Garmin Delta SE Owners Manual - Page 14

Choosing the Correct Intensity Level 1 Set the intensity level to 1 (Changing the Intensity Level, page 10). 2 Press a training button. 3 Observe the dog for a reaction, such as a head shake, neck movement, or just a change in expression. Sometimes dogs will vocalize due to the surprise of the electrical stimulation. If the dog vocalizes more than once, the intensity level is too high for beginning training. 4 If there is no reaction, increase the intensity level by one level until the dog has a slight but recognizable reaction to the stimulation. The intensity level that causes a slight but recognizable reaction is your dog's baseline level for beginning collar training. You do not need to, and should not, apply this intensity selection test again. After you begin training, the dog's performance guides your intensity selection. As the dog advances in training, you may need to change the level depending upon the training situation. Changing the Intensity Level 1 Select a dog collar device using the selection switch (Selecting a Dog Collar Device, page 7). 2 Turn the knob to increase or decrease the intensity level. You can also set the intensity knob to V to use vibration instead of stimulation. Basic Training Commands You should begin training your dog with a few basic commands without using the Delta SE training system to correct the dog. You should train the three basic commands in the following order: "heel," "sit," and "here." During initial training, you should put the dog collar device on the dog, but the device should be turned off. This allows the dog to get used to the device before you start using it to correct the dog. This also helps to prevent "collar-wise" behavior (Preventing Collar-Wise Behavior, page 12). Initially, you should keep the training sessions short and only train one command during a session. This way, the dog is less likely to become confused and training should progress more quickly. Pay close attention while training the dog, so you can begin to learn when to go faster or slower, and when to take a break. With plenty of repetition, consistency, patience, and a lot of praise, the dog should begin to obey these commands after several lessons. Each dog learns at a different rate, and some dogs may take longer to learn these commands. After the dog demonstrates a basic understanding of these commands while on a leash, training with collar stimulations can be introduced, while keeping the dog on the leash. Training to Heel Before you begin training, put a leash on the dog, and select an area with minimal distractions. The first command that you will teach the dog is the "heel" command. 1 With the dog at your side on a leash, command the dog to "heel," and begin walking forward while gently pulling on the leash. 2 If the dog gets in front of you, repeat the command "heel," and move in another direction or pull back on the leash. 3 If the dog starts to lag behind you, lightly tug on the leash to bring the dog back to your side. Reward the dog with praise when the dog obeys the command. 10 Dog Training