The Loyal Leash is a dog training system designed to help train dogs to pause when they hear a "BEEP" signal, which is delivered to the collar when the dog starts tugging or pulling too hard. The system utilizes beeps and vibrations as primary training methods, with an optional static correction feature for more challenging cases. The overall goal is to enable pleasant walks by teaching dogs to respond to these signals.
Function Description
The Loyal Leash system consists of a control handle and a collar. The control handle allows the user to manually activate beeps and vibrations, and, if necessary, static corrections. The collar receives these signals and delivers them to the dog. The device is designed to train dogs to "Pause" in response to the beep or vibration, thereby discouraging pulling on the leash.
The core function revolves around positive reinforcement. The training guidelines emphasize starting in a calm, distraction-free environment and gradually introducing more stimulating areas as the dog learns to respond consistently. When the dog obeys a command after a signal, generous rewards such as treats, praise, and pats are encouraged.
The system operates in two main modes: Manual Mode and Auto Mode. Manual Mode is used during initial training sessions, allowing the user to control the signals. Auto Mode is intended for use once the dog has consistently learned to respond to the signals in various environments.
Usage Features
Basic Set-Up:
- Power On Control Handle: Press and hold the power button on the Loyal Leash control handle for 3 seconds.
- Power On Collar: Press and hold the power button on the Loyal Leash collar until it beeps once.
- Verify Communication: The control handle's display should read "MANUAL" (default settings) and show two battery life icons at the top. These icons indicate that the control handle and collar are communicating properly.
- Collar Fit: Adjust the collar to fit firmly around the dog's neck, ensuring it's not too tight, for best results.
- Attach Leash: Attach the leash to both the collar and the leash handle.
Training Steps:
Step 1 (Introduction to Beep and "Come" Command):
- Attach the collar to the dog while holding the control handle (do not attach the leash yet).
- With a short distance between you and your dog, press and release the Beep button on the controller.
- Immediately give the command "Come" in an enthusiastic voice, showing the dog a treat.
- When the dog obeys, reward generously with an excited voice and treats.
- Repeat this step several times, gradually increasing the distance between you and your dog.
- Once the dog consistently responds correctly, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2 (Walking on Leash and Testing Response):
- Attach the leash to both the dog collar and the Loyal Leash control handle.
- With treats in hand, allow the dog to walk on the leash in a calm environment (indoors or outdoors).
- Press and release the beep button periodically to ensure the dog is still responding correctly, and reward them generously.
- Allow the dog to walk, then test their response to the beep and reward accordingly.
- As more stimulating environments are introduced, periodically test the dog's reaction to the beep.
- If the dog struggles to respond or begins to tug, the vibration warning can be added along with voice commands and reward treats to regain their attention.
Step 3 (Transition to Auto Mode):
- Repeat Step 2 several times to ensure consistent response in various environments.
- Gradually introduce more stimulating environments.
- Important Note: Each new environment will require training, so always have treats ready.
- Once the dog responds correctly in all intended walking environments, the system is ready to be switched to Auto Mode (refer to the programming manual for instructions on changing from Manual Mode to Auto Mode).
Using Static Correction (Last Resort):
The static correction feature is an optional last resort for over-stimulated or rambunctious dogs that do not respond to beep and vibration methods. It should only be used in Manual Mode during training sessions and never to control the dog during walks.
- Static Correction Levels: The static correction has a range of 1% to 100%. Level 100 is equivalent to standard e-collar static levels, while Level 1 is 1% of standard levels, feeling more like an irritation or itch. The goal is to find the lowest effective level that distracts the dog.
- Safety Feature: All buttons on the Loyal Leash are designed for press and release, meaning the signal is sent only upon release. This prevents accidental prolonged corrections.
- Correction Protocol:
- The Loyal Leash is programmed to beep before delivering static correction, allowing the dog a chance to respond to the beep first.
- If the dog pulls excessively, first send a beep warning followed by a verbal command like "Easy."
- If there is no response, repeat with the vibration button.
- If still no response, a static correction may be necessary, starting at Level 1 and gradually increasing until the dog's attention is gained.
- Once the static level gets their attention, immediately use voice commands and generous treats to reward them for pausing.
- Reminder: Always follow a correction with voice commands like "Easy" and reward generously with treats when the dog obeys the signals.
Maintenance Features
While the manual does not explicitly detail "maintenance features" in terms of cleaning or repair, it does provide information crucial for the ongoing functionality and proper use of the device:
- Battery Life Indicators: The display on the control handle shows two battery life icons, indicating the status of both the control handle and the collar. Monitoring these ensures the devices are powered and communicating effectively.
- Proper Collar Fit: The instruction to adjust the collar for a "firm fit but not too tight" is a key maintenance aspect for ensuring the collar functions correctly and comfortably for the dog, which is essential for the effectiveness of the signals.
- Positive Reinforcement Emphasis: The repeated emphasis on positive reinforcement (praise, pats, treats) can be seen as a "maintenance" of the training process itself, ensuring the dog remains engaged and motivated, rather than becoming desensitized or fearful.
- Gradual Environment Introduction: The advice to gradually introduce more stimulating environments and re-train in each new area is a form of "maintenance" for the dog's learned behavior, ensuring the training holds up under varying conditions.
- Static Correction Guidelines: The strict guidelines for using static correction, including starting at the lowest level and using it only as a last resort, are critical for maintaining the dog's well-being and preventing misuse of the device. This ensures the device remains a training tool and not a source of undue stress.
- Press and Release Button Design: The design of the buttons to send signals only upon release is a built-in safety feature that prevents over-corrections, thereby "maintaining" the integrity of the training method and preventing potential harm to the dog.
In summary, the Loyal Leash is a comprehensive training system focused on positive reinforcement and gradual exposure to help dogs learn to walk politely on a leash, with static correction available as a carefully managed last resort.