If you have bought a wireless electric dog fence or just planning to get one, you know that the system works best not in simple containment of your pet. It is most effective when your dog is trained with it on how to remain in single area. If your dog can be trained, then you do not have to worry about him wandering around and perhaps getting into an accident or causing property damage. This is the reason why it is superior to the leash or fence.
Setting Up the Invisible Fence
You need to place the transmitter in a place where the signal is strongest and will let you maximize the open spaces of your property. The ideal spot is somewhere where there is no metallic object that is present to distract the signal. The attic is a good spot as well as your garage. After you have adjusted the boundary settings, use the receiver to locate the boundary points, then plot the flags. You will have to repeat the process until there are enough flags for your dog to notice. Then you need to set the correction level in the receiver. It has to match the temperament of your dog and size. The more lights flashing, the stronger the correction level is.
Familiarizing the Warning Signs
The boundary flags are meant to be first warning that tells your pet that the boundary is very close. Once the invisible fence is working, you can have your dog wear the receiver and perhaps together with a leash. The leash is necessary at this point to guide the dog to where you are headed.
Walk with the dog toward the boundary and make sure that he can see the flags. You can walk around to all the boundary flags for good measure. Then you can slowly guide the dog into the boundary zone but not beyond it. As expected, the receiver should sound an alarm that the boundary has been crossed. At that point, quickly guide the dog back into the play area. Repeat the exercise until the dog can associate the flag and the alarm to the need to get back in the safe area.
Experiencing the Correction
At a particular point in your training session, you will have to repeat the exercise, but this time, place his favorite snack in the boundary zone. If he is familiar with the alarm, he will not move into the boundary. If the urge of the treat is great, he will still proceed regardless of the alarm. This is the point where he will feel the static correction. After about two seconds in the boundary zone, help your pet get back in the pet area. It is important that you praise your pet because he was able to get back though with your help. Repeat the same sessions and check if he does not go after the treat anymore.
The rest of the training will involve continued awareness of the flags and attempts to lure the dog into the boundary zone. Your praise and rewards will gradually make you dog stay within the pet area, even without the receiver.