A wireless, invisible dog fence® sounds like a brilliant idea for pet owners that want to protect their animals. At their core, all you need to do is set up a range on a transmitter, put a collar on the dog and stop them from straying. The only issue here is that your dog needs the correct training to succeed with this system. You need to follow the best invisible fence training tips. Learn more about what are the best wireless dog fences.
A good wireless fence training regime requires a good approach with each of the following
- the boundary on the fence
- the use of the training flags
- the settings on the collar
- your attitude towards the dog
It is no good training a dog to recognize the boundary of the yard without introducing them to the collar. Likewise, there is no point in focusing on the settings of the collar without a clear idea of the range of the system. Both you and your dog need to understand each element of the product and take your time.
1) Understanding the boundary of the fence
The best wireless fences have a clear, reliable boundary that radiates from a central point. You know where this is when you set up the transmitter. Your dog doesn’t have a clue where this is until you show them. You need to walk them around this boundary so they understand their limits. Do this with the system turned off at first. At this point, they just need to understand the layout. With time you can do with with the collar and the right intensity settings – but you need to take things one step at a time.
2) Understanding the boundary flags
This idea of a slow, gradual process is why the best invisible fence systems come with a series of marker flags. The more flags there are, and the brighter they appear, the easier it will be to train your dog. Ignore any brand that is too cheap to add this feature. Lay these flags around the circumference of the border. This gives the dog a clear visual marker of how far they can go. Keep them in place for a while as you walk the dog around the boundary. This will help to reinforce the message.
3) Understanding the collar
The collar is the receiver for the correction of a dog’s behavior. It will emit static or a tone if they get too close to the boundary. Once they are used to the layout of the perimeter of their safe space, you can show the dog how it feels get too close to the border. Walk them to the boundary, wait for the correction and retreat to the middle of the yard. Repeat this process so they associate the sensation and desired response with the boundary.
Again, it is important to work gradually. Start with the lowest settings before you build up to the level of correction you feel is appropriate. Keep them on the lead and work with them. Stay with them once you remove the training flags. This way you can make sure they understand that the correction relates to their location, not to the flag. Eventually, you can let them wander the yard alone. It also helps to let them wear the collar with it turned off for the first day. This lets them get used to the weight and smell of this new item.
4) Understanding the correct approach
It is essential that you stay patient and positive in this electric fence training scheme. The worst thing that you can do is set up a fence, put the collar on the dog and expect them to understand what is going on. This is all new to them and it takes time to learn what the collar does, why it does it and why there are flags around the yard. If you work gradually and patiently then it will all pay off. Positive reinforcement is also essential. At no point should the dog think that this correction is a punishment. Nor should they be scolded if they don’t pick it up as quickly as you had hoped. Remember that different breeds are smarter than others. Some are also more stubborn. Work with your dog, not against it.
Essentially, you need to follow this positive approach, create a gradual regime with these invisible fence dog training tips and understand the product. If you can do that, you should get the results you are after.