STEP 1. DRESSAGE FLAGS

1. Turn the wall transmitter “off” so that no corrections are given to your dog.

2. Put the collar receiver on your dog.

3. Hang your dog on a long leash. Play with him in the safety zone of the field for 2 to 4 minutes. Do not let your dog run free or cross flag lines.

4. Move towards the flags. When you come to a flag, shake it. Say “No” in a disapproving tone.

5. Return to the central part of the field and play with your dog. Reward him with a treat.

6. Repeat this exercise several times in various areas of the field.

STEP 2. THE FIRST CORRECTION

1. You need to re-adjust the signal range before placing the collar receiver on your dog. Follow the instructions given in Section 1, Step 11: Adjust the Signal Range.

2. Put the collar receiver on your dog in the field safety zone.

3. Hang your dog on a long leash. Play with him in the safety zone of the field.

4. Move towards the flags. If your dog tries to avoid the flags, praise and reassure him.

5. Repeat this step in other areas of the field.

6. Give no more than three corrections per day, or seven per week. This depends on your dog's tolerance for stress. Most dogs receive only a few corrections during the training phase; they respond very quickly to the tone.

7. Reward your dog when he avoids the flags, even if he receives a correction.

8. Play with your dog in the safe area before completing this training session.

STEP 3. LEASH TEST

1. With the collar on your dog and the wall transmitter “on,” play with your dog (on leash) in the safety zone. After a few minutes of play, send a toy or treat through the flags.

2. If your dog runs through the flags to get the toy, wait for the startle response and pull your dog back into the safe zone. Praise your dog and reward him.

3. Reinforce training by shaking a flag. Say “bad flag” in a disapproving tone. Consider increasing signal range. To do this, remove your dog's collar, increase the signal range, and repeat the test. Refer to Section 1, Step 11: Adjust the Signal Range.

4. Repeat this exercise in other areas of the field.

5. Praise your dog when he avoids the flags. Stay positive and play with the dog during the training session.

6. When your dog refuses to run through the flags 20 consecutive times, move on to the next step.

STEP 4. OFF-LEASH TEST

1. Follow the instructions in Step 3: Leash Test, but this time drop the leash to the floor. She will be there if you need to catch up with your dog.

2. If your dog crosses the signal range during this phase, quickly remove the collar. Bring your dog back to the safety zone. Put the collar back on your dog. Reinforce “bad flag” training. Praise your dog and reward him.

3. Repeat this off-leash training until you are confident that your dog ignores temptations outside the containment zone.