Proofing Commands:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work these commands with the following proofing techniques.

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about 20 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. “NO” or “Nope”. Use your negative marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with the 2-Taps of the Nick Button at the sound of the first letter in the command.  TAP, TAP, TAP.  Commands using 2-Taps:  SIT, DOWN, OFF, COME/HERE, QUIET.

Commands using Rhythm Taps:
– Place: TAP, TAP, TAP, etc., until the dog is making the effort to go to PLACE. Stim level can increase if the dog tries to go the other direction or ignores you.
– Heel: TAP, TAP, TAP, etc., until the dog finds your leg.

13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  
15. BREAK!  Remember to use “BREAK” with excitement to let your dog know they are done working for you at the moment.

Command:  COME or HERE

STIM Button Technique:  

“COME/HERE”:  2 Taps of the Stimulation (STIM) Nick Button.  Increase rheostat levels if command is not followed.  May start rhythmic tapping if dog ignores or goes the other direction.

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. “NO” or “Nope” is a marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with the 2-Taps of the Nick Button at the sound of the first letter in the command.  TAP, TAP, TAP.
13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  

“COME/HERE” Practice:  

1. Please NOTE:  We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.
2. 3-D’s:  Distance, Distraction, Duration.  With “COME/HERE”, practice at a Distance & with Distraction.  Use a rope/long-leash at distance in case leash pressure is needed in addition to the STIM pressure of the E-Collar.  Set the dog up to make good choices.  Distractions allow the dog to make successful choices.  
3. Puppy Ping Pong with 2 leashes.
4. Walk backwards while executing “COME/HERE” to entice the dog to instinctively execute the command.  Help them build their confidence!  We need to set the dog up for success!
5. Do NOT take no for an answer.  Hold the dog accountable to do what you are telling them to do.
6. End every session with SUCCESS!  And a lot of LOVE/PRAISE!!!

Additional Proofing for the COME or HERE Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “COME” command with the following proofing techniques.

COME or HERE:  When issuing the command, do these things:

• Distance:  practice your recall (COME or HERE) over increasing distances.
• Duration: while walking, increase the length of time you walk with them in your bubble.  This is different than the HEEL command.  
• Distraction
  • Use a toy as a Distraction
  • Use a treat as a Distraction
  • If you have another person, have them jump out of excitement
  • Make noises (without the come command) to try to break dog
  • Bring out another dog (another owner dog or personal dog)
  • Knock on door / ring doorbell
• Walking away while dog is in a COME command.
• Different body languages from human while issuing the command.
  • Sitting
  • Facing away from dog
  • Laying down
• Outside, work the command in different environments
  • In public settings (park, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)
• Go in a different room and while out of sight, issue the command.
• Having other dogs play around the working dog while maintaining the command
• Puppy ping pong

Command:  SIT

STIM Button Technique:  2 Taps of the Stimulation (STIM) Nick Button.  Increase rheostat levels when command is not followed.  

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about 20 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. “NO”.  Remember, NO is a marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with the 2-Taps of the Nick Button at the sound of the first letter in the command.  TAP, TAP, TAP.
13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  

“SIT” Practice:  

