October 25, 2008
Training Your Dog to Stay Inside Your Electronic Dog Fence
An invisible dog fence must not be used as replacement for actual dog training.While this system requires much of your time and patience, it is useful in helping your dog maintain its boundaries. There are specific instructions for effecting the invisible dog fence training but it entails careful execution.
Using the invisible fence system for training your dog can either be done on your own or with a help of a professional dog trainer. However, even with professional help, you will still carry much of the burden of executing training guidelines for your dog whenever the trainer is not around.
In order for your dog to recognize an invisible fence, it will cost you time and patience. However, when both you and your dog become accustomed to this system, it should be easy then.
This training system could span from 2-6 weeks, depending on how fast your dog can learn.
At the start, small red flags are lined up along where the cables are. The tiny flags will signal the dog where his boundaries are. To prevent shocking your dog at this stage of the training, you must cover the prongs on the collar with a tape.
Whenever your dog is out, allow him enough freedom to roam around the boundaries. Let your dog explore because a warning beep will sound whenever he attempts to go beyond the fence boundary. When this happens, pull off the dog right away and praise him if he obeys.
Do this exercise throughout the day so the dog can get accustomed to this setup and will immediately back off when the warning beep is activated.
After the association part of the stage, now you can allow the shock to work by removing the tape around the collar prongs. Although the shock is not painful to the dog, it is enough to get their attention and alert them to turn back.
It works the same way as static shock wherein you feel a twinge of sensation but not enough to inflict pain. The level of shock is adjusted in accordance to the size of your dog and ability to respond to it.
However, every dog owner must be aware that not all shock collars can be adjusted so make sure to purchase those with adjustable settings. Then, check the collar level to ensure that it is safe enough for your dog whenever he goes exploring outside.
Make sure not to remove the dog's leash simultaneous with the removal of the collar prongs' cover. You need to keep the leash on your dog, although he is exploring the area within the invisible fence.
Click the following links for more information on Dog Fencing systems including Pet Safe Fence and the popular Wireless Fence.