Notes on Teaching Place Command with E-Collar

Introduction to Place Command Training

• Training Phase: Teaching phase using the "Escape" approach.
• Focus: Applying stimulation (stem) before verbal cues or leash pressure.

Training Methodology

• E-Collar Use: Hold the C button on the working number when the dog indicates feeling it.
  • Verbal Cue: Help the dog with a verbal cue once the dog feels the stem.
  • Leash: Used initially to teach commands to help with verbal cues during e-collar work.
  • E-Collar Conditioning: Important for teaching commands.
• Safety: Ensure the area is safe for training.

Training Process

• Stem Indication:
  • Indicate when stem is turned on and off using collar demonstrations.
• Quality Over Quantity:
  • Wait for good reps; aim for quality over quantity.
  • The dog does not need to sit but should not pull on the leash or jump onto the place.
• Actions:
  • Turn stem on, give the verbal cue "place," and turn it off when the dog starts moving to the place.
  • Release the dog with the cue "break" after feeding them.
• Repetitions:
  • Cycle through stem on, verbal cue, and stem off with releases.
  • Minimal movement of trainer's feet; do not walk the dog to place each time.

Observation and Adjustment

• Problem Solving:
  • Allow the dog to problem-solve when feeling stem without immediate help.
• Progression:
  • Gradual reduction in verbal cue assistance as the dog responds directly to stem.
  • Monitor the working number (between 0 and 10 in this session).

Conclusion

• This process outlines the start of conditioning an e-collar for the place command.
• Emphasizes the importance of consistency and gradual independence from cues.