StarMark Clicker FAQs:
Click & Play FAQs:
StarMark Collar FAQs:
Add-A-Link FAQs:
Everlasting Treat Ball FAQs:
Everlasting Treats FAQs:
Easy Glider FAQs:
Easy Glider Max FAQs:
Fantastic Foam Ball FAQs:
Every Flavor Treats FAQs:
Everlasting Fun Ball FAQs:
Everlasting Fire Plug FAQs:
Everlasting Beanie Ball FAQs:
FarFlung FAQs:
What is Operant and Classical Conditioning?
Operant Conditioning is the science of behavior that explains the functional relationship between environmental events and behavior. Simply put, all living organisms (including humans) learn through trial and error that there are consequences for their actions. These consequences either strengthens or weakens behaviors, and makes them more or less likely to reoccur in the future.
Classical Conditioning is also known as Respondent Conditioning or Pavlovian conditioning, and is part of Operant conditioning. Classical conditioning is related to reflexes and bodily responses to neutral and unconditioned stimuli. Most of the time this takes place with the presence of food. As in Pavlov’s experiment, the bell alone did not mean anything to the dogs- it was an unconditioned stimuli. Paired a number of times with food, the bell took on the properties of a conditioned stimuli- meaning the dogs would start to salivate as an unconditioned response. When the dogs heard the bell, after some repetitions, they were conditioned that food was on its way and would begin to salivate. The important thing to remember about classical conditioning is that it involves reflexes and bodily responses, things you have no control over. If someone were to have a puff of air blown into their eye, it would be impossible for them not to blink! No matter how hard you try to control this sort of reflex, you simply cannot.
Is it safe for my dog to chew on the Click and Play?
The Click and Play is made from a special non-toxic material, however it is not designed to be a chew toy. The Click and Play was designed for fun interaction between the pet owner and dog. Do not leave your dog unsupervised with the Click and Play- as with any toy or bone, it could be a potential hazard for your dog.
How do I fit the StarMark Collar?
Proper fit is essential for the StarMark Collar to work properly. Before fitting the StarMark Collar on your dog, practice taking the collar apart by unsnapping and snapping the links together. You may snap or unsnap the collar at any link. Additional links (Add-A-Link) may be purchased separately, which allows the StarMark Collar to be used on the largest of dogs.
To unfasten the collar, use your thumb and forefinger to angle the links, and then unsnap them using a firm left-to-right rocking motion. To fasten the collar, angle the links, and then snap them together using a firm left-to-right rocking motion.
To fit the StarMark Collar to your dog, unfasten the collar and approach your dog. Angle the links and then snap them together around your dog’s neck by using a firm left-to-right rocking motion. Ensure that both hooks are set firmly on the bars. The collar should fit snug and high around your dog’s neck. This is especially important for long-haired dogs. Add or remove links as needed to ensure proper fit. If your collar is too loose, it may not be as effective, and you run the risk of the collar getting caught up on something or twisting and popping off the dog. Position the collar so the cord rests at the top of your dog’s neck. Attach the end of your leash to the 0-ring swivel.
To remove the StarMark Collar, have your dog sit, and then unsnap the StarMark Collar at any link. Angle the links and unsnap, using a firm left-to-right rocking motion. Do not attempt to slip the collar over your dog’s head. Watch the video lesson, "Fitting the StarMark Collar" for additional guidance.
Is a remote collar right for my dog?
It depends on you and your dog. A remote training collar can be an excellent tool when used correctly. One of the reasons remote collars are so effective is that they allow you to immediately give reinforcement, even from a distance. Good timing is critical to communicating effectively with your dog. Good timing allows you to teach your dog to associate the cause (action) with the effect (correction, praise, reward). With a remote collar you can choose the appropriate level or strength of reinforcement for your dog. You can adjust it up or down, depending on the situation, distractions and the overall responsiveness of your dog. If you take the time to learn how to use a remote collar properly and teach your dog the exercises before using one, then the collar may be a good choice for you.
How do I use the Everlasting interactive toys?
There are several ways you can use the Everlasting interactive toys. You can fill the inside with Every Flavor Treats, your dog's own food, or any treats your dog enjoys.
Increase the challenge of getting the food out of the Everlasting interactive toys by capping off one or both ends with Everlasting Treats. Your dog will have to chew through the Everlasting Treats to get to the treats rolling around on the inside. For the ultimate challenge, use the Everlocking Treats- the first treats to "lock" in place!
Can I use my dog's food or other treats in the Everlasting interactive toys?
While the Every Flavor Treats were designed to fit inside the Everlasting interactive toys without falling out too easily, any treat or dog food may used to fill the inside. Make dinner time more fun by filling the Everlasting interactive toys with your dog's regular meal instead of feeding him out of a bowl!
