Invisible Fence Training Tips

An invisible fence is one way to ensure that your dog remains within the boundaries of your property. However, because the fence is invisible, other animals, such as stray dogs and cats, rabbits and rodents, may still enter the yard. A dog contained within an invisible fence can also see everything around it and may still try to charge at strangers or chase an animal it sees. Competent training is key to being successful with an invisible fence.

  1. Age Consideration

    • Young dogs or puppies still have a fear stage, and so the best results will come with younger dogs. A flag/alarm system is most commonly used. When the dog gets close to the flags that border the yard, an alarm will sound. Your dog will associate the annoying audio sound, which can be quite frightening, with the flags, and that will deter it from getting too close to the flags.

    Leash Walking

    • Walk your dog around the perimeter of the yard, using the flag/alarm system. The dog will quickly realize that if it gets too close to the flags, an alarm will sound, warning it. Pull back on the leash to reinforce. After 1 week of training using the flag/alarm method, your dog should be fully aware of the yard's boundaries. At this stage, you can switch to the electric shock method. Remove some of the flags around the yard and place the special shock collar on your dog. Adjust the setting on the collar to transmit low-level shocks. Once your dog becomes familiar with the boundaries, remove the remaining flags and adjust the shock level to the medium setting.

    Praise

    • Positive reinforcement is key when training a dog. When your dog gets close to the boundaries of the yard and then retreats, offer praise and a treat, such as food or its favorite toy. Your dog will associate this positive reinforcement with being inside the fence and will be less likely to stray.