User's Manual

20
tRaInInG GUIDe
oveRvIeW
It is important to read this section completely before beginning to train your dog to use the Sunbeam®
Essential In-Ground Fencing System. The System is not a solid fence and will not contain your pet as
well as a solid fence. Do not allow your dog to run free until the training process is complete. Keep your
dog on a leash, tied down, or conned to a separate area until training is complete. Proper training is
necessary to achieve the best results.
PriortouseofthesystemyourdogshouldweartheReceiverCollarwithoutturningiton.Thiswillallowthedog
tobecomecomfortablewearingthecollarandensurethecollartscorrectly.
 •Thetrainingprocessshouldbeenjoyableforbothyouandyourdog.
 •Trainingshouldbermandconsistent.
 •Keepyourtrainingsessionsshort.Tentofteenminutetrainingsessionsthataredonefrequentlyare
recommended.Aseriesofshortsessionsisbetterthanfewerlongsessions.
 •BeforetakingyourdogoutofthecontainmentarearemovetheReceiverCollarandturnito.
 •Youmustcompletetheentiretrainingprocess.Althoughyourdogmaybea“quicklearner”,reinforcement
iscriticaltolongtermuseofthesystem.
 •Ifyouhavemultipledogs,trainthemone-at-a-timeandbesuretokeepthedogsthatarenotbeingtrained
outofsight.
YouwantyourdogtobecompletelycomfortablewhentheyareintheSafeZone.Finisheachtrainingsession
withpositivereinforcementincludingpraiseandtreats.Toincreaseyourdog’scomfortlevelintheSafeZone,
spend5to10minutesofplaytimewithin10feetoftheBoundaryFlagsatthebeginningandendofeach
training session.
IMPORTANT: If your dog shows signs of stress you will need to slow down the training process. Go back
to a step where your dog feels comfortable and proceed slowly through the training process. Increasing
play time in the Safe Zone can also make the dog more comfortable.
Common stress signals include:
• Panting/Shaking/Overallnervousness  •Bodyloweredorlyingdown
• Taildownand/orbetweenthelegs  •Standingandfailingtomove
• Pullingontheleashtowardthehouse  •Squintingeyes
• Earsgoingback