1. With the SIT command there is an implied “STAY”.  We do not have a STAY command in our system.  We expect the dog to maintain a command until we issue another command or give the dog a “BREAK”.  The BREAK command is the word used to tell the dog to take a break.  Just go be a dog.  
2. Once the dog has been introduced to the “SIT” command with the E-Collar, practice your 2-Tap method (see #12 above) with the dog until you and the dog feel comfortable with the SIT command.
3. Leash Pressure:  You will likely need to help the dog with a refresher on what you are asking them to do.  Keep the leash on and provide 45-Degree leash pressure to entice the dog to sit while using your E-Collar 2-TAP pressure.  The goal is to use less and less leash pressure until only the E-Collar pressure is necessary.  
4. 3-D’s…DURATION- DISTRACTION-DISTANCE.  Once you’ve got your rhythm with the E-Collar and the dog understands what is being asked of him, start working on the 3-D’s of obedience training.  Again, we expect the dog to execute the command until given another command or a BREAK.  
5. DURATION:  Put the dog in a SIT for longer and longer durations.  Help them focus.  When the dog loses focus and they break the sit on their own, you MUST put them right back in the SIT where they were.  It is important to put them back where they were.  This helps the dog understand they must maintain the SIT until you, the handler, tells them otherwise.  Hold your dog accountable.  This may take a lot of patience and repetition.  You CANNOT let the dog chose when they can take a break!  Don’t get angry.  Reference #5 and #6 above.  
6. DISTRACTION:  Introduce distractions to the SIT command. Food, toys, kids, people, etc.  Have someone squat and hold out their arms out towards the dog without saying anything.  This is inviting and will entice the dog to come to them.  When they break their SIT, say NO and place them back in the same spot.  Remember to use your marker word (YES) immediately upon successful execution of the command.  Then pay them with praise.  We reward effort and execution.  It is OK to give treats.  But again…this is a reward…not a bribe.  Find the largest distractions to your dog and set them up to make the correct choices.  Remember, don’t get angry or frustrated, just put them back in the same place.  Patience and persistence.  Hold them accountable.  
7. DISTANCE:  Execute the SIT command at longer and longer distances.  Start with shorter distances and work your way up.  The dog’s instinct will be to come to you to execute the SIT command.  Help the dog understand they need to execute the command at distance.  You may need to walk to them and put them in a SIT and walk back to where you issued the command.  You will likely need to interrupt their thought process of the dog coming to you buy increasing the stim levels.
8. Do NOT take no for an answer.  Hold the dog accountable to do what you are telling them to do.
9. End every session with SUCCESS!  And a lot of LOVE/PRAISE!!!

Additional Proofing for the SIT Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “SIT” command with the following proofing techniques.

SIT:  When issuing the command, do these things:

• Pull leash
• Distance, work up your distance from the dog.
  • Issue the command and walk away
  • When the dog is away from you, issue the command
• Duration, work up the duration the dog holds the command
• Distraction
  • Use a toy as a Distraction
  • Use a treat as a Distraction
  • If you have another person, have them jump out of excitement
  • Make noises (without the come command) to try to break dog
  • Bring out another dog (another owner dog or personal dog)
  • Knock on door / ring doorbell
• Walking away while dog is in a SIT command.
• Different body languages from human while issuing the command.
  • Sitting
  • Facing away from dog
  • Laying down
• Outside, work the command in different environments
  • In public settings (park, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)
• Go in a different room and while out of sight, issue the command.
• Having other dogs play around the working dog while maintaining the command
• Puppy Pushups:  Put the dog in a DOWN and then a SIT.  Repeat.
• Say the dog’s name
• Say words that are not another obedience command or a BREAK command such as praise words (good, good boy, nice job, etc.) to ensure the dog is listening to specific commands. 

Command:  PLACE

STIM Button Technique:  Rhythmic tapping of the Stimulation (STIM) Nick Button like a heartbeat until the dog is making the effort to go to “PLACE” where you are asking them to go/be.  Increase rheostat levels when command is not followed, and increase more significantly if the dog attempts to go away from the PLACE. 

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about 20 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 hours per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. ““NO” or “Nope” is a marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with a rhythmic TAP of the Nick Button like a heartbeat at the sound of the first letter in the PLACE command.
13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  

“PLACE” Practice:  

1. “PLACE” is something with a boundary that you can instruct your dog to go to.  Their cot, a rug, a stump, a bench, a utility cabinet, and/or anything else with a defined boundary.  

NOTE:  DO NOT point with your E-Collar Remote.  

