Invisible or hidden dog fences are becoming more and more popular with pet owners as a training tool to contain their dogs in desired areas. The invisible Dog Fencing creates a boundary using a wire which can be buried above the ground or placed on existing structures. The invisible fence for dogs transmits a signal to a receiver worn on the dog collar. When the dog comes too close to the boundary the transmitter sends an audible warning to the dog. If the dog ignores the warning a harmless stimulation is sent to the collar which the dog feels like a sensation similar to what a human would feel with static electricity.

While the invisible dog fence works really well, it was never intended as a stand-alone product, although some people do use it that way. It is important to train your dog to understand and respect the parameters of the invisible dog fence.

So how do you go about training a dog with an invisible dog fence?

First of all training your dog with an invisible dog fence should be a fun and positive experience. While it is possible to train your dog yourself after watching a few youtube videos about training methods for Invisible fences for dogs, it is always best to call in a professional who understands all the intricacies of the particular system you are using.

Early training should include visual cues. It is useful to place flags around the perimeter of your containment area. Over a few days, your professional trainer will introduce your dog to the boundary of the invisible dog fence. Flags will be used so your dog has a visual reference point for the perimeter of the invisible dog fence. Eventually, they will be removed.

Positive reinforcement is key to the training process. Through repetition and consistency during the training process, your dog will learn where it is acceptable to play when you are away.

in terms of the timeline for training, you would expect after about 5-8 days you could progress your dog from on leash training to off-leash. After about 2 weeks your dog will most likely understand the boundaries of the invisible fence system and you will be able to gradually start removing the flags. Your trainer will most likely start removing alternate flags to gradually reduce the visual cues. Your dog will decide how long it takes before all the flags can be removed. Total training time is not likely to take more than a month.

Owner Training

It is important to realise that it is not only your dog that is being trained about how the invisible dog fence system works. Your professional trainer is also training you so that you can continue positive reinforcement into the future. At first, you will learn by watching the professionals at work. Then it is time for you to get involved and continue the training. Once the initial training is complete, it won’t take too much effort by you to carry on.

When your dog is not in the containment area of the invisible fence, it is a good idea to take the receiver collar off. This gives your dog a break from wearing the collar. Leave the collar off when you enter the containment area. Once your dog is in the containment area you can put the collar back on. This also serves as another cue that it’s time for your dog to stay within the boundary of the invisible fence.

A responsible dog owner will not install an invisible dog fence without taking the time to train their dog with the system. Your dog will not automatically know what to do when you put him/her inside the invisible fence. You need to teach your dog about boundaries and acceptable behaviour. You must be consistent with your dog and reward them for positive behaviour.

The following video shows Daisy the boxer in action learning about the hidden fence system

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9a2OXM4Vh8

If you are thinking about installing an invisible fence system for your dog head to https://hiddenfence.com.au/ for some great information and product options.