Training Your Dog for the Invisible Fence

Training your dog to the system is teaching your dog the new boundaries in his life. It is a training protocol primarily based on positive reinforcement. For your dog, the training process will be fun and interactive and includes time spent with you as well as a certified Dog Guard Trainer. The process can take up to 5-7 days and the dog must be supervised during this period.

During the training period, our trainer works with you and your dog. Phone consultations during this process are also encouraged, and benefit our animal and human clients alike. Each Dog Guard underground fence system requires pet training customized for your situation. Training is the most important – and most variable – part of our system.

Some important tips before you begin…

  • Follow the steps closely – they will result in success!
  • Your pet must not be off the leash for the initial 7 to 10 days of training
  • Collar should be worn all day from the first day of training and taken off every night.
  • If training more than 1 pet, train them separately at least for the first 5 to 6 day.
  • Train at least 2 to 3 times a day, more if possible, but keep it short – 5 to 15 minutes depending on the size of property.
  • No more than 3 electronic collar corrections per day.
  • Only take the pet off the property as directed, and if taking your pet out in a vehicle take the receiver collar off before leaving.
  • Above all have fun training, keep it happy. Always try to end a training session with some fun time, throwing a ball around or whatever makes them happy.

Phase 1

We will start out by simply teaching your pet the boundaries. You will be border training your pet to the flags and the tone. The Dog Guard collar will be deactivated by putting tape of the posts so that no correction can be delivered. We will manually give you pet a correction by jerking them back away from the line every time they get too close to the flags. As soon as your pet gets turned around away from the flags we being to praise them while running away from the flags (at least 10 feet). Use short jerking motions to get your pet to turn away from the flags. Your pet should start hearing the tone about 1 to 2 feet before the flags that’s when we need to get your pet away from the flags. Your pet should start hearing the tone about 1 to 2 feet before the flags that’s when we need to get your pet away from the flags. Do not let you pet walk in and out of the flagged area without getting a correction. Anytime your pet willingly goes into the flagged area, let him, then give him the short jerking corrections while running back toward the safe area. You may not be bale to hear the tone so use the flags as your cue to give the correction. This phase of training should last for 2 to 4 days. By that time your pet should be somewhat avoiding the flagged areas and backing out when he hears the tone. This indicates the training is taking effect. Good Job!

Phase 2

Now its time for your pet to experience the correction from the collar while still on the leash. We will take the tape off the posts on the collar and place the collar on the pet. The training will be similar to what you have already been doing except we do not need to jerk them back as a correction. The Dog Guard collar will now do it for us. It is important that your pet experience at least 3 to 5 corrections from the collar (while still on the leash) in the next 3 to 5 days. This will ensure your pet knows what to do when they receive the correction. Your pet should immediately come back away from the flags when they get a correction, if they don’t you are there to get them back with the leash. If you pet becomes hesitant to go back outside after the correction, back off the training but still take him out in the safe area. It is important to do whatever is necessary to get your pet outside using and playing in their safe area. Remember to always incorporate praise and play into the training sessions. At this point, your pet should be avoiding the flagged areas, but still willing to run and play in the safe area of the yard.

Phase 3

Distractions or proofing – By day 5 or 6 your pet should be avoiding the flagged area consistently. Now we have to test him in situations that will tempt him to want to leave the property. While still on the leash we can give him distractions, such as family members walking out of the boundaries. If he attempts to cross the boundary, let him get the correction and he should come back away from the boundaries. If he does not immediately come back away, we are there to get him back – remember still lots of praise when he avoids or comes back away from the flags. We can use sticks, balls and favorite toys thrown over the boundary. Your pet should not be willing to cross the boundary for any reason after a few days of this training. You can use any distraction you think would cause him to want to cross the boundary such as other animals, joggers, food, bicyclists and neighbors. Keep him on the leash until you’re sure he will not cross the boundary. Anytime your pet willingly goes into the flagged area let him, its part of the learning process. Your pet needs to know what to do when he does get a correction. This phase will last 4 to 6 days.

Phase 4

Off the Leash – Supervision is required for the next 3 to 6 days off the leash. Bring your pet outside with out his leash and allow him to run and play. Do this for 10 to 15 minutes a session 2 to 3 times a day. Again, begin with distractions, start out with light distractions and move up as you go. After a few days of this you will start to feel confident that your pet will not leave the property. Do not be concerned if your pet stays close to the house, this is normal. It may take a couple of days for your pet to become acclimated to your Dog Guard system. If your pet does leave the property more than once call your dealer immediately!

Leave the flags up for at least 4 to 5 weeks. When you decide to remove them pick a day and take out every other flag. Repeat this process every 2 to 3 days until all the flags are gone. At any point during the training process you are unsure of something, CALL THE OFFICE! It is much easier on everyone, including your pet, to deal with any problems promptly.

If you do not follow this manual and the instructions from your Dealer/Trainer you will void any Guarantees of containment. We want this system to work as much as you do, so please follow the directions and we will be successful.