Electric dog fences are an easy way to safely contain your dog in the garden. We can all agree that keeping a dog inside all the time is cruel. Similarly, letting your dog into the freedom of your garden only for him to escape is too. If he escaped from your garden he could be left lost, alone and unable to find home.
Many dog owners have trouble with trying to keep their dogs in their gardens. Many also have issues keeping dogs off a busy road or out of their flower beds. However, an electric dog fence can provide a simple solution. These are a very cost-effective way of keeping your dog safe. Therefore, we now have full electric dog fence kits and much information on these dog collars to help you decide whether they are the thing for you. In this article, I am going to talk you through how to train your pet to use one of these electric dog collars.
Step 1: Teaching your dog where the fence boundary lies
Firstly you need to teach your dog how to work this new electric fence. This takes up to three days. Start by joining the power supply to the control unit. Put your dog’s normal collar on also and use a lead to guide him towards the electric fence wire. Once you hear the beep ensure to sternly say no and pull him away and praise him. Repeat this all around the border.
Training your dog that driveways and other gaps are no longer ways of escape is also essential. Let your dog linger and watch his response to the fence. If he retreats without any coaxing praise him. Also, if your dog reacts shout no and praise him. This serves to teach the dog that he will be shocked if he tries to escape, leading to him not trying to breach the border. Repeat this step until your dog understands the concept of this new fence.
Step 2: Time for your dog to prove that he has learnt to use the dog fence
You now need to check that the electric dog fence is working. This will probably take about one day. Keep your dog on a lead and try to distract the dog from his electric collar testing his natural response to the fence. This helps you decided if he is ready to roam your garden. You could use a toy to entice him to the border and see if he approaches. However, never call or command him to cross as this will just confuse him.
Step 3: Confirmation that the fence is working
This is the live test to check your dog’s response to the electric fence. Now he can run around freely, but he still should be watched over at this stage. It may take some time and patience to get your dog used to his collar but the end result will be worth it. If you don’t train your dog to use the fence correctly your new purchase will likely be ineffective. However, once your dog is trained properly to the fence he soon should be free to roam around independently.