Training your dog/cat to a containment system: Step 1

As all pets are different it is really important that you be patient with both your pet and yourself. Some pets will adapt more quickly to training than others. 

Phase 1 of training your pet is to familiarise them with the boundary flags, tone and stimulation, and the boundary. You will begin by introducing your pet to the static stimulation and tone and teaching your pet where it happens. 

The set-up

  1. Turn your pet’s receiver training collar on and set it to level 1, which is the tone only setting. If the training collar does not have a tone only setting, do not place the training collar on your pet during this phase of training.
  2. Next, place the receiver training collar on your pet’s neck or simply hold the collar near enough for your pet to hear the beeping of the collar during the training process.
  3. Put a separate non-metallic collar on your pet’s neck ABOVE the receiver training collar and attach a lead. Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on any of the contact points.

Next, start familiarising your pet with the boundary flags by:

  1. Start by having some playtime with your pet, making it a fun experience for your pet.
  2. Walking your pet on a lead in the pet boundary area.
  3. Move towards the boundary flags, allowing your pet to hear the warning tone, then lead your pet back into the containment area quickly.
  4. Praise your pet when they leave the boundary zone.
  5. Repeat the process at several of the different boundary flags.
  6. Continue the training until your pet starts to resist going near the boundary flag. It may also help to say “no” if your pet tries to attempt to go near the flags.
  7. Work with your pet in 15-minute sessions. Try to aim for about 3 training sessions per day to get the best results. 

Introduce your pet to the static stimulation by:

  1. Walk your pet on a lead in the pet area, with the collar on your pet and in the “on” position
  2. Calmly give your pet praise and talk to them
  3. Allow your pet to move toward the boundary flags
  4. Once your pet enters the warning zone, the receiver training collar will activate and start to beep. As your pet continues to go past the boundary flags into the static stimulation zone, they will receive a static stimulation.
  5. Immediately after your pet receives a static stimulation, lead them back into the pet zone. Praise them with calm body language.
  6. Repeat this process at several different boundary flags. Never pull, call or tempt your pet into the static stimulation zone.