Are the Everlasting interactive toys safe for my dog?
All the Everlasting interactive toys are made from a non-toxic, medical grade material that is completely safe for your dog.
How do I clean the Everlasting interactive toys?
The Everlasting interactive toys are dishwasher safe for easy clean up.
My dog has a hard time getting the Every Flavor Treats/food to come out of the Everlasting interactive toys. How can I make it easier for him?
Every Flavor Treats are scored in the center, so they are easy to break in half. The smaller size will make them fall out of the Everlasting interactive toys more easily.
You can also trim the small "fingers" of the holes, making the hole size larger to make the treats fall out more easily.
Are the Everlasting Treats/Everlocking Treats edible and digestible?
The Everlasting Treats and Everlocking Treats are edible, digestible, and safe for your dog to eat. They contain only food-based ingredients, without any plastics or polymers.
Our treats are formulated using a patented process. By using this method, our treats are harder, wear down like natural bones and last longer than competitor's products. If your dog is able to break off larger chunks of treats you may want monitor the dog for choking and obstruction hazards. Chew pieces and treats smaller than your pet's mouth may be a choking hazard. As with any treat, supervise your dog while chewing.
Do the Everlasting Treats/Everlocking Treats contain any meat?
The Everlasting Treats come in four delicious flavors: Chicken, Liver, Vanilla Mint, and Barbecue Chicken. All the flavors contain chicken.
The Everlocking Treats come in Chicken and Liver, both of which contain chicken. The new Everlasting Treat Veggie Chicken contains no animal proteins.
Is there an easier way to insert the Everlasting Treats into the Everlasting interactive toys?
Since the outside of the Everlasting interactive toys is textured, it can have a gripping effect, sometimes making it difficult to insert the Everlasting Treats. Using water to slightly dampen the outer rim of the toy will help make the Everlasting Treats go in more easily. You can also use the handle of a spoon to help guide the treat into the cavity.
Can my dog eat the Everlasting Treats/Everlocking Treats by themselves? Do I have to use them in the Everlasting interactive toys?
The Everlasting Treats/Everlocking Treats were designed to fit into the Everlasting interactive toys, but dogs also enjoy them alone as a healthy snack anytime.
Can the Everlasting Treats/Everlocking Treats be given to my dog as a meal?
While the Everlasting Treats and Everlocking Treats are nutritionally balanced, they are not intended to replace your dog's regular meals. As with any treats, always take into account how much you feed your dog throughout the day to prevent overeating and weight gain. Always feed your dog a healthy balanced diet.
Does the Fantastic Foam Ball float in water?
The Fantastic Foam Ball is made of a very durable, yet light weight foam material that will float in water for fetching fun at the pool, lake, or beach.
Can I use the Easy Glider and Easy Glider Max in water?
The Easy Glider and Easy Glider Max float in water for disc catching fun at a lake, beach, pool, or anywhere.
Can my dog chew on the Easy Glider or Easy Glider Max?
The Easy Glider and Easy Glider Max are intended as an interactive toy for you and your dog to play with together, not a chew toy.
Will the Easy Glider or Easy Glider Max hurt my dog's mouth?
Since the Easy Glider and Easy Glider Max are made from a soft, foam-like material, it is comfortable for your dog to hold in his mouth and you don't have to worry about sharp edges forming from teeth marks.
My dog is very rough with his toys- will the Easy Glider or Easy Glider Max last?
Though the Easy Glider and Easy Glider Max are soft, the material is very durable and puncture resistant. Dogs can sink their teeth into it and even pull against it without much more than surface damage. The Easy Glider and Easy Glider Max are not intended as a chew toy. With normal use, the Easy Glider and Easy Glider Max will hold up better than most flying discs.
Can my dog chew on the Fantastic Foam Ball?
While the Fantastic Foam Ball is highly durable, it is intended as an interactive toy for you and your dog to play with together, not a chew toy.
Will the Fantastic Foam Ball hurt my dog's mouth?
Since the Fantastic Foam Ball is made from a soft, foam-like material, it is comfortable for your dog to hold in his mouth and you don't have to worry about sharp edges forming from teeth marks.
Will the Fantastic Foam Ball last longer than other balls?
Though the Fantastic Foam Ball is soft, the material is very durable and puncture resistant. Dogs can sink their teeth into it without much more than surface damage. The Fantastic Foam Ball is not intended as a chew toy. With normal use, the Fantastic Foam Ball will hold up better than other balls.
Can the Every Flavor Treats be used in training?
Every Flavor Treats are the perfect treat for training. Because it is a soft moist treat, your dog can quickly and easily eat it without the mess of crumbs. They can also be easily broken in half to make them the perfect size for your dog.
