Owning a powerful breed—be it a Dogo, Cane Corso, or Rottweiler—is an unmatched experience. Their strength, intelligence, and loyalty are second to none.
But with that power comes great **responsibility**.
Powerful breeds don't just need love; they crave **clear rules** and **confident leadership**. They are hardwired for work and structure. Your job as their handler is to provide that structure.
Your ForgeHound gear is your tool for clear communication. Now, here are 3 key drills you must master to build control, focus, and respect.
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### 1. The Foundation: Mastering the Loose-Leash Walk
* **The Goal:** To teach your dog that its default position is calmly by your side, not dragging you down the street.
* **Why It Matters:** This is your "business card" in public. A powerful dog pulling its owner is a dangerous liability. A powerful dog walking calmly at a heel is a picture of respect.
* **How to Do It:**
1. **Fit Correctly:** Ensure your ForgeHound training collar is high on the neck, right behind the jaw (see our "How to Use" guide).
2. **Keep it Loose:** Your leash should be slack, forming a "J" shape, 99% of the time.
3. **The "Pop" Correction:** When the dog tries to forge ahead, **do not** get into a pulling match. Apply one **quick, crisp "pop"** sideways and backward (away from the dog's direction) and **immediately** loosen the leash.
4. **Praise:** When the dog returns to your side, give calm verbal praise ("Good boy").
5. **Repeat:** This takes patience. The dog will test you. Your correction must be consistent, immediate, and fair.
### 2. The Focus Drill: The 180-Degree Turn
* **The Goal:** To teach your dog that it *must* pay attention to *you*, not the squirrel, car, or person across the street.
* **Why It Matters:** A high-drive dog is easily distracted. This drill breaks their "tunnel vision" and forces them to re-focus on their handler.
* **How to Do It:**
1. Begin your loose-leash walk.
2. Without warning, abruptly turn 180 degrees and walk confidently in the opposite direction.
3. Don't say anything, don't pull. Just turn.
4. When the dog hits the end of the leash as you turn, apply a **light "pop"** as a reminder: "Hey, I'm over here."
5. The moment the dog hurries to catch up and falls back into place at your side, praise it.
6. Repeat this randomly throughout your walk. Soon, your dog will learn to walk with "one eye on you," never knowing when you'll change direction.
### 3. The Impulse Control: The "Place" Command
* **The Goal:** To teach your dog an "off-switch"—to stay on a designated spot (like a mat or bed) with distractions, until you release it.
* **Why It Matters:** This is the ultimate test of impulse control and respect. This command is everything when the doorbell rings, guests arrive, or you're eating dinner. It teaches the dog how to be calm.
* **How to Do It:**
1. **Define the "Place":** Choose a clear spot (a dog bed, a small mat).
2. **Guide:** Lead your dog (on leash) to the mat and use the command "Place" as you guide it on.
3. **Reward:** The second all four paws are on the mat, reward with praise.
4. **Add Duration:** Ask for a "Down" or "Sit" on the mat.
5. **Release:** After a few seconds, use a release word ("Free" or "OK") and encourage the dog to leave the mat.
6. **Repeat:** Gradually extend the *duration* (from seconds to minutes) and then add *distractions* (you walking around the room, the doorbell).
7. **Correct:** If the dog breaks "place" before you release it, use a firm "pop" on the leash and guide it immediately back to the mat.
### Conclusion: Gear and Discipline
ForgeHound provides the gear that will not fail. Our solid steel and welded links ensure that when you apply a correction, your message is delivered 100% of the time.
But gear is only half of the equation. The other half is your **consistency** and **leadership**.
Your gear won't fail you. Neither should your training.
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