- Understanding the Purpose of Training
Training is a method of changing your dog’s behavior. If used properly, your SideWalker Leash Trainer will help you train more effectively so you begin to shape your dog’s behaviors and gain better control of your dog in and outside the home.
- Dog Personalities and Traits
Keep in mind that dog personalities and traits differ among and within breeds.
It is important to understand your dog’s unique personality.Remember, a dog who is easily distracted may take longer to train. Understanding your dog will make the training easier for both of you!
- Creating the Right Environment
Keep the training “light.” Use lots of praise. Keep the dog’s spirits high.
Use a high happy voice for praise. Use a low, stern voice for negative commands. Use calm, soothing tones to keep eager, energetic dogs focused and enthusiastic praise to keep quiet dogs engaged in the activity.
In the early stages, limit the training session to 15-20 minutes. Include periods of free play and praise to keep your dog enthusiastic and happy.
- Traditional Leash Training
The sensation from the collar combined with leash pressure you initiate will help guide the dog into the desired position. Sometimes you will initiate the leash pressure by pulling back on the leash and sometimes the dog will self-correct his pulling behavior by pulling forward on the leash.
Whether you activate the SideWalker through your Actions, or the dog activates the SideWalker independently, the result will be the same. The Dog will begin to pull less and will respond more quickly to your commands. - Proper Fit of the SideWalker
Proper fit is very important. The collar strap should be slightly loose. You should be able to easily insert your thumb between the dog’s neck and the inside of the collar strap.
If the collar strap is too tight, the vibration or stimulation may be triggered even when the dog is not pulling.
If the collar is too loose the vibration or stimulation may be inconsistent or the dog may not feel the sensation at all.
- Introducing your dog to the SideWalker
Some Dogs may benefit from learning the “pressure on/pressure off” sequence before training begins. Put the Dog on a tie-out and walk away. When the dog tries to follow you, he will learn that pulling on the leash activates the collar.
Most dogs learn quickly that the collar activation begins when they reach the end of the tie out leash. When they stop pulling, the sensation stops.
