User's Manual
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General Training Tips
Getting started with your ARC Handsfree
Your dog must know some very basic obedience commands
before beginning training with the ARC Handsfree. A dog
learns by rst being shown a command, followed by lots
of repetition over an extended period. As the dog becomes
procient at these commands, the trainer can introduce
distractions and different locations to strengthen them. Throw
in the correct amount of positive and negative reinforcement
and you should end up with a well-mannered dog.
Obedience training on the leash
Your dog must fully understand the obedience commands
(sit, stay, here, heel and kennel) before using the e-collar
for reinforcement of these commands. A leash attached to a
standard collar is used to "teach" the dog the basic obedience
commands (here, heel, sit, and stay). A tug on the leash/collar
is used to reinforce the command. When the dog complies
with the command, we use praise/positive reinforcement.
Once the dog understands these commands, the e-collar can
be used to reinforce them.
Beginning e-collar training
When you feel your dog understands the obedience
commands on the leash we can now start with the electric
collar training. With the dog on the leash wearing the electric
collar continue with your obedience drills.
Light stimulation (nick or constant) is going to be applied as
a command is given, the stimulation is removed as the dog
complies. Through repetition, a dog learns to turn off the light
stimulation by performing the command. E-collar training is
another form of negative reinforcement, similar to the leash
and standard collar training. When the dog complies with the
command, we use praise/positive reinforcement.
The nal step is the avoidance phase in which the dog learns
that he can avoid the stimulation altogether by performing
your commands. When these training procedures are
complete, the electric collar is used as a reminder when the
dog does not comply with your commands at home or in the
eld. Keep your initial training sessions short and positive.
Dogs have a short attention span, especially young dogs.
How much stimulation to use
Always start with low levels of stimulation and work your
way up depending on the disposition of your dog and any
given situation. By using only enough stimulation to get your
point across, you will have a more controllable environment
and a dog that is under less stress. Animals (and humans)
perform better in a less stressful environment.
For more training information, please visit our website at
www.dogtra.com.