Hidden dog fence training teaches your dog to recognize the boundary flags, respond to a warning beep, and back away from the edge of the yard. With RadioPet’s GentleSteps™ training, most dogs learn their boundaries within 7–10 days, with short 5–10 minute sessions 3–4 times a day.
RadioPet runs the first session at your home after installation. After that, you carry on the training yourself with a step-by-step guide, and RadioPet is available for follow-up support if your dog needs it.
Step 1: How is the yard set up for training?
After installation, visible flags go up along the boundary so your dog can see where the line is. If you choose the Homeowner Assistance option, you place the flags yourself in exchange for a discount on installation.
The width of the boundary zone can be adjusted anywhere from 1 to 32 feet to suit your yard.
Step 2: What happens in the first training session?
RadioPet always demonstrates the first GentleSteps™ session onsite with you and your dog once the system is installed. In that session, your dog learns to back up from the flags using three cues: the visible flags, voice commands, and an audible warning beep from the collar.
If your dog keeps going past the warning, the collar delivers a mild static stimulation. Sessions use plenty of treats, play and praise, so your dog connects the boundary with backing up and being rewarded.
You also get an easy-to-use guide to the GentleSteps™ system, so you know exactly what to do once the technician leaves.
Step 3: What do you do every day?
You run short practice sessions of 5–10 minutes, 3–4 times a day, during the 7-day training phase. RadioPet keeps the sessions short and upbeat so they stay fun for your dog.
Training is simple enough that children can help. Keeping your routine and commands consistent from session to session helps your dog learn faster.
Step 4: How does your dog progress?
Your dog progresses through GentleSteps™ training levels at its own pace, and its behaviour tells you when it’s ready to move up. There’s no fixed timetable.
RadioPet’s systems can be adjusted by the owner, so you can gradually raise the correction level as needed until your dog has a healthy respect for the boundary. The EcoLite™ system has four progressive correction levels. If you have a Link™ receiver, you can review and adjust its settings from your phone with the Link app.
Step 5: When do the flags come down?
The flags stay up for the first 30 days, and after that you can start removing them. Following the training schedule for those 30 days is also one of the conditions of RadioPet’s Dog Containment Guarantee.
What does the training feel like for your dog?
GentleSteps™ training uses mild static stimulation, not high correction levels. RadioPet describes the feeling as being like a tickle and encourages owners to feel it for themselves.
During training, you may see your dog shake its head, perk up its ears or scratch its neck. RadioPet reports that you won’t see yelping or crying, and that most dogs show no sign of discomfort or stress.
How long does hidden fence training take?
Most dogs are trained to the fence within 7–10 days. The training phase itself runs 7 days, and the flags stay up for 30.
Every dog is different. A stubborn or high-drive dog may take longer to work through the levels than a naturally cautious one, but the process stays the same. Our post on stubborn and high-drive dogs explains why.
What if your dog is struggling with training?
Contact RadioPet. Every installation package includes unlimited follow-up training support, and RadioPet asks owners to get in touch within the first 14 days if they’re having trouble.
Most issues can be sorted out by phone, email or text. Only a small percentage of customers need a follow-up visit. Occasionally a dog needs a higher correction level, or a different receiver than the one it started on, and RadioPet will help you work that out.
Should you choose the initial session or the complete training package?
Most RadioPet customers choose the initial training session with unlimited follow-up support, which is included in the installation price. A smaller number prefer to have RadioPet run all of the training sessions through the Complete GentleSteps™ Training Package, which costs extra for each dog.
You don’t have to decide in advance. You can wait until the first session is finished and choose based on how your dog did and how comfortable you feel.
Frequently asked questions
How old does a puppy need to be to start hidden fence training?
RadioPet recommends waiting until a puppy is about three months old before starting training.
Can I train more than one dog on the same system?
Yes. Any number of dogs can be fitted with a RadioPet receiver collar, and each collar adjusts independently.
What if we move after the system is installed?
Your RadioPet system can move with you. Once it’s reinstalled, new boundary flags and a quick training session teach your dog its new boundaries.
Does my dog need retraining if the fence stops working?
Fix the system first. Our guide to what to check when your hidden fence stops working walks through the most common causes. If your dog has started testing the boundary, contact RadioPet for follow-up support.
Written by RadioPet. RadioPet Ontario is a family-operated hidden dog fence company that has been serving Ontario since 1995.
Ready to start? Get a free quote online or call 705-739-8885 (Barrie/Simcoe) or 519-500-6882 (Kitchener-Waterloo and southwestern Ontario). RadioPet gives firm quotes without a home visit.