confusion (asking your dog to perform a command he does not yet fully understand). When your dog is
confused or is in an unfamiliar situation, help him perform the desired command by guiding him into
position as explained in the teaching phases of this guide
• Correct your dog in a calm manner and without emotion. Corrections charged with emotion create
unnecessary anxiety in dogs and their owners and often fuel more problems. Remaining calm and relaxed
encourages your dog to do the same
One of the keys to successful dog training is simply paying attention. Paying attention to your dog’s behavior in
a particular situation is the best way to determine the necessity, level, and frequency of a correction. And, once
your dog learns to pay attention to you, he will perform commands happily—and in any situation. When dogs
and their owners learn to pay attention to each other, they both make fewer mistakes. Fewer mistakes minimize
the frequency of corrections and will maximize enjoyment throughout the training process.
Summary of the Pop:
• A Pop is a quick, yet firm snap of the leash
• The Pop redirects the behavior your dog is currently engaged in
• The ideal Pop is one that gets your dog’s immediate attention
• Pops should NEVER overly-startle your dog, or make him unsure
• When your dog responds to a Pop with appropriate behavior (such as “sit”), immediately give him Positive
Reinforcement (praise, petting, or rewards)
Always teach your dog what an appropriate behavior is before you correct him for disobedience.
Training should always be fun for you and your dog and should always end on a positive note.
Release: Provide your dog with a command that lets him know an obedience exercise is finished. Using a
simple word such as “Free,” “Release,” or “Break” lets your dog know when the exercise is over. Teaching a
release is easy: Wait until your dog has performed a command, and then say your release word using an upbeat
tone of voice. Encourage him to get up and play with you. As your dog becomes proficient at an obedience
exercise, you will increase the duration he remains in that command, before you release him.
TIME TO TRAIN
The best way to use this guide is to follow the exercises in the order given. The basic exercises are as follows:
• Attention Getting
• Sit
• Walking on a Loose Leash
Visit our website starmarkacademy.com for instructional video clips, tips, and information on additional
obedience exercises, training and behavior solutions, and more.
Training, Step-by-Step: Starmark’s experience in training thousands of dogs and their owners has enabled us to
develop simple to use, step-by-step training systems for the items in our product line. Remember: if you decide
not to use treats when training, it is important to reward your dog with some form of Positive Reinforcement
such as praise, petting, or play.
The basic exercises are broken down into two phases: Teaching and Training
1. Teaching Phase: Is designed to show your dog what the commands mean. You will teach your dog
commands that he does not understand by luring him with treats and/or guiding him into position.
Since your dog does not fully understand the command at this stage, Pops are not used. Follow this
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