2. Apply the buttons like a heartbeat while playing the game “floor is lava” where all four paws must be on place to be successful.
3. Start with their cot at home.  
4. You will need to start with leash pressure to show the dog what you are asking and where they need to be.  Use 45 degree leash pressure.  
5. 3-D’s…DURATION- DISTRACTION-DISTANCE.  Once the dog understands what is being asked of him, start working on the 3-D’s of obedience training.  Again, we expect the dog to execute the command until given another command or a BREAK.  
6. DURATION:  Put the dog in a PLACE for longer and longer durations.  Help them focus.  When the dog loses focus and they break the PLACE on their own, you MUST put them right back in the PLACE where they were.  It is important to put them back where they were.  This helps the dog understand they must maintain the PLACE until you, the handler, tells them otherwise.  Hold your dog accountable.  This may take a lot of patience and repetition.  You CANNOT let the dog chose when they can take a break!  Don’t get angry.  Reference #5 and #6 above.   
7. DISTRACTION:  Introduce distractions to the PLACE command. Ring the doorbell or knock on the door.  Use food, toys, kids, people, etc.  Have someone squat and hold out their arms out towards the dog without saying anything.  This is inviting and will entice the dog to come to them.  When they break their PLACE, say NO and place them back in the same spot.  Remember to use your marker word (YES) immediately upon successful execution of the command.  Then pay them with praise.  We reward effort and execution.  It is OK to give treats.  But again…this is a reward…not a bribe.  Find the largest distractions to your dog and set them up to make the correct choices.  Remember, don’t get angry or frustrated, just put them back in the same place.  Patience and persistence.  Hold them accountable.  
8. DISTANCE:  Practicing “PLACE” at a distance is a bit more difficult.  The dog must understand the ask of “where” to “PLACE”.   Repetition over time will help with Distance for the “PLACE” command.
9. Do NOT take no for an answer.  Hold the dog accountable to do what you are telling them to do.
10. End every session with SUCCESS!  And a lot of LOVE/PRAISE!!!

Additional Proofing for the PLACE Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “PLACE” command with the following proofing techniques.

PLACE:  While in the PLACE command do these things:

• Ring the doorbell and send the dog to PLACE.  If they break the place, put them back.
  • Have family/friends enter and setup conversations with different energy levels, pitches, and tones.
• Make dog place on smaller objects
• Have dog turn on places
• Distance
  • Put your dog in PLACE and walk away.  Extend your distances from the dog.  If they break their PLACE, put them back.  
• Duration
  • Work up the time the dog is in PLACE
• Distraction
  • Throwing a toy
  • Throwing a treat
  • Jump out with excitement
• Petting the dog and walking away
• Pull leash while in PLACE
• Different body languages.
  • Different orientations (front, side, back to dog)
  • Squat/sit and hold your arms out towards the dog
  • Have other people use different body languages
• Turn your back to the dog and walk away
• Say words that are not another obedience command or a BREAK command such as praise words (good, good boy, nice job, etc.) to ensure the dog is listening to specific commands.  

Command:  HEEL

STIM Button Technique:  Rhythmic tapping of the Stimulation (STIM) Nick Button like a heartbeat until the dog is in the heel position.  Increase rheostat levels until you find a level that the dog “cares” about.

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about 20 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. “NO” or “Nope” is a marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with a rhythmic TAP of the Nick Button like a heartbeat at the sound of the first letter in the HEEL command.
13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  

“HEEL” Practice:  