My dog has trouble getting the Every Flavor Treats out of the Everlasting interactive toys. How can I make it easier for him?
Every Flavor Treats were specifically designed to fit inside the Everlasting interactive toys. If extracting the Every Flavor Treats is too difficult for your dog, try breaking the treats in half before you insert them. This will make them fall out more easily until your dog is used to the game.
How do I use the Everlocking Treats?
The Everlocking Treats were designed to fit inside all the Everlasting interactive toys.
When using the Everlocking Treats with the Everlasting Fun Ball, simply insert the bolt through the center hole. Then screw down the two ends. The ends can be screwed down either with flush with the ball, or upside down.
When using the Everlocking Treats with the Everlasting Treat Ball, Everlasting Fire Plug, or Everlasting Beanie Ball, there are a few different options. You can insert the two ends into the toy and then screw the bolt through the center. Or you can insert the bolt through the center hole first and then either screw the ends down flush with the ball or upside down.
Are Everlasting Treats and Everlocking Treats safe for my dog?
Our treats are formulated using a patented process. By using this method, our treats are harder, wear down like natural bones and last longer than competitor's products. If your dog is able to break off larger chunks of treats you may want monitor the dog for choking and obstruction hazards.
How hard of a “pop” do I use with the StarMark Collar?
This varies from dog to dog. Make sure that your dog has had enough time to get used to the StarMark Collar before you use any “pops”. You only need enough of a “pop” to encourage, discourage or change a particular behavior in your dog. The environment can play a big role in the strength of your “pop”. If your dog is overly stimulated by a lot of distractions he may need a stronger “pop” than if you are enjoying a quiet training session in a distraction-free location. Your dog should not vocalize, panic or show a fearful response when using the StarMark Collar.
How do I choose the correct level that is appropriate for my dog?
The level you set your transmitter to will depend on your dog. Always use the lowest stimulation level for your dog as possible. Using a level that is too high for your dog will hinder his learning ability. Make sure your collar is fitted properly and start at level one. A slight change in your dog’s expression (slight head turn in curiosity, scratch at the collar, flick their ears, looking down and side to side in curiosity) will let you know you are at the correct stimulation level. Your dog should not vocalize, if this happens the stimulation level is too high. For detailed instructions go to page 7 in the Remote Collar Behavior and Training guide.
Will the StarMark Collar hurt my dog?
The StarMark Collar was designed with nature in mind. A mother will “correct” an out of line puppy in her litter by putting pressure on the nape of the puppy’s neck. When used correctly, the StarMark Collar gives your dog a similar sensation that is very natural and easily understood by your dog. The StarMark Collar is a safe, humane way to help aid you and your dog in the training and communication process. It is the perfect alternative to more aversive training collars.
Will I have to use treats and the StarMark Clicker for the rest of my dogs life?
No. The StarMark Clicker and treats can be weaned away using a variable reinforcement schedule, once your dog has learned the exercise. Pull them out again when you want to teach your dog something new! To help wean your dog away from treats, check out the Click and Play Squid. The Click and Play Squid is a patent pending design that combines a clicker and a toy in one product. Like the StarMark Clicker, it works on the principles of operant and classical conditioning, but allows you to reward with food or interactive play.
What size dog can play with the Click and Play Squid?
The Click and Play Squid was specifically designed to be easy to hold by all sizes of dogs. Larger dogs typically grab the rounded head, while smaller dogs grab it by a leg or around the waist.
How do I train my dog using a remote collar?
A remote collar is not an instant solution—It requires some training to be done with your dog. A remote collar can speed up the learning process, particularly with off leash training because it allows you to timely communicate with your dog from a distance, while providing a stimulation that means something to your dog. It is also perfect for teaching your dog not to dig, raid the trash and more.
First you will teach your dog what the correct behavior is (sit, down, place, heel, come) before ever using stimulation from your remote collar. After your dog has learned the commands you will teach him how to turn off the stimulation he receives from the collar by performing the command correctly. Initially, your dog will not understand what is causing the stimulation, where it is coming from and why it is occurring. Until your dog completely understands where the stimulation (correction) comes from, and what it means, do not correct your dog with the remote collar around people or other animals. Also, do not use your remote collar without a leash or long line until your dog fully understands how to turn the stimulation off. (The leash is there so you can help your dog by providing direction if he gets confused about how to turn off the stimulation).
When using your Remote Collar for obedience exercises, you will apply low levels of stimulation (the sensation feels like a rapid tingle), just before you give your command. You will continue to apply the stimulation until your dog performs the command (usually a couple of seconds). Your dog will learn to turn the stimulation off by performing obedience commands. This is why it is necessary to press and hold the stimulation button until your dog performs the exercise.
