example, if your dog first barks when he is looking at a visitor to your home,
he may perceive the visitor as the cause of correction instead of his barking.
You should directly observe your dog’s first few reactions to the collar. Do
not leave your dog alone the first few times he receives a correction. In the
first time, your dog may yelp or yip or jump slightly. Do not be alarmed.
His first reaction will always be his most intense. After the initial correction,
his reactions will gradually lessen. Eventually, he will remain calm and just
stop barking.
Train your dog only in this initial situation until he has learned what the
consequence to barking is. Only then should you move on to the next
situation. This will help ensure that your dog understands that barking is the
behavior he must avoid, no matter what his reason for barking.
Long-term training tips
You should notice an improvement in your dog’s barking within the first
week of training. At this point, some dog owners feel that the problem has
been solved, but in most cases it is still not complete. Most, if not every, dog
will test this new learning experience by increasing their attempts to get away
with barking. This testing period usually occurs during the second week of
training. When it does occur, you must remain consistent – do not alter your
use of the bark control system.
12
400-646
4/14/03, 12:55 PM
12