1. HEEL is both a position and a command.  The dog’s shoulder should be in line with your leg.  This is the “position” the dog needs to be in as you walk.  You will Rhythm TAP the E-Collar controller until the dog is in the position needed for the “HEEL” command.  Stop Rhythm Tapping when the dog is in the correct position.  You can HEEL on the left or the right.  Whichever side you pick, stay with it and be consistent.  
2. Your footwork is VERY important!  Consult your trainer for proper footwork to practice.  
3. Once the dog has been introduced to the “HEEL” command with the E-Collar, practice your Rhythm TAP method (see #12 above) with the dog until you and the dog feel comfortable with the HEEL command.
4. Leash Pressure:  You will likely need to help the dog with a refresher on what you are asking them to do.  Keep the leash on and provide leash pressure to help the dog understand the “HEEL” location/position while using your E-Collar Rhythm TAP pressure.  The goal is to use less and less leash pressure until only the E-Collar pressure is necessary.  
5. PRONG COLLAR:  The prong collar is very useful in aiding with leash pressure to help the dog understand the position they should be in.  When the dog loses focus, give a quick “pop” of the leash to get their attention.  This is not punitive.  You are demanding the dog’s focus be on you.  This is NOT to be done hard enough to hurt the dog.  
6. The “J” Leash!  The goal is to walk with a sagging “J” in the leash where the leash is sagging in the shape of a “J”.  This will take practice to get to the “J” walk.  
7. Do NOT walk looking at the dog.  Keep your head high, looking forward.  Arms relaxed.  Calm, assertive energy! 
8. Straight Lines.  Practice the HEEL command by walking straight lines with a 180-Degree turn.  Use proper footwork and proper leash handling techniques as shown by your trainer when you turn.
9. BOX DRILLS.  Walk in squares/rectangles to practice your footwork and the dog’s execution of the HEEL command.  Make inside turns and then outside turns.  
10. Shuffle your feet when coming to a stop and issue the “SIT” command.  Over time, the dog will associate the shuffle to the “SIT” command and automatically SIT when you stop.  
11. If the dog is having trouble walking close enough to you, or sitting beside you when stopped, HEEL the dog down a wall so they have no place to escape/move to.  
12. Vary your speed while practicing the HEEL command.  Walk slow, then fast.  Jog, the run.  
13. 3-D’s…DURATION- DISTRACTION-DISTANCE.  Once you’ve got your rhythm with the E-Collar and the dog understands what is being asked of him, start working on the 3-D’s of obedience training.  Again, we expect the dog to execute the command until given another command or a BREAK.  
14. DURATION:  Put the dog in a HEEL for longer and longer durations.  Help them focus.  When the dog loses focus and they break the HEEL on their own, you MUST put them right back in the HEEL where they were.  It is very important to put them back where they were.  This helps the dog understand they must maintain the HEEL until you, the handler, tells them otherwise.  Hold your dog accountable.  This may take a lot of patience and repetition.  You CANNOT let the dog chose when they can take a break!  Don’t get angry.  Reference #5 and #6 above.  
15. DISTRACTION:  Introduce distractions to the HEEL command. Dogs, food, toys, kids, people, etc.  Have someone squat and hold out their arms out towards the dog without saying anything.  This is inviting and will entice the dog to come to them.  When they break their HEEL, say “NO” and place them back in the same spot.  Remember to use your marker word (YES) immediately upon successful execution of the command.  Successful execution is when they are in the place where they are supposed to be.  Then pay them with praise.  We reward effort and execution.  It is OK to give treats.  But again…this is a reward…not a bribe.  Find the largest distractions to your dog and set them up to make the correct choices.  Remember, don’t get angry or frustrated, just put them back in the same place.  Patience and persistence.  Hold them accountable.  
16. DISTANCE:  Longer walks.  Start with shorter distances and work your way up.  
17. Puppy Push Ups.  This is only for dogs that are successful at “HEEL”.  Using the NICK Button, place the dog in a “SIT” then ask it to “HEEL” and then ask it to “SIT” again.  It looks like Push Ups.  
18. Apply challenges to the dog with Push Ups with Distance, Distraction, and Duration (switch up the duration between how long the dog is in a down and how long it is in a sit, etc.).
19. Do NOT take no for an answer.  Hold the dog accountable to do what you are telling them to do.
20. End every session with SUCCESS!  And a lot of LOVE/PRAISE!!!

Additional Proofing for the HEEL Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “HEEL” command with the following proofing techniques.

HEEL:  While in the HEEL command do these things:

• Pull leash
• Duration (long walk)
• Box drills
• Walking in different paces
  • Walking slow
  • Walking normal
  • Fast walking
  • Light jog
  • Jog
  • Run
• Distraction
  • Throwing a toy
  • Throwing a treat
  • Jump out of excitement
  • Petting the dog and walking away
  • Call dogs name
• Bring out another dog (another owner dog or personal dog)
• Knock on door / ring doorbell 
• Having other dogs play around the working dog while maintaining the command
• Outside
• In public settings (park, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)

Command:  DOWN

STIM Button Technique:  2 Taps of the Stimulation (STIM) Nick Button.  Increase rheostat levels when command is not followed.  

