■
Reward and reinforce good pet behavior.
■
The system relies on “avoidance training” techniques, where your
house is divided into safety and avoidance zones. If your pet
advances into the signal field, he will receive an audible warning.
He will soon learn that when he advances further, the audible
warning is quickly followed by a mild electrical stimulation or
correction — an unpleasant but safe, experience. As training
progresses, your pet will learn to stay away from areas that he
associates with the audible warning.
■
Do not comfort your pet after it receives a correction, as you will
be reinforcing anxiety.
■
Even though you consider your pet a friend, effective training
depends on your being the leader and pet being the follower.
■
Be consistent! Do not break the training rules, even on special
occasions when you are tempted to allow your pet into a
boundary area “just this once”. Make sure all family members
follow the rules.
Step-by-step Instructions
■
Ensure that the transmitter and boundary wire are installed and
that the receiver collar is adjusted properly.
■
Place boundary flags on the edge of the boundary area — the
zones in which the receiver collar picks up a radio signal.
Boundary flags serve as visual clues for your pet
(see Figure 3)
.
■
Attach a leash to your pet’s regular collar and approach the
boundary area, shake a boundary flag in front of him, and firmly
say, “Watch out!” or “Careful!”
■
Allow your pet to walk past the boundary flags. As he crosses into
the boundary area, he will receive an audible warning and an
electrical stimulation. Immediately call out, “Watch out”, and pull
your pet back from the avoidance zone.
■
Again, allow your pet to approach a boundary zone. If he hears
the audible warning and retreats, reinforce the behavior with
praise and affection. If your pet fails to stop at the audible
warning and receives an electrical stimulation, say “Watch out”
as he approaches the avoidance zone. Use the leash to pull him
back to the safety zone before he crosses completely into an
avoidance zone.
5
Planning
The boundary wire allows you to isolate specific boundary areas
within your house
(see Figure 2)
. Carefully plan the installation of
your boundary wire and follow these general guidelines.
■
All wires should be placed so that they do not interfere with
normal household activities.
■
Carefully plan the location of the boundary wire as it may emit a
very slight radio signal which could activate the receiver collar if
your pet were to lie directly on top of the wire.
■
Do not install boundary wires next to baseboard heating units as
the heating units could pick up the radio signal.
Training
Understanding the philosophy behind “avoidance training” and
following the rules during training will ensure that you and your pet
get the most from your system.
■
Your pet does not intuitively know that he or she is not welcome in
all areas of your house.
■
Be aware that pets are sensitive to your attitude and mood. Stay
“upbeat” during a training session and he will be more receptive
to the training.
4
Boundary Wire
Signal Field
Boundary Wire
Scoot Transmitter
Figure 2
Signal Field
Scoot Transmitter
