Tag Archive for: dog proof your garden

Training Your Dog to an Electronic Fence: A Positive Approach to Pet Safety

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Training Your Dog to an Electronic Fence: A Positive Approach to Pet Safety

Training your dog to an electronic dog fence is an essential part of using any dog containment system. Whether you have a professionally installed fence or a self-installed dog fence, proper training ensures your pet understands their boundaries and stays safely contained. At DogFence Ltd, we provide on-site training with all our professional installations, and offer full guidance for self-install kits, so your dog can be trained safely and successfully.

Why is training so important?

An electronic dog fence works by sending a radio signal through a wire placed around the boundary of your property. Your dog wears a small receiver collar which emits a warning tone as they approach the boundary. If they ignore the tone and continue forward, they receive a mild static impulse—enough to discourage them from crossing the line, but not strong enough to cause harm.

However, dogs don’t instinctively understand these signals. Without training, they may become confused or anxious, or simply ignore the warnings. That’s why the training process is so vital—it teaches your dog to understand the audio warning and to respond by retreating to the safe area.

Positive, dog-friendly training methods

We believe in kind, clear, and consistent training. Our methods are based on decades of experience and are designed to suit all dog breeds and temperaments. Here’s what makes our training so effective:

  • Gentle introduction: We start with visual cues (white training flags) and lead training before introducing the collar.
  • Step-by-step approach: Training is phased over several days so your dog can build confidence at their own pace.
  • Calm environment: We always begin training when the dog is relaxed and focused.
  • Owner involvement: You play a key role in reinforcing good behaviour with praise and encouragement.
Top Tip: Keep initial training sessions short and always end on a positive note. A few successful minutes is far more effective than a long, stressful session.

What to expect on installation day

If you choose a professionally installed system, one of our experienced trainers will guide you and your dog through the first training session. We’ll walk the boundary together, introduce the audio tone, and demonstrate how to guide your dog back to safety.

We also explain how to read your dog’s behaviour and how to build up off-lead confidence over the coming days. Most dogs learn the system within just a few sessions.

dog-fence-training-day.jpg

Dog in training to the electronic dog fence

Self-install kits: Can I train my dog myself?

Yes! Our self-install kits include comprehensive training guides, videos, and access to expert support. We’ll talk you through how to set up the system, fit the collar, and train your dog in a safe and structured way. Many owners choose this option and achieve excellent results.

The key is consistency—train your dog every day for short sessions, use clear commands and plenty of praise, and don’t rush the process.

Common training challenges (and how to overcome them)

  • My dog ignores the tone: Ensure the collar is fitted snugly and that you’re reinforcing the warning with leash guidance in the early stages.
  • My dog is nervous: Go slowly. Reassure your dog and use high-value treats and gentle praise to build confidence.
  • Multiple dogs: Train each dog individually before letting them out together. This helps avoid distraction and builds understanding.

What Our Customers Say

At DogFence Ltd, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and training for every pet. Here’s what one of our customers had to say about their experience:

“This company are top rank. They quoted over the phone, a gentleman came and installed the cable around a large area and trained the wayward dog to beware it. He was excellent with all our four dogs and extremely nice and helpful – he had also come a long way to install our system – in Cornwall. Since then the fence has worked fantastically with the dog hearing the audible warning and as far as we know has never even been ‘zapped’ such was the excellent training given by the installer. All in all a truly excellent experience, superlatives fail me.”

– Edward Trewhella

We are proud to help pet owners across the UK, and this feedback is just one example of the great experiences our customers have with us. If you’d like to learn more about our systems or book an installation, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

A lasting result

With proper training, your dog will learn to stay within the boundaries—even without wearing the collar. It becomes a habit, a part of their understanding of the home environment. That means freedom for your dog and peace of mind for you.

Thousands of families across the UK trust DogFence to protect their pets. If you’re thinking about installing a dog fence, or if you’re unsure how to train your dog to an existing system, get in touch with us—we’re happy to help. Electronic pet fencing has been safely used for over 50 years but in the UK it is still relatively unheard of – read what the US Pet Meds say about electronic pet fences.