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about 20 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. “NO”.  Remember, NO is a marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with the 2-Taps of the Nick Button at the sound of the first letter in the command.  TAP, TAP,
13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  

“DOWN” Practice:  

1. Please NOTE:  We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.
2. With the DOWN command there is an implied “STAY”.  We do not have a STAY command in our system.  We expect the dog to maintain a command until we issue another command or give the dog a “BREAK”.  The BREAK command is the word used to tell the dog to take a break.  Just go be a dog.  
3. Once the dog has been introduced to the “DOWN” command with the E-Collar, practice your 2-Tap method (see #12 above) with the dog until you and the dog feel comfortable with the DOWN command.
4. Leash Pressure:  You will likely need to help the dog with a refresher on what you are asking them to do.  Keep the leash on and provide leash pressure by stepping on the leash to put downward pressure to entice the dog to “DOWN” while using your E-Collar 2-TAP pressure.  The goal is to use less and less leash pressure until only the E-Collar pressure is necessary.  
5. 3-D’s…DURATION- DISTRACTION-DISTANCE.  Once you’ve got your rhythm with the E-Collar and the dog understands what is being asked of him, start working on the 3-D’s of obedience training.  Again, we expect the dog to execute the command until given another command or a BREAK.  
6. DURATION:  Put the dog in a DOWN for longer and longer durations.  Help them focus.  When the dog loses focus and they break the DOWN on their own, you MUST put them right back in the DOWN where they were.  It is important to put them back where they were.  This helps the dog understand they must maintain the DOWN until you, the handler, tells them otherwise.  Hold your dog accountable.  This may take a lot of patience and repetition.  You CANNOT let the dog chose when they can take a break!  Don’t get angry.  Reference #5 and #6 above.  
7. DISTRACTION:  Introduce distractions to the DOWN command. Food, toys, kids, people, etc.  Have someone squat and hold out their arms out towards the dog without saying anything.  This is inviting and will entice the dog to come to them.  When they break their DOWN, say NO and place them back in the same spot.  Remember to use your marker word (YES) immediately upon successful execution of the command.  Then pay them with praise.  We reward effort and execution.  It is OK to give treats.  But again…this is a reward…not a bribe.  Find the largest distractions to your dog and set them up to make the correct choices.  Remember, don’t get angry or frustrated, just put them back in the same place.  Patience and persistence.  Hold them accountable.  
8. DISTANCE:  Execute the DOWN command at longer and longer distances.  Start with shorter distances and work your way up.  The dog’s instinct will be to come to you to execute the DOWN command.  Help the dog understand they need to execute the command at distance.  You may need to walk to them and put them in a DOWN and walk back to where you issued the command.  You will likely need to interrupt their thought process of the dog coming to you buy increasing the NICK STIM levels.
9. Puppy Push Ups.  This is only for dogs that are successful at “DOWN”.  Using the NICK Button, place the dog in a “SIT” then ask it to “DOWN” and then ask it to “SIT” again.  It looks like Push Ups.  
10. Apply challenges to the dog with Push Ups with Distance, Distraction, and Duration (switch up the duration between how long the dog is in a down and how long it is in a sit, etc.).
11. Do NOT take no for an answer.  Hold the dog accountable to do what you are telling them to do.
12. End every session with SUCCESS!  And a lot of LOVE/PRAISE!!!

Additional Proofing for the DOWN Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “DOWN” command with the following proofing techniques.

