Basic Training
Basic Training
W i t h T h e T r i - T r o n i c s
E l e c t r o n i c C o l l a r
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your Tri-Tronics Remote Trainer will make it
easier for your dog to learn, and easier for you
to train your dog. With the aid of this training
manual and our Basic Training video which
also accompanies your new remote trainer,
your dog can learn with tail-wagging enthusiasm
those useful obedience commands. “Come,”
“Sit,” “Heel,” and “Down.” In addition, your dog
can learn to avoid the nasty habits like chasing,
destructive chewing, and jumping up. Teach
your canine best friend to become the good
citizen he can be, as you set the foundation for
more advanced field or competition training
too! If you have any questions or would like
more training information, we’re here to help.
You can reach us at 1 (800) 456-4343.
Second Edition, July, 2002
Published by Tri-Tronics, Inc., Tucson, Arizona
Copyright © 2002 Tri-Tronics, Inc.
All rights reserved. Printed in the USA.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
TWO WAYS TO USE REMOTE TRAINERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
KEEPING THE DOG FROM BECOMING COLLAR-WISE . . . . . 1
DO NOT LEAVE A TRI-TRONICS COLLAR ON A DOG
ALL THE TIME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
INTENSITY SELECTION TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
STOPPING MISBEHAVIORS
GENERAL POINTERS FOR STOPPING MISBEHAVIORS . . . . . 6
JUMPING UP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
DIGGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CHASING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
JUMPING ON FURNITURE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
EATING WHAT’S NOT ALLOWED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CONTROLLING BARKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
AGGRESSION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
OBEDIENCE PROGRAM
WHAT TRAINING PROGRAM SHOULD YOU USE?. . . . . . . . 19
HOW DOGS LEARN. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
THE “COME” COMMAND WITH THE REMOTE TRAINER. . 22
THE “SIT” COMMAND WITH THE REMOTE TRAINER . . . . 25
THE “HEEL” COMMAND WITH THE REMOTE TRAINER. . . 29
THE “DOWN” COMMAND WITH THE REMOTE TRAINER . 31
USING THE NO-STIMULATION SIGNAL TONE FOR TRAINING . 34
MORE TRAINING INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
T R I - T R O N I C S
Table Of Contents
Notes:
T R I - T R O N I C S
N o t e s
INTRODUCTION
TWO WAYS TO USE REMOTE TRAINERS
There are two ways to use your Remote Trainer in dog
training. You can use it to reinforce commands, like “Come”
or “Heel,” and you can use it to stop misbehaviors, like digging
and jumping up. This booklet will give you some instruction
in both types of training.
If you plan to use your Remote Trainer to reinforce more
than one command (for example, both the “Come” and “Sit”
commands, an introductory program like the one on page
19-33 of this booklet can be helpful.
Just because a dog understands a command does not mean
that he automatically understands a correction from a Remote
Trainer. A step-by-step introduction to the Remote Trainer
can help him relate his own failure to obey with the correction
he receives, and can keep him from becoming confused.
KEEPING THE DOG FROM BECOMING COLLAR-WISE
A collar-wise dog is one who sees not wearing the collar as
a cue that now he is free to disobey commands. If your dog
becomes collar-wise, the collar will be less useful in your
training program than it otherwise would be.
Here are some tips to help keep your dog from
becoming collar-wise
When you are training commands, don’t work the dog
without the collar too soon. All dogs have their moments
of forgetfulness after they seem to have learned a lesson.
Be prepared to remind a “forgetful” dog. You can make a
dog collar-wise if you work him without the collar before
his obedience has become a habit in many different locations.
Don’t make the training mistake of removing the collar in t h e
middle of a session to “see if the dog will still do it without the
collar.” If you put the collar on or take it off in the middle of a
training session, you will tend to make your dog collar- w i s e
because you’ll give him an opportunity to compare results.
T R I - T R O N I C S
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Introduction Page 1
T R I - T R O N I C S
I n t r o d u c t i o n
A good rule of thumb is to have the collar on the dog during
training for 30 days after the last time you had to press a
button. Also, you should plan on having the collar on the
dog during training for 30 days after you have reintroduced
the collar to help with a particular problem. Remember that
these rules apply in every situation in which you might need
to reinforce a command with the collar, not just in formal
training sessions.
If you are using the collar for problem behaviors...
A dog can also become collar-wise if you are using the collar
to stop problem behaviors. Here are some tips to prevent your
dog from becoming collar-wise in this situation.
