Test

After successfully completing Second Alert training, test whether your dog is ready for the next step of training.

Make sure training mode is on. Activate a boundary, make sure your Feedback Mode setting is Alert 2, and put SkyShepherd on your dog. Using an adjustable or 16- to 20-foot long leash, let your dog roam around the boundary. Let out the lead to give your dog enough slack to move about as it pleases. Try to make sure the long leash is slack, touching the ground, not just let-out a long way but still taut. Do not force your dog but observe what it does when it comes up to a zone.

If your dog reacts properly, turning immediately back to Safe Zone, this is a good indicator that it is ready to use SkyShepherd off leash. If your dog hesitates, gets confused, or does anything other than immediately return to Safe Zone, guide it immediately back to Safe Zone. You’ll need to do more training with your dog.

Do several long-leash tests, including some with distractions, on different occasions to verify that your dog is contained by First and Second Alert. If it seems to be contained by First Alert, then you can move on to off-leash training. If your dog later shows a tendency to challenge the boundary, then you can go back and do remediation training.

Transitioning from one stage of training to the next is not automatic. The dog must show real understanding of its training; if it doesn’t, you must go back to basics. The next training stage involves off-leash training and transfers control to your dog, but your dog must be ready. Observe your dog and assess whether it understands and is ready.