DOWN:  While in the DOWN command do these things:

• Pull leash
• Distance, work up your distance from the dog.
• Duration, work up the duration the dog holds the command
• Distraction
  • Throwing a toy
  • Throwing a treat
  • Jump out of excitement
• Petting the dog and walking away
• Call dog’s name
• Different body languages from human while issuing the command
• Sitting
• Facing away from dog
• Laying down
• Outside, work the command in different environments
• In public settings (park, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)

• Bring out another dog (another owner dog or personal dog)
• Go in a different room
• Out of sight
• Knock on door / ring doorbell
• Having other dogs play around the working dog while maintaining the command
• Say words that are not another obedience command or a BREAK command such as praise words (good, good boy, nice job, etc.) to ensure the dog is listening to specific commands.  

Command:  OFF

STIM Button Technique:  

“OFF”:  2 Taps of the Stimulation (STIM) Nick Button.  Increase rheostat levels when command is not followed.  

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about 20 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. “NO” or “Nope” is a marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with the 2-Taps of the Nick Button at the sound of the first letter in the command.  TAP, TAP, TAP.
13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  

“OFF” Practice:  

1. OFF is broad-use command.  
2. Use when jumping on people or other dogs.  Neither action is good behavior.  
3. Use when you need to break the dog’s concentration.  Extended stares at other dogs can be provocative.  OFF that stare.  Squirrels, birds, food, feces…anything the dog should leave alone.  
4. Set the dogs up to make good choices.  Put food near them and “OFF” the dog with TAP-TAP-TAP (as mentioned in #12 above).  Invite someone that excites to dog and “OFF” them if they jump on them.  
5. Do NOT take no for an answer.  Hold the dog accountable to do what you are telling them to do.
6. End every session with SUCCESS!  And a lot of LOVE/PRAISE!!!

Additional Proofing for the OFF Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “OFF” command with the following proofing techniques.

OFF:  

• Ask friends/family to ring your doorbell and OFF the dog if they jump on the visitor
• Other Dogs: OFF your dog if they jump on other dogs.  Set this up, ask friendly dog owners for a play date.
• Distractions:
  • HEEL past food/treats
  • HEEL past toys
  • HEEL past other dog’s excrement
  • HEEL past other dogs/animals
  • HEEL past other people
• Place them in a SIT and put treats around them.  OFF their stare and demand that their eyes be back on you.  If they attempt to get the treat, OFF and place them back in a SIT.  
• Feeding Time.  Put them in a SIT and place the food in their feeding spot.  OFF them if they are distracted and want to rush to the food.  Place them back in the SIT for extended durations.  OFF them if they stare at the food and not you.  Give the BREAK command to allow them to eat.  

Command:  QUIET

STIM Button Technique:  

“QUIET”:  2 Taps of the Stimulation (STIM) Nick Button.  Increase rheostat levels when command is not followed.  

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice about 20 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Put E-Collar on with a positive action like mealtime.
3. Rotate E-Collar from side to side each day.  Be sure to check for any skin allergies.
4. Leave E-Collar on for at least 8 per day if possible.  Rotate from side to side every 2-4 hours.  You should be able to get 1 finger snuggly under a prong contact.  Do not fit the collar too loosely.  Remove E-Collar when unattended and overnight.  The E-Collar needs to become a normal daily routine.  
5. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
6. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
7. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
8. “NO”.  Remember, NO is a marker word for undesirable behavior with a correction.  Example:  If the dog breaks a SIT, “NO” and then place them back in the SAME spot with the “SIT” command (2-TAP STIM).
9. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
10. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
11. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.
12. Practice your coordination with the 2-Taps of the Nick Button at the sound of the first letter in the command.  TAP, TAP,
13. Always use the STIM/NICK when executing the command, no matter how well the dogs is doing.  We are using classical conditioning to associate a word/sound to an action.  
14. Be sure you are always evaluating the “Right Setting” for the baseline for the E-Collar stimulation (STIM).  We are always looking for the lowest effective setting the dog will respond to.  

