Basic Dog Training Phase 1

BASIC DOG TRAINING – PHASE 1

{ Please note - this is a synopsis of the regular training clinic material offered by Expedition Outfitters }

Objective:
To prepare you and your dogs for carting or dog sledding by training for basic concept of pulling, directions, stopping and going, holding on the line. You should be physically able to run and lift your dog off the ground in order to carry and injured dog. The dog should be able to turn left/right, on-bye, stop/go, line-out and trot at least five miles pulling weight.

The desired outcome is for the dog to be able to take the lead in front of your cart/scooter/dogsled, turn, go and stop on verbal command and not balk at pulling weight.

There is no point in hooking your dog up to go carting or dog sledding if it isn’t trained. You won’t know what to expect, the dog certainly won’t know what’s going on and there’s a good chance the dog will panic. If your dog isn’t in good physical condition, you could injure the dog.

Preparation:
This phase of training can commence when the dog is a puppy.

You should have a....
properly fitting harness for your dog,
a limited slip collar,
a training collar (sometimes called "choke chains"),
belly band,
double ended training leash,
leather gloves and running shoes.

You should have a small auto tire with eye bolts installed.

Additionally, but not imperative to training, a small handle like a neckline to attach to the training collar, dog boots to protect the dog’s feet from hot surfaces, jagged rocks or abrasive surfaces.

Always have plenty of water and a water bowl. Before training, hydrate your dog by “baiting” the water if needed. You should have a first aid kit for the dog.

Training Steps:
STEP #1, Gather the equipment and find a cool, shady area for the training. Hydrate your dog.

STEP #2, Harness your dog and if needed, boot it. Attach belly band to harness (keeps dog from backing out of harness, makes it uncomfortable to squat and makes it easier to lift dog by harness). Put training collar on. Attach the double ended leash to the training collar and to the connection loops of the harness.

STEP#3, Grab the training leash close to harness connection and pull back firmly enough so the dog feels resistance. Maintain this resistance, Give the various commands you want the dog to use and lightly give “corrections” via the training collar as needed. Start the dog on one or two commands before broadening it's repertoire. Remember the dog is supposed to be in front of you instead of you being the lead dog.

STEP #4, Train dog to “line-out” by attaching training leash to a fixed object. The dog must maintain a taut line and stay in place.

STEP #5, Attach the training leash to small tire and with the aid of the training collar, work the dog so it is comfortable pulling the tire. Sometimes pulling the dog along is necessary.

Always lavishly praise the dog when it does a good job and you are satisfied. Ignore the dog if it doesn't follow your directions. Be patient, there is a reason why dogs are not rocket scientists for NASA. Don't expect this training to have immediate results. Training must be maintained and re-enforced.

Additional Training Information:
Do NOT talk constantly to the dog. Do NOT give several commands at once. Use simple commands (commands should always be simple for the dog and easy for you to remember in a state of panic in the event of an emergency) , give verbal command once and then “correct” the dog if it does not meet the command standard. When the dog performs to standard, praise the dog well. Keep each training module to 10 minutes in duration, so your dog does not get bored. You should train at least 2-3 times per week with your dog in order to instill maintain proficiency.

Inspect your dog’s feet as a matter of habit to insure the pads are not abraded or otherwise injured. If the dog’s feet are abraded or cut, use “Bag Balm” to expedite the healing of the pads. Apply the Bag Balm and then boot the dog’s feet to protect the feet from further injury. Inspect to insure there is no galling in armpits on the dog from the harness. This would indicate a badly fitting harness.

When the dog is able to reliably follow your verbal commands, then it is ready to begin work with a cart or dog sled.

A dog that is not able to follow commands is going to be disruptive if it works with another team. If the dog is not physically fit, it could be injured running with a trained team.

Training your dog properly (and training yourself) is essential to insure your dog’s safety and your safety. Unless your dog is properly trained, it is not safe to cart or dog sled with it.

Training the dog should be done when it’s cool. Below 40 degrees Fahrenheit is best, but 40 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit is OK if moderated. Past 60 degrees Fahrenheit is too warm and the dog will be lethargic and have a short attention span.