Does Your Dog Misbehave?

Many owners struggle to train their dogs reliably because they cannot maintain their dog’s attention. Dogs are actively inquisitive and easily distracted. Even when an owner considers that their dog is well trained this may break down when their dog is challenged with an appealing temptation. A dog’s safety and that of other animals and people can be put at risk if their basic training fails. Jumping up, pulling on the lead, chasing livestock or traffic are common problems that Training Systems can help solve.

"A well trained dog will enjoy a better quality of life"

Dogs enjoy freedom and the pursuit of pleasure. Often the dog’s unbridled pursuit of its objectives will bring it into conflict with human sensibilities. These conflicts between the dog and humans can be resolved by restricting the dog’s freedom, using leads and crates or by training them. If a dog is restrained to control its behaviour, even if it is for its own benefit or safety, it could have a very monotonous existence. A well trained dog will enjoy far more freedom and consequently will enjoy a better quality of life.

Remote Training Systems are a tool to improve communication between owners / trainers and their dogs. The dog has the impression that the trainer is constantly beside them, monitoring their actions. This makes the dog much more likely to follow commands. Remote Training Systems use mildly unpleasant stimulation to gain a dog’s attention. Once the dog pays attention the trainer stops the stimulation. The dog quickly learns to avoid any stimulation by paying attention to the trainer as soon as it is requested. The dog continues
to follow the trainer’s request to avoid the stimulation even though stimulation may never be experienced again. This is different to using treats as a training tool because when the treats are gone, the dog stops paying attention. If a dog avoids a stimulation it is as much of a reward as a food treat but it has a much longer lasting effect. Once you have your dog’s attention the training can begin! Remote Training Systems are ideal to re-teach basic obedience training where reward-based training has broken down or failed. They are also an ideal way to train recall and enhance off-lead control.

“A tool to improve communication between owners / trainers and dogs”

The most common Training Systems consist of a collar with a small box attached which sits under the neck and delivers stimulation. The stimulation is activated by the trainer using a hand-held remote transmitter.

Spray stimulation uses an unscented or citronella scented mist which is sprayed forward to interrupt a dog’s behaviour so their attention can be directed back to the trainer.

Vibration stimulation is the most recent form of stimulation that has been developed by PetSafe®. It is either used alone or in combination with static stimulation.

Static stimulation is the most extensively researched system and uses a safe pulse of static electricity which passes between two skin contacts on the underside of the neck.

• They are compatible with other training tools such as ‘clicker’ training.
• Intensity of stimulation can be varied to suit individual dogs and situations.
• Stimulation can be delivered remotely at the optimum instant to aid learning.

“Vibration stimulation is the most recent form of stimulation”

There are no situations where spray or vibration stimulation cannot be used but static stimulation should not be used in the following situations:

• In dogs under 6 monhts of age.
• Pregnant or nursing bitches.
• Dogs with health problems especially heart disease.
• Dogs that are unable to respond appropriately due to injury, illness, age or senility.
• Where dogs have aggressive tendencies.
• Dogs suffering from separation anxierty and similar anxiety related disorders.

It is the ability of the stimulation to ‘annoy’ or ‘startle’ a dog that makes these systems such valuable training tools. However, because of these responses, it is important that these systems are introduced slowly and carefully according to the instructions for each product.

“Spray or Vibration stimulation can be used in all situations”

The ECMA™ philosophy is to develop products that promote animal welfare and enhance owners’ communication and relationship with their pets.

As a founding member of ECMA™, PetSafe® Brand has a continuous concern to improve the well-being of pets, giving them harmony and integrating them into everyday life. PetSafe® Brand is committed to meeting the requirements laid out in the ECMA™ standards for pet protection products for sale in European Union countries.

All PetSafe® Containment Systems meet these requirements.

YOU & YOUR PET

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Written and developed in conjunction with
David Chamberlain BVetMed. MRCVS
Veterinary Consultant to PetSafe