Training Questions

We encourage families to wait until their pets are successfully contained for 2-3 weeks before starting the exit ritual. Following this ritual will make learning to leave for a walk a very easy process for both the pet and the family. If you are unable to wait until the dog is ready for the exit ritual, be sure to talk with your trainer to determine the best alternative.

1. Pick a word to give the dog permission to cross the line.
   • Words like ‘gate’, ‘bridge’, ‘shazam’, etc.
   • Avoid words like “ok” as it comes up in normal conversation too often.
   • The word you pick should be used just for crossing the fence line.
2. Pick a spot to leave the yard. One consistent spot is best.
3. Quietly take the dog’s collar off in the house. Then, make a big fuss about putting on his walking gear.
   • The focus is on getting the walking gear, not taking off the collar.
4. Walk out to “the spot” and have the dog sit at the edge of his comfort zone. Make a big deal about moving the flag out of the way. Set it down somewhere away from the exit point. This “opens” the gate.
5. Using the exit word, have the dog cross the fence line and go for a walk.
6. When you return, confidently walk back into the yard and have the dog stop inside the fence line. Make a big deal about replacing the flag. This “closes” the gate.
7. Always return to the house to take off walking gear and quietly put the collar back on.
8. Over time, the last flag to go away is the GATE Flag.
9. Eventually just the Open and Close motion signals to the dog when he can leave the yard and when the gate is closed. Remember dogs are very aware of body language and the “open” and “close” motion can be very powerful.

The Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment system is recommended for dogs and cats, but has been used on other animals such as goats, sheep, donkeys, cows, and pigs – animals that react favorably to conditioning. However, Invisible Fence® products are intended for domestic dogs and cats and we have only developed training protocols for these pets.