The Woof Whisperer Training System

Welcome to The Woof Whisperer Training System ®

This guide will teach you how to use the collar effectively and introduce positive reinforcement methods to enhance its effectiveness. Each dog is unique and needs to follow a training plan specific to their trigger.

We have found that simply putting the collar on the dog can stop barking in 80% of cases. However, our training guides are what enable us to achieve a 97% success rate and long-term behavioural changes.

1. Preparing for Training:

• Choose a quiet and comfortable location for training sessions.

• Ensure your dog is relaxed and free from distractions.

• Have the Woof Whisperer collar ready for use.

• Adjust the settings of the collar, such as vibrate only mode for anxious dogs.

• Gather a supply of training treats.

Here are some quick tips for commonly asked questions:

HOW TO TURN ON

Press and hold the power button for at least 5 seconds until the digital display turns on. For the small collar this is the M button. For the medium & large collars this is the O button.

MODE & SENSITIVITY SETTINGS - Medium & Large Collars

Press the (M) button until the BLUE or GREEN icon is shown. Then press the (O) button to select the strength from 1-5. For each of these settings you can set the strength from 1-5:

Blue Icon = Vibration & Sound
Green Icon = Vibration (No Sound)

1 is the lowest strength and 5 is highest strength. Whichever colour you leave it on is the one which will function and it will remember this once the device is turned on and off. To control sensitivity press the (M) button until the RED S is shown. Then press the (O) button to select the strength from 1-7. 1 is the least sensitive for big loud dogs. 7 is the most sensitive for small quieter dogs. If you have false triggers, lower the setting. If it's not activating when your dog barks, then raise the setting.

MODE & SENSITIVITY SETTINGS - Small Collars

Press the (M) button until the BLUE, GREEN or WHITE icon is shown.

Blue Icon = Vibration Only
Green Icon = Sound Only
White Icon = Vibration & Sound

Sensitivity is controlled by pressing the S button. 1 is the least sensitive for big loud dogs. 7 is the most sensitive for small quieter dogs. If you have false triggers, lower the setting. If it's not activating when your dog barks, then raise the setting. Whichever colour you leave it on is the mode which will function and it will remember this once the device is turned on and off.

2. Introducing the Bark Collar:

The Woof Whisperer collar is designed to provide a gentle, yet effective, means of communicating with your dog when they engage in excessive barking. The collar can be used with vibration only stimuli or beep and vibration. If your dog is anxious of noises or you are training multiple dogs, then please use the vibration only setting. We have a quick setup & setting adjustment explainer video.

Let your dog become familiar with the collar by allowing them to sniff it whilst it is turned off. Gently fasten the collar around your dog's neck, making sure it fits snugly but not too tight. Observe your dog's behaviour to ensure they are comfortable with the collar. Adjust as necessary. Use the test device or an audio recording to show the dog that barking triggers the collar, it sounds silly... but dogs are so intelligent they will understand!

3. Teaching Command Words:

Begin by establishing a command word, such as "Quiet" or "Enough," whenever your dog barks. By associating specific command words with desired behaviours, we can communicate our expectations to the dog and reinforce their understanding of the training process. When the dog barks the collar will automatically emit the beep sound/vibration. This allows your dog to be momentarily distracted, enough so to further enhance the training with your command words such as “Quiet" or "Enough”. By associating the command word with the collar’s stimuli, you enhance the effectiveness of the training and condition your dog to pay attention to your command word, even when the collar is no longer on the dog. Repeat this process consistently, associating the command word with the beep/vibration. When your dog stops barking, offer praise, petting, and a training treat as positive reinforcement.

4. Utilising Training Treats:

During training sessions, give the command word such as "Quiet" as your dog barks. If your dog stops barking after the command, immediately reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the duration of silence required before giving the reward. Repeat this process, gradually reducing the frequency of treats and focusing on praise as the primary reinforcement. Small, soft, and easily consumable treats are an excellent tool for rewarding your dog's good behaviour. These treats will serve as incentives and motivate your dog to learn and follow the training process. Our training treats are specially formulated to relieve stress, anxiety and improve digestion. They are 100% natural with chamomile and lavender. Duck and chicken flavour, your dog will love them!

5. Praise

Praise is a key part of positive reinforcement training. It involves enthusiastically rewarding your dog with verbal affirmations like "Good job!" or physical gestures like petting when they display desired behaviours. Immediate and consistent praise helps build a positive relationship and encourages your dog to repeat good behaviour. When combined with command words and training treats, praise creates a comprehensive training approach that motivates your dog to learn and behave appropriately.

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips:

• Be patient and consistent in your training efforts. Monitor your dog's behaviour and adjust the collar's sensitivity level if necessary.

• Gradually decrease the use of the bark collar over time as your dog learns to respond to the command words alone.

• Avoid using the bark collar for extended periods, as it is intended as a training tool and not a permanent solution. Please don't use the collar for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period.

• Remember to always reinforce positive behaviour with praise, petting, and occasional treats. This will strengthen the bond between you and your dog and encourage their continued progress.

• Consistency is key. Make sure everyone in your household follows the same training techniques and uses the same command words to avoid confusion for your dog.

• Continue practicing the training exercises regularly, gradually increasing the distractions and challenging environments. This will help your dog generalise their training to different situations.

• Remember that every dog is unique, and the training process may vary. Some dogs may respond quickly, while others may require more time and patience. Tailor the training approach to suit your dog's individual needs.

If your dog is anxious, use the collar on vibrate-only mode to avoid spooking them with the beep noise.
Start with the lowest strength setting, Green Setting - Strength Level 1.
You can increase the strength or switch to beep and vibrate mode later if needed.

Before Training Sessions:

Let your dog get familiar with the collar in a stress-free environment.
Introduce the collar when it is turned off.
Allow your dog to sniff, examine, and wear the collar without activation.
Monitor your dog's behavior during this familiarization period.
Ensure your dog remains calm and relaxed while wearing the collar.
If your dog shows signs of distress or discomfort, remove the collar and try again later.
Engage in enjoyable activities like playtime or treats while your dog wears the collar to create a positive association.

Gradual Activation:

Once your dog is comfortable wearing the collar, start training sessions with the collar activated.
Use positive reinforcement techniques during training, incorporating the collar as a reminder for excessive barking.

Which training plan should I follow?

We have helped over 20,000 dog owners to reduce nuisance barking for over 10 years and have developed tried and tested training plans, which are specific to the dog's barking trigger. You can follow more than one plan, but each plan will explain how to use the collar for that specific scenario. Barking at the door is a great plan to follow to acclimatise your dog to The Woof Whisperer collar as your dog will be comfortable in their home environment, free from external distractions and you can be hands on and repeat the training steps easily.