increasing speed. Learning is a process that dogs will grow accustomed to very quickly.
You can teach the “come” command on a 15 foot lead or retractable leash. Attach the leash to your dog’s collar and put in a sit position. Walk to the end of your leash, turn and face your dog. Give the “come” command, give the leash a snap and jog backwards a few steps. Your dog should start to return to you.

For added reliability and safety, the come command should end in a sit. Do not give the sit command when your dog arrives, simply put your dog in a sit with lot’s of praise and petting. Give your release command when finished.

If your dog should get distracted, repeat the command “come”, give the leash a snap and jog backwards a few steps.
Do not approach your dog. Your dog should come the entire distance to you. Put your dog in a sit position and praise enthusiastically upon reaching you. Release your dog from the sit and spend a few moments playing with a favorite toy.

Repeat this step 10 to 20 times, two times per day. You will be ready to use your remote training collar when your dog anticipates the leash pop and you running backward by racing to you on the come command.
With the training collar turned on and the retractable leash attached, repeat the training steps in step one of the “come” command. Instead of snapping the leash and running backwards, press and hold the hand controller button until your dog covers the 15 feet. Immediately release the button when your dog gets to you and sits.
Don’t forget to release your dog from the sitting position when the exercise is finished with lots of praises and petting. The final step of the “come” command is the off-leash.
In a confined and controlled environment, such as a fenced backyard, take the leash off your dog and repeat the training steps from Step 2.
If your dog should get distracted from the mission of getting to you and sitting, immediately press and hold the hand controller button and release the button at only on the successful conclusion of the “come” exercise.
Similar to the other commands, gradually increase the distance your dog needs to cover on the “come” command and distractions they will encounter on the way. Your dog should ignore every temptation such as children, rolling balls and other animals.

At first appearance this might look like more distraction than any dog could ignore or maybe even unfair to ask. However, it is this exercise that keeps your dog out of harms way. Unfortunately, all too often there is a busy road between your dog and an irresistible distraction.
The time spent perfecting this command is literally a life-saver.
Putting an end to common problem behaviors requires a different use of your remote training system as compared to the training process covered in Part I where there are teaching or demonstration steps.

To solve most problems, it is only necessary for your dog to associate the zing of the training collar with a particular problem behavior. Your dog’s actions cause the collar to activate and ceasing that behavior turns the collar off.
Keen observation on your part is required to get the timing right.
Before you start to solve a digging problem, consider why your dog is digging. Some modification of your dog’s living environment may be required to fully solve this problem.
Dogs dig for three primary reasons:

* A cooler or warmer place to lie.

Make sure that your dog has plenty of shade and shelter. In the heat of the summer, a small wading pool may be just what the doctor ordered.

* They smell or hear something interesting.

Particularly prevalent in Terrier breeds that were bred to dig. Give these dogs an area to dig in that is acceptable and out of the way.
Terriers appreciate sandboxes just as much as the kids do.

* Entertainment--Your dog is bored or lonely.

Increase your play and exercise time with your dog. The training exercises outlined in this video will fit the bill. For more mental stimulation, take your dog out on more errands. The new sights and smells will give your dog more mental exercise.
Even with these changes, some dogs need some firmer persuasion to find a new way to entertain themselves.
To do this, select a stimulation level one or two levels higher than your standard training level then let your dog out in the yard and observe closely, preferably out of sight.
Make sure there are no people or other animals in the yard for your dog to associate the collar’s correction.
When your dog starts to dig, press and hold the hand controller button until the digging stops. Watch carefully for some time. The dog will usually associate “that” hole with being the culprit and will challenge several other areas before deciding it is “digging” that causes the problem.
The training lessons covered in Part one should have solved most of your jumping problems, as you would choose to have your dog sit and then be petted by visitors. Should your dog not be able to contain enthusiasm, you may have to address this problem directly.

Use your dog’s normal training level. If you find this is insufficient due to the level of distraction, select the next highest level until you reach the level that gets your dog’s attention.
When your dog jumps up, press and hold the transmitter button until all four paws are on the floor. Tell your dog to sit and enforce as demonstrated in part one of this video. Repeat as often as necessary for your dog to sit when visitors arrive.
Again, it is necessary for you to use a number of different people in different situations for your dog to associate that the zing from the collar will happen no matter where they are, or, who they are jumping on.
You’re probably getting the idea how to effectively use your Innotek remote training product to introduce a negative consequence for your dog’s misdeeds. The same method is used to discourage other behaviors such as rummaging through the garbage and even the most determined counter surfer.

Let’s review how to approach common problems around the house:

Most temptations that your dog can’t resist will usually require a higher level than the training level that you established.

Although you are pushing the hand controller button, no other corrective action on your
part is required. Your dog will soon learn that it is his behavior that causes the collar to turn on and off.

You will need to catch your dog in the act a number of consecutive times to be successful. Otherwise in your dog’s mind, sometimes the correction happens and sometimes it doesn’t and they will continue to challenge the theory.

After correcting for one unacceptable behavior, it is helpful to redirect your dog to an activity that will earn a reward such as, “get your ball!” Play with your dog for redirecting his energy to good behavior.

If you have any questions not answered in this information please do not hesitate to call the Free Professional Training Support hotline included with your system.

Innotek Basic Remote Trainer Free Spirit FS-15

Innotek Basic Remote Trainer
Free Spirit FS-15