trick to this magic cord is to start off with at least 25 feet of rope. As the dog learns steady, you shorten the rope until the dog is only dragging about 3 feet. The dog doesn't know that the rope is shorter. The other trick is to use a fairly heavy rope to begin with and gradually change over to thinner line - so that the pup can be held, yet it doesn't hinder the dog's movement. The heavier rope is much easier on your hands and the smaller rope will require gloves so you don't get a rope burn. Start your pup's training from day one with the check cord. Put it on him every time that you train. It's much better to have the cord on the dog and not need it - than to need it and not have it on the dog. You want the check cord to become a part of the dog. That way, months down the road when pup is steady, you can shorten the cord just to keep pup honest. First let pup walk around with the check cord dragging around behind him. Make sure there are no knots in the cord other than the one holding the snap in place near his collar. Once he is used to the cord, pick it up and let the pup reach the end. If he bucks and acts up, let him. Squat down and call pup to you. When he comes to you give him a treat and tell him what a good dog he is. Walk around and keep changing direction - as the pup continues to walk one way you turn and walk the opposite way. When you reach the end of the rope, whistle or call pup to you. Don't fight pup but if he doesn't come in on command, reel him in to you and treat him. The goal here is for pup to keep tabs on your movements and to stay with you. If pup continues to pull like a sled dog, stop - and with a sharp snap on the rope, tell the pup, "Easy". Continue to walk and correct pup when he pulls. When he's walking quietly, tell him, "Good easy". Continue to call pup in and treat for compliance. The other advantage to the check cord is getting pup to come back to you. Some dogs would much rather keep their birds. If your pup thinks that is a great idea, you need to teach him otherwise. Start off by teaching pup that "Here" means Here. Call pup to you one time. When you are sure that he heard you, give a short yank on the rope and repeat the command. Praise and treat pup for coming when Page 2 | Spaniel Journal | Previous Page | Next Page |