behaviour modification
This course is designed to work on reactivity and aggression. I use a variety of techniques to systematically desensitize your dog to their triggers. The course is not a “cure” for your dog’s issues but rather a way to give you the tools and techniques to read your dog’s body language; strengthen your connection with them; and know what to do when they encounter their triggers. The course includes an Ecollar Technologies Mini Educator 1⁄2-mile remote collar with upgrades to titanium contact posts and bungee strap ($310 value) and the long lines necessary for recall training. I also have a team of volunteers who help me with the lessons. If your dog has human aggression, then you MUST imprint a muzzle for all the lessons. I can send information separately on muzzles and how to condition them. There are 6 lessons, and they are arranged as follows:
Lesson 1: Consultation and Introduction to the Ecollar
This is a consultation lesson where we will go over the answers on the Behaviour Mod Questionnaire and I will explain the course curriculum. You will be given the Mini Educator collar and some handouts on anxiety and mindfulness to help with the “human” side of the training. There is no hands-on training at this lesson other than to fit the collar to your dog.
Lesson 2: Phase 1 Conditioning
Working at the lowest level your dog feels we teach your dog the LOOK command and RECALL while pairing it with the Ecollar to teach the dog the language of the collar. Conditioning is always done at the LOWEST level possible to put a positive spin on the Ecollar. This is not a corrective level, and it will only be used during conditioning. After conditioning, the collar is only used IF NECESSARY or as insurance for those “what if” moments when your dog doesn’t listen to you.
We will be using a marker word (YES) and high value treat to reinforce the positive nature of the commands. You will learn how to free shape the marker with and without the collar.
During this lesson I also use a sound box for the Ecollar so that we can iron out any mistakes with technique before putting the collar on your dog.
Lesson 3-6: Phase 2 Introduction of Distraction
During this phase I re-create the scenarios that cause your dog’s unwanted behaviours so that I can coach you on the proper corrections and praise to use. For aggression and anxiety cases
I use my own modified versions of techniques such as Behaviour Adjustment Training and Constructive Aggression Treatment as well as the Ecollar during these lessons. This is also where my team of volunteers comes in and generally these lessons are spaced out approximately one to two weeks apart to allow you time to work on what you have learned on your own.
During these lessons I am teaching you how to read your dog’s body language and the techniques to redirect them BEFORE they react. These are the tools and techniques that you will use long term with your dog even after the lessons are over.
The Imprinting is done for at least a week before the conditioning Phase. Conditioning can take anywhere from a week to two weeks depending on how often you are able to practice. The lessons in Phase 2 can be spaced out every week if you are practicing every day or every two weeks if you fell you need more time. For some dogs, their learning curve is steep as far as behaviour issues are concerned and less lessons are needed to correct the problems. If this is the case with your dog, then we can transition to learning more advanced uses of the Ecollar with your dog such as off-leash recall or using the collar to reinforce obedience commands like heeling.
The collar that I include in the price of the course is the Mini Educator by Ecollar Technologies which is fully waterproof and has a 1⁄2-mile range. Here are the features of the Mini Educator:
1⁄2 Mile Range
Convertible to a 2 Dog System by Adding a Collar Receiver: ET-302
Li-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries Both Units (2 Hour full Charge)
100 Levels Dial Adjustable with “Lock and Set” Feature
User Settable Booster Levels
Separate Momentary and Continuous Buttons
Modes and Levels Retained After Charging
Tapping Sensation (Non Stimulation Training)
Night Blue LCD Display for Precision Control
Low Battery Indicators on Both Units
Lost Transmitter Beeper
Remote Controlled Night Light
Durable BiothaneTM Collar Strap
Two Year Full Warranty (Batteries Covered)
Limited Lifetime Warranty (Batteries Exempt)
Assembled in the USA
The standard configuration is either a yellow or black remote with a black strap, however; you can mix and match any strap and remote colour.