1. Have the dog get used to wearing the collar and to seeing
you handle the transmitter a few days before you correct
the dog for the first time.
2. Always put the collar on the dog at least 30 minutes
before correcting the dog with it. Don’t use the collar
right after putting it on the dog or he will associate
having it put on with the corrections he receives.
3. Place the collar on the dog at various times without
using it, so that having it put on his neck won’t have
any special significance to him. You want the dog to
be unaware that wearing the collar is related to the
corrections he receives.
Remember that dogs are very sensitive and will pick up
on minor things about your behavior. So when you put
the collar on the dog at random times, use the same tone
of voice and mannerisms if possible. Also, sometimes
carry and handle the transmitter in the dog’s presence
without using it. This neutralizes the picture of you
carrying the transmitter. (Dogs can become transmitter-wise
just as they can become collar-wise.)
Page 2 Basic Training With The Tri-Tronics Electronic Collar
Some dogs who have been confused by collar corrections in
the past can learn to feel inhibited simply by wearing a collar.
They can become reluctant to leave their owner’s side any
time the collar is worn, even though they’re never corrected.
To make sure your dog doesn’t feel this way about wearing
the collar, use correct procedures for introducing it in training,
such as those in the obedience program on page 19-36.
INTENSITY SELECTION TIPS
The correct intensity for training is normally one that will
motivate the dog, but not overwhelm him. Dogs are like
people in that they all have individual sensitivity levels. Also,
different types of training call for different levels of intensity.
So it’s wise to test your dog to find the correct intensity level
before you start training.
T R I - T R O N I C S
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Introduction Page 3
DO NOT LEAVE A TRI-TRONICS COLLAR ON A DOG
ALL THE TIME
The collar should not be left on the dog for more than
ten hours at a time. Leaving a Tri-Tronics collar on a
dog continuously can cause skin irritation (from rubbing).
Inspect your dog’s neck regularly; some dog’s skin is
more sensitive than other dog’s, and more prone to
become irritated. If irritation develops, leave the collar
off the dog until the condition has cleared up. Consult
your Owner’s Manual for additional information.
IMPORTANT: For best results when finding your dog’s
sensitivity, use continuous stimulation. If your transmitter
has more than one button for continuous stimulation, use
the button for the lowest level when finding your dog’s
sensitivity.
NOTE: If your dog overreacts (vocalizes or acts“rattled”)
when you use the lowest level of continuous stimulation
that’s available on your collar model, then retest for
sensitivity starting with the lowest level of momentary
stimulation if available on your model.
T R I - T R O N I C S
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Finding the lowest intensity in your collar model
To perform the sensitivity test, you should start with the
lowest level of intensity and work up. How you achieve
the “lowest level of intensity” depends on your collar model.
Adjusting intensity generally includes two types of adjustment.
First, there is an adjustment to the basic intensity of the
collar, using variable contact points, plugs, or a rotary
selection knob on the transmitter, depending on model.
Second, there are “low, medium, and high” levels of this
basic intensity, achieved with different transmitter buttons.
If you aren’t sure of your model’s features, check your
Owner’s Manual, or call our Customer Service Department
at 1-800-456-4343.
Test procedure
After setting your collar intensity at its lowest possible
level, wait until your dog is not paying attention to you
or to anything else. Then press the lowest possible
continuous stimulation button. Watch the dog’s expression.
You want to see him cock his ears, or quickly move his head.
He may have a quizzical expression on his face. This tells you
that the dog has felt the stimulation but is not overwhelmed
by it. If you see no reaction at all in the dog, increase the
intensity by one level and repeat the test. Work your way
up through the different intensities until you find the one
that makes your dog react as described. If your dog overreacts
(vocalizes) when you press the button, or starts to act worried,
you have selected a position that’s probably too high for
introductory training.
Page 4 Basic Training With The Tri-Tronics Electronic Collar
When you test your dog’s physical sensitivity to
stimulation, he should not be distracted by anything
and you should not give him any command when you
press the button. If he is distracted or trying to obey
a command, you won’t be able to accurately “read” his
reactions to the mild stimulation.
When to increase or decrease intensity
You may wish to increase the intensity of stimulation during
training if (1) the dog is not responding to the corrections,
particularly when he is distracted, (2) you use the momentary
buttons instead of continuous for most of your training, or (3)
you are using the Remote Trainer to stop the dog when he is
chasing something. You may wish to decrease the intensity
of stimulation during training if (1) the dog appears to be
becoming concerned or anxious when corrected, (2) you are
correcting the dog when he is not very far away from you,
especially when he is not distracted or excited, or (3) the dog
frequently overreacts (vocalizes) when he is corrected.
