Collar Training
Begin training your dog on a leash, without using the Alpha training system. After the dog shows a grasp of the
commands "heel," "sit," and "here," you can begin training with the collar and the leash.
During the initial stage of collar introduction, the dog learns that collar stimulation means the same thing as a
tug on the leash. At first, the dog may be alarmed by the electronic stimulation. The key is to be patient and
consistent and not to start off at too high of an intensity. Be fair and consistent, and use repetition and praise
when using the collar as a training tool.
If the dog does not respond to the stimulation level you have selected (
Choosing the Correct Intensity Level,
), increase the stimulation one level at a time until you achieve the appropriate response. After you
achieve the desired response, you can lower the stimulation level as long as the dog maintains consistency.
As the dog becomes more proficient with the commands, you can begin to introduce distractions, such as
rolling a ball in front of the dog or walking him in the presence of others.
After the dog begins to respond consistently to the command during collar training, you can remove the leash
and train with just the collar.
NOTE: You should train without a leash only when it is appropriate for your environment and your dog's
temperament. You should follow all laws and regulations for your area regarding the use of dog leashes.
Eventually in most training situations, your commands will not require stimulation to be given with the
command. You should only use stimulation when you need to repeat a command because the dog did not obey
the first one.
As the dog becomes better trained, you can decrease the use of collar training. Continue to have the dog wear
the collar until you feel certain that it is no longer needed to reinforce known commands. Abandoning the collar
too early can lead to problems in the future.
Connected Features
Connected features are available for your Alpha device when you connect the device to a wireless network or a
compatible smartphone using Bluetooth
®
technology. Some features require you to install the Garmin Explore
™
for more information.
BirdsEye imagery: Allows you to download BirdsEye Satellite Imagery directly to your device when connected to
a Wi‑Fi
®
network.
Garmin Explore: The Garmin Explore app syncs and shares waypoints, tracks, and routes with your device. You
can also download maps to your smartphone for offline access.
Software Updates: Allows you to receive updates for your device software when connected to a Wi‑Fi network.
Pairing a Smartphone with Your Device
1 Bring your compatible smartphone within 10 m (33 ft.) of your device.
2 From the main menu on your device, select Setup > Bluetooth.
3 On your compatible smartphone, enable Bluetooth technology, and open the Garmin Explore app.
4 From the Garmin Explore app, select Devices > Pair Device.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions in the Garmin Explore app to pair your device.
Connecting to a Wireless Network
1 Select Setup > Wi-Fi.
2 Select the toggle switch to enable Wi‑Fi technology, if necessary.
3 Select Add Network.
4 Select a wireless network from the list and enter the password, if necessary.
The device stores the network information and connects automatically when you return to this location.
Connected Features
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