How to Train Your Dog to a Dog Fence

Now that you've finished installing your dog fence, it's time to train your dog to understand how the dog fence works. Expect to spend at least 10 days training your dog to the fence, with your dog on leash for the first 4 - 5 days.

TOOLS

• Leash
• Nylon collar
• Treats

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Install the flags that came with your dog fence. The flags serve as a visual boundary and they help your dog to more quickly understand how the dog fence works. The easiest way to install the flags is to stick them in the trench where you installed your wire.
   
   You should leave the flags up for 4 - 5 weeks, then gradually remove them by pulling every other flag every few days, until all the flags are gone.
   
   
2. Introduce your dog to the dog fence. First, set your dog's fence receiver to the lowest setting available. If your dog fence receiver doesn't have multiple correction levels, you should seriously consider choosing a different do-it-yourself dog fence.
   
   Now, put a handful of treats in your pocket, clip your dog's leash and collar on him, put the dog fence receiver on your dog, and take your dog outside into the dog fence boundary. Note: Do not clip your dog's leash to the collar that holds the dog fence receiver, as this can cause discomfort for your dog.
   
   Let your dog wander around the yard while you hold his leash. If your dog wanders into the Correction Zone, let him linger there for a few seconds before using the leash to pull him back into the Safe Zone. Now, give him a treat and praise him. Repeat this process for 5 - 10 minutes.
   
   
3. Teach your dog to avoid the dog fence. Over the next 4 - 5 days, you should spend 10 - 20 minutes per day continuing to work with your dog on leash (break this time into 2 - 3 separate sessions). Every day, you should raise the correction level on your dog's receiver, until it gets to a level that he consistently avoids.
   
   As you did when you introduced your dog to the fence, walk around the yard with your dog, allowing him to wander into the Correction Zone. Use the leash to pull your dog back into the Safe Zone if he doesn't respond on his own within a few seconds. You can also tempt him into the Correction Zone by throwing treats into the area or having a friend act distracting on the other side of the fence. Note: Do NOT actually call your dog into the Correction Zone.
   
   REMEMBER: Every time your dog is outside, he should wear his receiver. Otherwise, you'll confuse your dog and dramatically slow the training process.
   
   
4. Transition to off leash. Once your dog actively avoids the the dog fence when he is on leash, you can move to off leash training. Start by allowing your dog to drag the leash without you holding it. When you are certain (usually after a few training sessions) that he is actively avoiding the Correction Zone, then you can take him off leash. Make sure to supervise your dog during this time, until you are positive that he understands how the dog fence works.

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