Once your dog understands the exercise, you will give him the opportunity to perform the exercise without using stimulation. If he does not perform the exercise, use the remote collar for that particular command the next 3 times you give your dog that command. Then give your dog an opportunity to perform the exercise again without stimulation. This will promote correct timing, consistent behavior, and minimize confusion. Our Remote Training technique allows your dog to learn by making correct choices, versus reacting to punishment. Your dog will learn quickly and enjoy the training process. Download our Free Remote Collar Behavior and Training Guide for detailed, step-by-step instructions.
What if my dog isn’t interested in playing with the Click and Play?
Some dogs have more desire to play and to retrieve toys than others. However, most dogs find the shape and texture of the Click and Play very appealing. Try using food when you first introduce the Click and Play to your dog. Teach him that every time he hears the click, a food treat is to follow. This will help peak your dog’s interest. Once your dog is eagerly awaiting a food treat, replace the treat with allowing him to play with the Click and Play. Do not allow free access to the Click and Play- try to make training/play sessions a special time you and your dog share together.
What if my dog isn’t interested in treats?
Food is known as a Primary Reinforcer, meaning your dog cannot survive without food. Try to find a treat that is very appealing to your dog. If he still seems uninterested, offer him some of his regularly scheduled food portion during training sessions. Do not train your dog after a big meal.
If your dog prefers play to treats then check out the Click and Play Squid, a patent pending design that combines a clicker and toy in one product.
What is the difference between the StarMark Clicker and other clickers?
The StarMark Clicker was designed with ergonomics in mind. It has been our experience working with hundreds of clients that traditional clickers can be bulky and uncomfortable. The user friendly StarMark Clicker feels comfortable wherever you hold it. Not only is it comfortable, but also it is made from a lightweight and durable material.
Have you experienced missed clicks while training because you accidentally pressed the wrong end of the box clicker? With the StarMark Clicker there are no more missed clicks! The raised button is easy to find and press, even if you are wearing gloves or have long fingernails. The stainless steel clicker element will not rust. Plus, the StarMark Clicker has a built in lanyard attachment.
Why do I need to train my dog?
All members of your family, including your dog, need a basic education. Training is communication. It has been proven that a trained dog is a happier and safer dog, which can be allowed more freedom and interaction with you and others. Foster effective communication by educating your dog to be a well-mannered Canine Good Citizen. The use of obedience exercises in everyday situations will strengthen the bond between you and your dog, and can help prevent, solve, and manage many problems. For example, if your dog tends to get restless in new situations, use an obedience command such as Sit to clearly communicate to your dog what his job description for that moment is. Clear leadership through obedience and education benefits dogs of any size, age, or temperament.
Will the clicker come out of the Click and Play during play?
Under normal circumstances, the clicker will not come out during play sessions. This design has been thoroughly tested by some of our toughest canine critics. We recommend the Click and Play to be used only under supervision by you.
Can I use the Click and Play in Water?
Part of the unique design of the Click and Play is its ability to float. We recognize that many dogs love to retrieve toys in the water, so go ahead and have a great time!
Can my dog click the embedded clicker inside the Click and Play Squid?
The imbedded clicker is inset a specified distance so that your dog will not accidentally click it while playing with the Squid.
How long will it take to train my dog with these methods?
Training progress varies from dog to dog, no matter what method you choose to use. Each dog is an individual and some will excel while others may take a little longer. Patience and consistency is the key here. Make sure that training remains a fun activity for you and your dog and you will enjoy the progress along the way.
How can I learn about becoming a professional dog trainer?
Triple Crown Academy, school for dog trainers is a state approved trade school that offers certification in the science of dog training. Whether you have had prior experience in dog training or want to learn a new career path, our certified instructors can teach you a variety of proven and innovative dog training techniques. Come experience the wonders of dog obedience, agility, behavior modification, police canine training, support dogs and more. Financial aid available if qualified. For more visit us on the web at www.schoolfordogtrainers.com
How do I watch the video lessons on my computer?
First you will need to have Windows Media Player and or Real Player installed on your computer.
To download your Free Windows Media Player Click here. To download your Free Real Player Click here
If you have a low bandwith dial up or ISDN Internet connection we recommend watching the video lessons on Windows Media Player. It may take the video lesson at least 15 minutes or more to play if you have a slow dial up connection. If you have a high bandwith DSL or cable connection we recommend watching the videos on Real Player. The videos will have a clearer picture and better sound.
Second, click on the Windows Media Player or Real Player option underneath the video you want to watch. Your player will open and begin loading the video. The amount of time it takes for the video to load will depend on your connection speed.
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