Day 8 with the new invisible (electric) fence for the dogs, and they are doing wonderfully. Not only did they pass the trainers tests today with flying colors, they are so much nicer to walk even on their leashes.
The test included whether or not they would cross the fence to get to me, treats, or their toys. Jack wouldn’t even try to get to the treats, which surprised the heck out of me. They even still had the rubber guards on the collars, so there would have been no consequence of having crossed the line, but not a single one of them would.
So now we move on to training stage 2, the rubber guards are removed and the dogs will feel a slight shock if they try to go past the “beep” zone. And the inhouse unit is installed, and working.
The in house unit we have protecting the front door, so that there is no escape for our little pups. And our guests can not only get safely to the house without the soon to be “free range pups” jumping on them, they can also get up to a few feet inside the house and still be in dog free areas. The in home unit also protects our master bedroom door since it’s right by the front door, thus leaving the bedroom a dog free area – just the way Russ wants it.
Each of the dogs did test the limits there right after the trainer left and got their first little shock, which wasn’t enough to make them bark, but enough that they got back right away and didn’t try it again. Okay, so Lewy did try it one more time later this afternoon, but I doubt there will be a third time for him. I have heard quite a few beeps as they wander into that part of the house, but they don’t push the limits and get back before they get “bit”.
In approximately two weeks, they should be fully trained and able to roam the property with or without a constant companion.
I know they’re going to love being able to run without the dang leashes! And I know anyone whom visits our house will appreciate not being jumped on by them, well unless they cross the line into dog territory.
Now I’ve just got to get guests to use the front door! Hmm… Maybe a sign on the end of the house might do it!
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