Outdoor Hidden Fence Pet Training Tips

The DogWatch Dealer will introduce you and your dog to the training program and provide initial training. After this, it will be necessary to reinforce the training for several weeks.

To begin with, place the DogWatch collar on your dog and walk them with a leash to different areas of your yard that are near the boundary flags. Reinforce that the flags are a "Watch-Out" signal (or whatever word you use as an avoidance command). Do this several times a day for at least 4-5 days. It's crucial to use a leash during this part of training, as you must be able to pull the dog away from the flags if they receive a warning or correction.

Make sure to praise your dog for retreating from the flags. The keys to a successful pet training program are consistency and repetition. Praise your dog immediately upon returning to the safe zone.

During the training period, do not allow your pet to run free in the yard, and avoid leaving the property for walks unless you leave by car or carry the dog over the boundary. This is to prevent confusion for the dog about leaving the yard. Remember to remove the receiver collar before leaving the yard.

Once your dog has a good understanding of the audible warning, release them for short periods of time unattended. Observe your dog and be prepared to reinforce the verbal "Watch Out" command should they venture too close to the boundary. Gradually increase the time your pet is allowed outdoors unattended for the first few weeks.

When using a pet training system, ensure that the collar is adjusted snugly to ensure good contact between the posts and the dog's skin. If your dog has a thick coat, consider trimming the fur under the receiver. For dogs with very heavy coats, you can use longer contact posts.

After each training session, remove the DogWatch collar. During the day, the dog can wear the receiver collar, but at night, it should be removed. Check the neck area under the collar for signs of irritation. If you notice any soreness, it means the collar is too tight. Loosen the collar to allow the area to recover and, if necessary, apply an antibiotic salve.

Attitude and consistency are important when it comes to dog training. It's best to keep the training sessions light and use plenty of praise to keep your dog's spirits high. When giving praise, use a high, happy tone, and when giving negative commands, use a low tone. 

As you move around the boundary, be sure to always move in the same direction and reinforce the boundary with commands. You can use phrases like "Watch Out!" or "Careful" as you slap or shake flags to help your dog learn. It's important to limit each training session to no more than 20 minutes and to keep the training consistent. Additionally, it's a good idea to keep your dog on the leash in the yard for at least five days. 

If you're training more than one dog, it's best to train each dog separately. You can also use naturally occurring distractions, such as neighbors or children, to help your dog learn. If you have any questions about our pet training systems, don't hesitate to contact your DogWatch Dealer!

Safety Zone: This designated area allows your dog to freely enjoy playtime.

Avoidance Zone: The boundary wire creates a signal field. When your dog crosses this field, the receiver collar emits an audible warning, followed by a correction. Once containment training is complete, your dog will stay within the Safety Zone.

1. Avoid calling your dog to "come" or giving a recall command while outside the flag line.
2. Refrain from walking your dog through the flags during training sessions.
3. Emphasize the retreat concept by gently shaking the flags and saying "Watch out!" when your dog receives an audible warning or correction during training.
4. Ensure the receiver collar is properly adjusted, regularly test the battery, and keep the contact posts clean.
5. After the training period, your dog may wear the receiver collar during the day but remove it at night. Check your dog's neck area to ensure there is no irritation.
6. Maintain consistency in training: allocate 10 to 15 minutes once or twice a day.
7. Avoid throwing sticks or toys in the avoidance zone.
8. Maintain a positive attitude while training your dog.
9. Remember to praise and play in the safe zone during training sessions.

Raymond J. McSoley, an internationally renowned Animal Behavior Therapist and Trainer, played a vital role in the development of DogWatch Inc.'s dog training system. As a steadfast supporter of DogWatch, he shared his testimonial on the effectiveness of our products. In his book, "Dog Tales," Ray outlines seven fundamental rules for dog owners that he imparts to every client before commencing their training. These rules serve as the cornerstone of our dog training system philosophy.

Rule 1: Master the art of effective communication with your dog.

Rule 2: Establish yourself as the leader, with your dog as the follower – equality has no place in a dog's mindset.

Rule 3: Remember, if you're not teaching the correct behavior, you're inadvertently teaching the wrong behavior, as you're always instructing the dog in some way.

Rule 4: Consistency is key when dealing with your dog.

Rule 5: Avoid assuming that your dog inherently understands right from wrong. Remember, they are unique beings, not little humans in fur coats.

Rule 6: Ensure that your dog comprehends the purpose behind any correction they receive.

Rule 7: Reward your dog for displaying appropriate behavior.

By adhering to these principles, you can establish a strong bond with your furry companion while fostering their personal growth and development. If you have any questions or need assistance feel free to give us a call at  860-628-3118 or visit our troubleshooting page.