The Halo solution is as much about training you and your dog as it is about dog containment and safety. The unique Halo training programs, designed by Cesar Millan, are what will ultimately determine the effectiveness of the Halo system. This includes our Halo User Training course and our introductory Halo Pet Training course. In addition, Cesar Millan’s years of training expertise have defined the functionality of the Halo system in addition to our unique, simple, and proven training programs.  You can find them by clicking on the training icon at the bottom of the screen in the app:

We strongly encourage all pet owners to take the Halo User Training course!

When at least one family member completes the Halo User Training, they may begin training each individual dog using the introductory Halo Pet Training program. Training is designed to be fun for you and your dog(s).

You should train one dog at a time.  You may see results quickly as you progress through the Halo Dog Training program. However; keep in mind that it typically takes about 21 days for new behaviors to become lifelong habits, so it is important to reinforce the training as described.

As part of the training, you will be using several methods to correct your dog. Configure each dog’s feedback settings by selecting your dog in the Training tab and clicking on Settings. 

The Halo system provides four primary methods.  For audible and static stimulation, you can also adjust the volume/intensity level.

• Tone: Activates an audible tone. Some tones can only be heard by dogs’ sensitive hearing.  A tone can be used as either an encouragement or feedback, depending on your training needs.
• Voice: Activates a pre-recorded audio clip. A vocal cue can be used as either an encouragement or feedback, depending on your training needs. User-recorded audio options will be available in the future. 
• Vibration: Applies tactile vibration instead of stimulation to your dog, in selected vibration patterns. The effectiveness of vibration may vary according to your dog's temperament and experience.
• Static feedback: Applies brief static stimulation at the designated intensity level.  Always begin with the lowest level that initiates a response as described below.

For audible and static stimulation, you can also adjust the volume/intensity level.

Follow these steps to adjust the intensity level:

1. Use the Halo app to select the desired sound, vibration, or static stimulation. Then, set the intensity to the lowest level (change the Intensity Level).
2. In the Halo app, press the Test on Collar button.
3. Observe your dog for a reaction, such as a head shake, neck movement, or just a change in expression.

Vocal response from your dog: Sometimes dogs will vocalize due to the surprise of the electrical stimulation. If your dog vocalizes more than once, the intensity level is too high.

The intensity level that causes a slight but recognizable reaction is your dog's baseline level for beginning collar training.  Do not repeat this test.

After you begin training, your dog’s performance guides your intensity selection. As your dog advances in training, you may need to change the level depending upon the training results.

Halo Fences and Halo Beacons

Using the Halo app, you can configure the Halo Collar with one or more fences. The collar also ships with one Halo Beacon.  Halo fences and Halo beacons are managed on-board the Halo Collar, so the Halo Collar will enforce the boundaries using pet-specific feedback—even with no Internet access.

Halo Fences: Use the Halo app to create your own outdoor fences that work just like underground wired fences - but with nothing to install. Press the Find button on the MyMap tab, and then the Add Fence button. You can create and name up to 20 fences, each with up to 20 fence posts.  Place each fence post by either walking with one of your collars in-hand or by touching your finger on the map.  Your Halo Fences are downloaded into each of your Halo Collars and are enforced when you enable Fences On mode for your dog(s).  More information on creating fences is available here.

Halo Beacons: Use these battery or USB-wall-adapter-powered devices to keep your dog(s) away from undesirable areas—inside or outside your house—such as the kitchen or bedroom. Or, use a Halo Beacon as a notification system, such as when your dog is by the back door. Also, you'll be using the provided Halo Beacon during Pet Training as the first step towards training rules, boundaries, and limitations.  Beacons are enforced whenever you enable Beacons On mode for your dog(s).

Battery-Powered Halo Beacon from Kit (including disassembled view)

Turn on the Halo Beacon by pressing on the halo logo and holding for 3 seconds until the blue light turns on, and then release. To turn it off, hold down again for 3 seconds. Confirm, after releasing, that the blue power light blinks 5 times.

The Halo Beacon from your kit uses a replaceable calculator-style CR2025 battery.  Use the disassembly view in the figure above to assist with battery replacement. 

These are the types of automatic feedback:

• Warning: Applies your specified ‘Warning-Level’ feedback when your dog gets close to a fence boundary or a Keep-Away Beacon for the first two seconds.
• Boundary: If your dog has not yet left a fence but it ignores the warning for more than two seconds, the Halo Collar will automatically activate this feedback.
• Emergency: This type of feedback occurs if your dog crosses the fence line and continues moving away from the fence, or if it continues to ignore Boundary feedback near a Beacon, the Halo Collar applies an Emergency Feedback periodically until your dog stops or turns back.
• Positive Feedback: If your dog starts to return to the safety of the fence, the Halo Collar applies your configured Positive feedback, including the Whistle.
• Lost Mode: If your dog leaves the fence area by over 100 meters (about 300 feet), it will no longer receive Emergency Feedback. Instead, the Halo Collar will attempt to direct your dog back to the safety of your fence using Positive feedback, including the Whistle, Good Behavior, and Heading Home.

While training your dog(s), while on a walk, or whenever you determine it is necessary, you can initiate any of the same types of feedback on demand. To send immediate feedback, press the Hand icon—either on your dog(s) pet card on MyMap or on the Training card for your dog. After pressing the Hand icon, you will be presented with an option to send any customized feedback to the dog as either a correction or an encouragement. More information on providing and managing feedback can be found in this article.

Hand Icon

Instant Feedback Menu

If you have any further questions and would like to speak to our live support team, please feel free to reach out using the following article: How to Contact Customer Support and we'll be happy to help!