T R I - T R O N I C S
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Introduction Page 5
T R I - T R O N I C S
St opping Misbehaviors
STOPPING MISBEHAVIORS
GENERAL POINTERS FOR STOPPING MISBEHAVIORS
Here are some pointers to keep in mind when you
use a Remote Trainer to stop a dog’s misbehaviors.
1. Consistency and correct timing are the keys
to success. Press the button the moment the dog
makes the mistake. You want him to think he caused
the correction by taking a particular action, and he
cannot learn this if your corrections are too late.
2. Keep yourself “out of the picture” if you can. You’d
like the dog to think that he caused the correction by his
own action. Therefore, it’s best to say nothing as you
correct him.
3. Choosing continuous or momentary stimulation.
For most problem solving, momentary stimulation is
the best choice, although continuous will also work. To
stop a dog from chasing something and for controlling
excessive barking, continuous stimulation is preferable.
4. Remember, some misbehaviors are easier to prevent
than change. Maybe there is a way to remove the
temptation and solve the problem. For example, if the
dog steals the garbage, it might be easier to put the
garbage where the dog can’t get into it.
Page 6 Basic Training With The Tri-Tronics Electronic Collar
NOTE: Are you training with a collar that only has
momentary stimulation? If so, then use a series of “taps”
of momentary whenever this booklet calls for continuous
stimulation.
5. General obedience training can help dogs with
behavior problems. Obedience training (“Heel,” “Sit,”
“Down,” “Stay,” “Come,” etc.) teaches your dog to respect
you more. It teaches you how to communicate with your
dog more effectively.
Also, many problem behaviors can often be traced to the
dog having too much energy and no outlet for it. Regular
obedience training sessions for just 20 minutes a day will
give your dog a job to do and a chance to wear off excess
energy; he will become a much calmer and more welcome
companion.
JUMPING UP
Dogs jump up because it leads to something they like –
attention. Jumping up can be hard to cure if people around
the dog are inconsistent about when they’ll allow it. Correcting
the dog for jumping up won’t cure the problem if some family
members or guests reward the dog for jumping up by giving
him the attention he likes.
Obedience training is very helpful for dogs that like to jump
up. When the dog wants to jump up, have him “Sit” instead.
Then you can reward him with praise and attention for sitting
instead of jumping up.
Lesson Plan to Stop Jumping Up
Set the intensity to the level you selected for your dog in the
section, “Intensity selection tips” on page 3. Approach the dog
and cause him to jump up. The instant the dog jumps up,
press the stimulation button. You want the dog to associate
the very beginning of the act of jumping up with the displeasure.
Repeat this process every time the dog jumps up, until he stops
trying. Repeat this lesson with other people in different places.
Make sure the dog has no opportunities to jump up without a
correction until he has gone for three days without trying to
jump up, even though he has had the chance.
T R I - T R O N I C S
St o pping Misbeh avi ors
Stopping Misbehaviors Page 7
T R I - T R O N I C S
St opping Misbehaviors
If after several corrections the dog does not seem at all
discouraged from jumping up, raise the intensity by one level.
Be careful not to increase the intensity too much or too quickly
because using too strong an intensity for jumping up could
cause the dog to be afraid of the person he jumps on. You
can use this same method to stop a dog from jumping up on
barriers like fences, patio doors, and screen doors.
DIGGING
Curing this problem is a challenge because dogs usually dig
when they’re bored and no one’s around. When you’re home
and paying attention to your dog, you may not see him
digging.
Lesson Plan to Stop Digging
Set the intensity to the level you selected for your dog in the
section, “Intensity Selection Tips.” Place the dog by himself
in an area where he is likely to dig. Watch him, but don’t let
him know it. When he begins to dig, immediately press
the stimulation button. If the dog does not respond to the
Page 8 Basic Training With The Tri-Tronics Electronic Collar
Jumping up – summary of steps
• Use a pre-selected level of intensity.
• Approach the dog and cause him to jump up.
• Press the stimulation button the instant the dog
jumps up. Good timing is important.
• Raise the intensity by one level if the dog is not
responsive after several corrections.
• Repeat in several places with different people.
• Don’t give the dog a chance to jump up without
correcting him until he has gone for three days
without trying to jump up.
• Use this same method to stop the dog from
jumping on barriers.
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