Petsafe

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.

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.

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.

There is also a collarless remote Training System for pet dogs that uses ultrasonic tone as the stimulation. The dog will learn to associate undesired behaviour with the negative tone and acceptable behaviour with a positive tone. A spray deterrent which detects motion, lets cats know what areas they can and can not enter. This can be useful for helping to keep cats off kitchen worktops and tables.

• 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.

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 months 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 anxiety and similar anxiety related disorders.