Training

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PRO (programmable collars)

The "Nutshell" Version
(Professional Systems Only)

There are 4 simple steps to training your dog to a Canine Containment fencing system:

1. TEACH your pet to "turn off" the warning/correction by backing up at the flag line using low stimulation levels for "Recognition" (short leash 3-4')
   
   
2. TRAIN your pet to avoid the flag line boundary by using increasing levels of correction until your pet achieves "Avoidance" (long leash of 10'). Work with increasing intensity of distractions using meat pieces as a positive reinforcement in the safe area (approx. 3-4' inside the flag line). Proceed to step 3 when you can't manufacture anything to get your pet to cross the line.
   
   
3. PROOF your pet by reintroducing distractions on a "drop-leash". Drop the leash to allow your pet additional distance from you without the tension of a lead. You MUST still stay within that 10' distance following your dog around the yard while reintroducing distractions. You are to intensely watch your dog's reaction and body language with each distraction. If they spot something exciting you need to be ready to pick up or step on the end of the leash before they decide to take off. In this step you will tweak the correction level (generally increasing 1-2 levels over your "avoidance" level to achieve maintenance level). Proceed to step 4 when you can't manufacture anything to get your pet to cross the line (including you and/or the pet's family)
   
   
4. SUPERVISE your pet off-leash. Initially walking with the pet under high distractions then gradually increasing the distance you are from your pet when they prove their level of containment. Maintain a close level of supervision over the next 2 weeks. If there is a break of training you need to back up to step 2 or 3 with the leash on until you have "proofed" your pet through the distraction that triggered the break.

BEFORE you train your pet make sure they are suitable for a Hidden Fence. This system is not intended for pets that have shown aggression towards people or other pets. Make sure the system is properly installed or checked by Canine Containment. The yard does need to be flagged. The flags are dual-purpose. They show you where your dog should begin to respond. They are also there to provide a visual boundary to speed your pet's training. DO NOT skip this important step. It is poor training to assume that "they will figure it out".

Read the Professional Training Manual and watch the training DVD before starting.

Pro280

DURING the training follow the Professional Training Manual schedule closely and obey the leash rules - you might think your pet is the exception or a "genius" but if you drop or remove the leash too early and break the consistency of training by allowing them to make a "mistake" (run through) you will have a tougher hill to climb.

Training sessions should ideally be done when you take your dog out for a potty break (normally 3-4 times per day) and should last anywhere from 5-15 minutes.

AFTER the majority of the training is completed (off-leash for at least 2 weeks) you can begin training on the "Imaginary Gate" (full information in the Professional Training Manual [PDF]) When training is completed it is time for maintenance. Check the tightness of the collar weekly (or more often with puppies). Change your collar batteries on the correct schedule or enroll in our Battery Program. Call us if you will have any work done in your yard. Only have Canine Containment repair the system or use our self repair kit. IF your dog runs for any reason call the office for instructions.