Check out his best training tips.
Published on June 24, 2024 at 1:39 p.m.Photo illustration: Marissa Dickson
From physical structures to invisible barriers, all fences provide protection for pets and a sense of security for owners. But these days, they can be used for much more. Technology has advanced fences to the point where they can be conveniently set up and monitored right from your phone, helping to track your dog's every move – they can even be used as an effective training method.
“Using a GPS tracking fence and collar to train dogs offers several benefits,” celebrity dog trainer Tom Davis explained to us. “It keeps them safe by preventing them from running away, provides real-time location tracking, allows for customizable boundaries, and can reinforce training by providing timely corrections or warnings when dogs approach restricted areas.” However, as an international trainer for over 10 years, owner of Upstate Canine Academy, and host of the No Bad Dogs podcast, Davis can attest that not all dog fences are the same.
While some are prone to interference that you don't want to risk when it comes to your dog, others lack accuracy and consistency. Davis' choice? The PetSafe® Guardian® GPS + Tracking Dog Fence. “Unlike other products on the market, [this fence] stays on even when the GPS signal is weak due to clouds or heavily wooded areas, keeping your dogs safe and secure,” said Davis. “Live tracking and precise GPS location allow you to track your dog's movements on the map in real time, and AccuGuard™ technology combines GPS data, real-time motion detection and AI to provide advanced protection that no other GPS fence collar can offer.”
Davis trusts PetSafe's fence and collar so much that he often uses them as an essential training tool when working with clients—including the dogs of celebrities like Brittany Mahomes. On its website, PetSafe even advertises its fence as “the world's safest GPS dog fence.” With such a claim, many dog owners are interested in trying it out for themselves. Davis recommends first familiarizing yourself with the product's dedicated app, playing around with your boundaries, and giving your dog about two weeks to fully adjust to the fence and collar.
Training tips:
If you want to incorporate the fence into your dog's training, use a leash to show him the boundary. Next, he recommends using the tone setting to define boundaries with positive reinforcements like treats. After that, introduce distractions beyond the boundary while still using a leash. Finally, increase playing with your dog in the yard, then walk away at a safe distance to do something else. Davis stresses that it's important to continue to watch your dog during the training phase until he's trustworthy. If he escapes, bring him back into the boundary and try again until he's free to roam for an hour or more. Once your dog has proven himself, Davis says he can roam on his own while you check on him regularly, either in person or through the fence's app.
As with any form of training, Davis' most important tip is to practice patience and consistency. “Dogs don't speak English and most want to please their humans, so be lenient if they play around a lot,” he said. “Provide regular, structured training sessions and establish clear communication and routines. Building a strong, trusting relationship with your dog is key.”
Although Davis has been training for over a decade, he never gets bored of seeing the transformation dogs undergo and the joy it brings to them and their owners. According to him, effective training can literally change lives.
“Well-trained dogs are happier, more confident and easier to handle, which leads to a more harmonious living environment,” Davis said. He believes dog training is crucial because it ensures safety, encourages good behavior and strengthens the bond between dog and owner.
Davis appreciates that with features like fast charging, up to 48 hours of battery life and custom correction levels (choose between tone, vibration or 10 static levels), the PetSafe® Fence teaches dogs boundaries while providing families with priceless peace of mind. “My number one priority is keeping pets happy, healthy and safe with their families, and the products I recommend must meet those criteria,” he said. Ultimately, the most rewarding part of his job rests on those pillars. “Helping dogs learn and grow and strengthening the bond between them and their humans brings me tremendous joy and satisfaction.”
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