Garmin Alpha 100, Owner'S Manual

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The Alpha system uses momentary ( M ) and continuous ( C )
types of stimulations. Momentary applies a brief stimulation
when you press the key, regardless of how long the key is
depressed. Continuous applies stimulation to the dog the entire
time you press the key, for a maximum of 8 seconds. Your
stimulations should typically be far shorter than 8 seconds.
Continuous can be helpful when first start training with your dog.
You can also train using a tone (
T ). When you select T for a
key, the key press activates an audible tone instead of
stimulation. Using the tone can be a helpful training tool.
Choosing the Correct Intensity Level
1
Set the training keys to the lowest level ( page 6 ).
2
Press a training key.
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.
Training the Dog to Heel and Sit with the Collar
Before you begin training your dog using the collar, your dog
must show a grasp of the "heel," "sit," and "come" commands
while on the leash, you must put on the collar ( page 4 ), and you
must find the correct intensity level ( page 8 ).
When beginning collar training, start with the "heel" and "sit"
commands.
1 With the dog at your side on a leash, pull up on the leash,
command the dog to "sit," and press a training key briefly.
After the dog begins associating the collar stimulation with
the command, move on to the "heel" command. Many dogs
indicate that it is time to make this transition by trying to sit
before being commanded, in an effort to avoid the
stimulation associated with the command.
2 With the dog at your side on a leash and with the collar on,
command “heel” and begin walking forward while gently
pulling on the leash.
3
If the dog gets in front of you, press a training key briefly,
repeat the command “heel”, and move in another direction or
pull back on the leash.
Reward the dog with praise when the dog obeys commands.
Training the Dog to Come Here with the Collar
Before you begin training your dog to "come" using the collar,
your dog must a strong grasp of the "heel" and "sit" commands
using the collar, you must put on the collar ( page 4 ), and you
must find the correct intensity level ( page 8 ).
Teaching your dog to come here is the most important
command. The "here" command allows you to maintain control
of your dog and can be used to call your dog away from a
potentially dangerous situation. This command must be taught
properly.
1
With the dog in a sitting position, move away to the end of
the leash.
You may need to use a long leash to effectively train "here."
2
Command the dog to come “here,” gently tug on the leash,
and press a training key briefly.
The dog might resist this command. With repetition and
patience, the dog will learn to obey the command.
Reward the dog with praise when the dog comes when called.
Contact Tracking
You can track other hunters so you know where they are at all
times. You can also send messages to your contacts. One
Alpha handheld device can track up to 20 devices (TT dog
collar devices and Alpha handheld devices).
Adding a Contact Over MURS/VHF
Before you can add a contact over MURS/VHF, you should be
near the contact, for best results.
You can add fellow hunters to your handheld device so you can
track them on the map ( page 8 ) and send messages to them
( page 8 ).
1
On your handheld device, select > Contacts > Add .
2
Bring the two handheld devices near each other, and select
Yes on your handheld device.
3
On the contact's handheld device, select > Contacts >
Pair .
4
On your handheld device, enter the name of the contact, and
select > OK .
The contact is added to your handheld device.
If you would like to be added to the hunter's handheld device,
repeat this procedure using the hunter's handheld device.
Adding a Contact Using the ID
Before you can add a hunter using the contact ID, you must
have the hunter find the contact ID ( page 8 ) and send it to
you.
If you are not nearby the hunter you want to add, you can add
the hunter using the contact ID.
1
On your handheld device, select > Contacts > Add .
2 When asked if you are near the other handheld device,
select No .
3
When asked if you know the ID, select Yes .
4
Select the correct ID for the contact you are adding.
5
Enter the name of the contact, and select > OK .
The contact is added to your handheld device.
If you would like to be added to another hunter's handheld
device using your contact ID, repeat this procedure using the
hunter's handheld device.
Sending a Message to Your Contacts
You can send and receive automated messages. There are 18
messages choose from, such as "Help" and "I'm Coming."
1
Select > Contacts > Message .
2 Select a message.
The message is sent to your contacts with your name before the
message. Anyone tracking your handheld device receives the
message.
Tracking a Contact
You can keep track of contacts' locations using the map.
Select .
Finding Your Contact ID
Select Setup > Contacts > Pairing Setup .
The contact ID for your handheld device is listed under ID .
8 Contact Tracking