How to Train with an Invisible Fence

Invisible fences have become popular with homeonwers as a way to contain their pets without erecting a traditional fence. Invisible fences work by emitting a signal to a radio collar that is placed around the pet's neck. When the animal gets close to the fence boundary, the control box prompts the collar to correct the animal with either a warning tone or a shock. Training with an invisible fence is an economical way to keep your pets from roaming the neighborhood.

Things You'll Need

  • Marker flags
  • Flat buckle collar
  • Leash
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the invisible fence system around the perimeter of your property. Invisible fences come in either wired or wireless styles. If you have a wired system, string the wire along the designated area and stake it down before hooking it to the control box. If your invisible fence is wireless, place the system in the center of your property and adjust it to the desired perimeter distance.

    • 2

      Place a marker flag every 15 feet along the boundary of the fence. Marker flags are brightly colored and serve as a visual indicator to the pet where the fence begins. You can find marker flags at home improvement and hardware stores.

    • 3

      Buckle the radio collar around the pet's neck, tightening it until the metal contacts rest against the skin. Turn the dial on the side of the collar to adjust it to the lowest setting. Fit the pet with a regular buckle collar and leash to allow you to control it during training.

    • 4

      Walk the pet toward the fence line from the center of the property, slowing as you get closer to the boundary. As the pet approaches, the fence will issue a warning beep to stop the pet before it is corrected. Once you hear the warning, stop the pet and reward it with a treat to teach it to stop when it hears the warning.

    • 5

      Continue down the fence line, rewarding the pet each time it backs away when the warning is issued. If it gets too close and a correction is issued, move back at least 5 feet and approach the fence again. Moving back toward the center of the property teaches the dog to move away from the fence when corrected rather than bolting across the fence line.

    • 6

      Unhook the leash and allow the dog to explore the fence without your guidance, rewarding it when it correctly moves away from the fence. Work with the pet every day until it learns to stay within the boundaries on its own. Most pets can be taught to stay within the boundaries of an invisible fence in less than two weeks with daily training sessions.