“QUIET” Practice with your eCollar:  

1. QUIET should be used when excessive barking/whining/growling is occurring.  
2. It is OK for a dog to alert you, but excessive barking is poor manners.  
3. Set the dog up to make good choices.  Whatever triggers your dog to bark, set that situation up so you can start conditioning the dog with correct behavior.  Execute the “QUIET” command with a TAP-TAP-TAP as described in #12 above.  
4. Do NOT take no for an answer.  Hold the dog accountable to do what you are telling them to do.
5. End every session with SUCCESS!  And a lot of LOVE/PRAISE!!!

Additional Proofing for the QUIET Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “QUIET” command with the following proofing techniques.

QUIET:  In our opinion it is OK to allow the dog to alert.  However, if their barking is extended past the alert, issue the QUIET command.  

• Ring the doorbell and send the dog to PLACE.  If they break the place, put them back.  If they bark past their alert, give them the QUIET command.
• Triggers:  Set up scenarios that cause them to bark
  • Dogs in the distance or walking past your home.
  • Wildlife
  • People
  • Cars
  • Bicycles
  • Etc.
• Step Outside
  • Use a device (phone with active call up, a walkie-talkie for one-way communication, or a Ring Video camera, etc) to extend the distance between you and your dog.  If they bark, give them the OFF command.  Remember, depending on the eCollar, the ranges is ½ to ¾ of a mile.  

Command(s):  EYES or LOOK

STIM Button Technique:  

“EYES” or “LOOK”:  NO STIM Buttons…just a valued treat.  This is used to instill in the dog that good eye contact is a must.  All good things come from the handler.  This is typically used for puppies but is very effective for dogs of all ages.  Many trainers do not prefer to institute the EYES/LOOK command as it should be implied and automatic with extensive obedience training.  However, the command is useful for dogs that have anxiety and aggression issues.  

Focus Areas:  

1. Practice at least 20-25 minutes a day for 6 days per week.  Try to make it fun.  
2. Handler needs CALM ENERGY.  Do not get too excited!
3. Do not rapidly repeat commands.  Let the dog have time to make a choice.  
4. “YES”.  Use your marker word when a command is executed correctly.  The dog needs to know they executed the command correctly.  The marker needs to come within 1-2 seconds of a successful execution of a command.  Otherwise, the dog does not correlate his action to the command.  
5. Dogs need to get paid!  When the dog does the right thing, mark it with your marker word “YES”, and then reward!  Love, praise, and affection is a great reward.  
6. Don’t be afraid to use treats as praise, especially if the dog is timid.  Do NOT use treats to lure/bribe the dog to do a command.  Use them to celebrate a job well done.  Don’t use treats too much.  Make training fun and exciting.  Pay the dog!  
7. Look for ways to train when the dog is relaxed and having fun.  Don’t make training a chore for the dog.  Remember…dogs need to get paid for success!  Love, praise, affection, treats.

“EYES” or “LOOK” Practice:  

1. Please NOTE:  We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.
2. Hold treats in each hand.  Stretch out your arms out and reward/treat the dog every time they make and hold eye contact with you.  Treat as soon as they look at you with your marker word…YES.  Extend the Duration of the eye contact before rewarding.  We are conditioning the dog to know all great things start with eye contact.  Work at their level by sitting/kneeling and then work up to a stand.  
3. Introduce “LOOK” by bringing the treat in front of your eyes saying “LOOK”.  When they give eye contact, use your marker word “YES”.  Don’t forget that marker word.  

Additional Proofing for the “EYES” or “LOOK” Command:

We are setting the dog up to fail so we can REWARD the success.  Orchestrate scenarios to be able to make corrections so you can help your dog understand the correct behavior.  Again, REWARD success.  Work the “EYES” or “LOOK” command with the following proofing techniques.

EYES or LOOK:  While working the EYES or LOOK command do these things:

• Distance, place the dog in a “SIT” and work up your distance from the dog.
• Duration, increase the duration the dog holds the eye contact before rewarding the dog
• Distraction
  • Throwing a toy or treat
  • Jump out of excitement
• Outside, work the command in different environments
  • In public settings (park, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.)
• Bring out another dog (another owner dog or personal dog)