 

Want to speak with a dog training expert?
Call us on 01628 476060 or email info@dogfence.co.uk. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

 

 

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How to Dog-Proof Your Garden

How to Dog Proof Your Garden

Top Tips for a Safe & Secure Outdoor Space

How to Dog Proof Your Garden: Read our top tips here as this is one of the first questions the owners of an escaping dog will google!. As dog owners, we all want our dogs and cats to enjoy the freedom of playing outside, but without turning our gardens into a canine playground of destruction! Whether you’re worried about your dog escaping, eating harmful plants, or causing damage to your flowerbeds, dog-proofing your garden is essential. Cats can also cause neighbourly issues with fouling in other gardens and, of course, the statics for feline road accidents is incredibly sad and high. Over 50% of all cats under the age of five die on the UK’s roads each year.

At DogFence.co.uk, we specialise in providing solutions for keeping your dog safe and secure while giving you peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll explore some effective ways to dog-proof your garden, ensuring both your dog and your garden thrive.

  1. Secure Your Boundaries to Dog Proof your Garden

One of the first things to consider is how secure your garden is from potential escapes. Dogs can be incredible escape artists, and a secure fence is your best defence.

dog proof fencing, electric dog fence, invisible dog fence, dogwatch hidden fence

Dog getting out more than you?

Install a robust fence: Make sure your fencing is tall enough (typically 6ft or more, depending on your dog’s breed). If you’re installing a physical fence, ensure that it’s strong and sturdy and well-maintained, with no gaps or weak points. Don’t forget driveways as these are the biggest “weak point on a property”.

Electric dog fences: For a non-visible alternative, consider invisible dog fences, which are an excellent solution if you want to maintain the aesthetics of your garden while providing a boundary. Our DogFence invisible fencing system uses harmless signals to keep your dog within the safe zone of your garden, without the need for a physical barrier, it also secures the driveway even when the gates are open!

  1. Prevent Your Dog Digging Under Fences

Many dogs love to dig, and some will dig right under a fence to make a great escape. Here’s how to prevent that:

Dig-proof barriers: Bury chicken wire or garden mesh at least 18” beneath the fence line to stop dogs from burrowing. You can also line the bottom of your fence with stones or gravel to discourage digging or pour in concrete.

  1. Make the Garden Stimulating for Your Dog

A bored dog is more likely to cause trouble or escape. Make sure your dog has enough stimulation in the garden to keep them entertained.

Create shaded areas: Dogs love lounging outdoors but need protection from the sun. Set up shaded spots with a canopy or dog-safe plants like bamboo.

Install water features: Dogs love splashing around. A dog-friendly water feature, such as a small pond or splash area, can provide fun and enrichment.

  1. Train Your Dog to Stay in the Garden

While physical barriers and safe garden designs are important, good behaviour is equally essential.

Set clear boundaries: Teach your dog where they are allowed to roam and where they aren’t. Reward them for staying within designated areas. Use positive reinforcement: Reinforce good behaviour with treats and praise to help your dog understand which areas are off-limits.

  1. Consider  Buying an Invisible Dog Fence to Dog Proof your Garden

For the ultimate peace of mind, consider installing an invisible dog fence. This solution offers a boundary without interrupting the beauty of your garden. DogFence.co.uk specializes in invisible fences that are safe, reliable, and easy to use.

Our invisible fences allow your dog to explore the garden freely while keeping them within safe boundaries. This ensures they don’t wander off, dig in the wrong places, or encounter any hazards outside the garden.

Dog-proofing your garden doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these tips, you can create a safe, fun, and secure environment for your dog while preserving the beauty of your outdoor space. At DogFence.co.uk, we offer advanced, tailor-made fencing solutions that are perfect for dog-proofing gardens without disrupting their natural aesthetics.Golden retriever running in garden with dog fence flags

Ready to dog-proof your garden? Contact us today at www.dogfence.co.uk and discover how we can help you keep your dog safe and happy in their outdoor haven