How to Train a Lab on Invisible Fence (4 Easy Steps!)

If you own a Labrador Retriever, you know how much they love to explore and run around. However, sometimes it can be difficult to keep them contained within your yard. That’s where an invisible fence can come in handy. Invisible fences provide a safe and effective way to keep your Lab within the boundaries of your property without the need for physical barriers.

In this blog post, we’ll go over four easy steps to train your Lab on an invisible fence, so you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your furry friend is safe and secure.

How to Train a Lab on Invisible Fence

Step 1: Bring Your Lab to the Edge of the Zone

At the very edge of the zone, the warning signal will begin to make a beeping sound. As soon as you hear this beep, stop right there. Don’t come any closer to the actual edge of the barrier.

Step 2: Turn and Walk Back to the House

At this point, you should turn and walk back, either to your house or to the very center of your yard. Make sure to give your lab a doggie treat as you do so. This will help them associate hearing the beep with walking away from the barrier. The doggie treat that you give them will be an extra source of reinforcement.

Step 3: Repeat Until the Training Becomes Established

You should repeat these simple steps until such time as the training becomes well established. Continue to do so several times a day for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Always remember to bring plenty of snacks. If the training is successful, you will know within a period of 7 to 10 days.

Step 4: Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Lab

It will be up to you to do all in your power to make sure that the training takes hold within a reasonable amount of time. Your best bet in this case is to settle on a recall command and use it whenever your lab gets too close to the barrier. You can also build up a habit of playing with them in the yard while keeping them away from it.

FAQ

How Long Does It Take For A Lab To Learn An Invisible Fence?

Labs are smart dogs and are usually very receptive to training. In most cases, it won’t take more than 7 to 10 days for them to become very well acquainted with the barrier. If you keep the training up and also keep rewarding them, they should get the idea and stick to the rules. The key is to make the lesson as prominent as possible.

Does Invisible Fence Work For Labs?

An invisible fence will usually be a very effective means of keeping your lab safely within the yard. The key will be to train them in the right way starting from when they are a puppy. Giving them plenty of incentive in the form of play and rewards will help them learn the rules. This will be far more effective than a simple electric shock.

Can A Lab Run Through An Invisible Fence?

If you don’t keep the fence in good condition, your lab may be able to run through it. If the connecting points aren’t close enough together, this can create gaps that a lab may run through. Worse, it may also create areas where other animals can cross and come into the yard. This will show your lab where the gaps are so they can escape.

Where Do Flags Go On Invisible Fence?

The flags on your invisible fence should be placed on the very inside of your boundary zone. This is the place where the first beeps happen when your lab gets too near. To find this area, take the receiver and walk out to the edge of the boundary. Hold the receiver at the same height as your dog’s neck. When the beep starts, put a flag down.

At What Age Can A Lab Puppy Wear A Shock Collar?

Most electric fence industry experts believe that a lab puppy can wear a shock collar starting from the age of between 8 to 10 weeks. It’s not a good idea to put a shock collar on a puppy before this age because doing so may cause emotional stress that they are too young to deal with. By 8 to 10 weeks, they should be weaned and ready.

However, you should start off in very small and sparing steps with the collar. Put it on beep or vibrate rather than shock level. Train your puppy using the beep and vibrate functions and give them plenty of hugs and snacks. The more rewards you give them, the more inclined they will be to obey out of trust in you rather than fear.

How Long Do You Leave Invisible Fence Flags Up?

Many lab training experts believe that you should leave the flags up for a period of 2 weeks. Others believe that the flags should be left in place for a period of up to 30 days. The exact amount of time that you leave the flags up will vary.

Some lab puppies take to the idea of training much earlier and more easily than others. As a result, you will need to make the due amount of allowances. In most cases, a few weeks should be enough for your lab to get the idea.

Do Shock Collars And Invisible Fences Make Labs Aggressive?

Some people believe that using a shock collar and invisible fence can make your lab aggressive. It is true that you want their training to be based on rewards rather than fear. It’s a good idea to start the training using the beep and vibration rather than the shock. As long as you observe good training practices, your lab should be fine.

How Do I Know If My Invisible Fence Is Working?

If you don’t see your lab breaking out of the fence, you can assume it’s working in the proper manner. Another key point of evidence is the fact that other animals, such as cats, squirrels, or other dogs, are also being kept safely out of your yard. As long as this is the case, you can rest assured that your fence is in good shape.