What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How to prepare to bring in a new, older dog (not a puppy)
- What to expect when you bring home a new dog
- What is a check cord and how to use one on the trail
- How to properly put an e-collar on your dog
- How to use the various functions of an e-collar
Welcome to another episode of Free Range Dogs Podcast
In this episode, Web has a conversation with a friend, John Lovell, who is soon bringing home a dog he and his wife, Mary Beth, have chosen from the Southwest Oasis Labrador Rescue. They first saw short films of Scout, a 2-year-old Lab, playing energetically in a backyard pool and fountain. This was followed up by a home visit where they were able to meet him in person. They are excited about having a water-loving dog to join them on boating adventures but have concerns about managing his barking and other behaviors.
To prepare at home, they have a large kennel crate that they have covered to create a soothing den for Scout (he is coming to them already crate-trained). As he is very connected to the woman who has fostered him, they have put an item of her clothing with her scent into the den to provide comfort and to create the sense that this is his safe space. Providing Scout with a treat in his den, and leaving the door open to allow him to come and go as he pleases are two additional steps they will take to help him feel at home.
Web and John discuss how the new dog may display unusual behaviors for a while as he adjusts to his new home and expectations and grieves the loss of his foster mother. This is to be expected and will diminish over time.
E-Collars can have many benefits and uses in developing effective communication with your dog and providing safety and comfort when letting him off-leash on a trail or in a wash. Web shares with John how to properly fit the collar on the dog’s neck (at the top of the neck, up tight against the lower jaw), and how to use your own voice to associate with tones or vibrations on the collar and utilize treats (ie: hot dog cut into small pieces) when training your dog to cue on your voice and come to you when called.
Also discussed are check cords and the benefits of using one when training out on the trail to allow your dog freedom to roam but be able to step on the end of a 20-foot rope when needing to stop him. A check cord combined with an e-collar as part of the training process will allow you to eventually feel safe, comfortable, and confident when walking your dog off-leash. E-collars often include features to help control barking, as well. Also discussed, are e-collars with GPS to keep track of your dog, or the use of Apple Air Tags to do the same.
Two Ultimate Goals of Free Range Dog Training:
- The goal of dog handling is not to have to…
- It’s the dog’s job to keep track of you, not your job to keep track of him.
FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:
Web and John Lovell- friends and dog lovers
(520) 465-3460
info@freerangedogs.com