This document is a training guide for the Border Patrol TC1 Fence, a system designed to train pets to stay within defined boundaries. It outlines a structured, multi-stage approach to help dogs understand and respect the electronic fence system.
Function Description
The Border Patrol TC1 Fence system is an electronic containment solution for pets. Its primary function is to establish a safe zone for your dog and prevent them from crossing designated boundaries. The system utilizes a collar unit that provides a warning signal (vibration or beep) when the dog approaches the boundary, followed by a stimulation (correction) if the dog continues to move past the warning zone. The training guide emphasizes the importance of visual cues (flags or markers) to help the dog understand the physical limits of the fence. The goal is to teach the dog to associate the warning signal and subsequent stimulation with the boundary, prompting them to return to the safe zone.
Usage Features
The training process is divided into six distinct stages, each building upon the previous one to ensure a gradual and effective learning experience for the dog:
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Stage 1: Show Me Stage
- Purpose: To introduce the concept of the boundary without the collar unit.
- Method: Walk your dog on a leash in the "Safe" Zone and calmly approach the boundary. When the dog reaches the boundary, give a swift pull on the leash (downward and away from the boundary) and lead the dog back into the safe zone, offering praise (and optional treats).
- Duration: 1-3 consecutive days, at least 3 times a day, until the dog shows signs of pausing at the boundary.
- Key Point: The Border Patrol collar unit is not worn by the dog in this stage.
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Stage 2: Warning Cue Stage
- Purpose: To teach the dog to associate the warning signal (vibration or beep) with returning to the safe zone.
- Method: With the collar unit powered ON and the fence activated, walk your dog on a leash towards the boundary. When the dog enters the Warning Zone and the collar gives a warning, immediately lead the dog away from the Warning Zone and back into the Safe Zone with the leash, offering praise (and optional treats). Ensure the dog feels or hears the warning for 1-2 seconds and praise only after the warning has turned off.
- Duration: 1-3 consecutive days, at least 3 times a day, until the dog consistently heads back to the Safe Zone upon receiving the warning.
- Key Point: Only a warning signal (Vibration or Beep) is used in this stage; no stimulation.
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Stage 3: Stimulation Cue Stage
- Purpose: To teach the dog to associate correction (stimulation) following a warning cue, and that the desired response is to return to the safe zone.
- Method: Ensure the fence settings are configured for a warning followed by stimulation (V+S or B+S). Walk your dog on a leash in the Safe Zone towards the boundary. When the dog enters the Warning Zone, the collar will give a warning. Wait approximately 2 seconds for the stimulation to activate. At this point, lead your dog away from the Warning Zone and back into the Safe Zone with the leash, offering praise (and optional treats). Confirm the dog feels or hears both the warning and stimulation for 1-2 seconds, and praise only when the collar has turned off. If there's no response to stimulation, check collar fit and increase the intensity level incrementally.
- Duration: 1-3 consecutive days, at least 3 times a day, until the dog consistently heads back to the Safe Zone when feeling or hearing the warning and stimulation.
- Key Point: This stage introduces stimulation after the warning. The manual also notes that the Vib or Beep mode can be chosen, and the Cont. button on the Handheld unit can be pressed after 2 seconds of the warning cue to manually apply stimulation.
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Stage 4: Distraction Stage
- Purpose: To train the dog to stay in the safe zone even with distractions introduced outside of the fence.
- Method: Keep the same fence settings as the Stimulation Cue stage. Keep your dog on a leash and introduce controlled distractions (e.g., people, children playing) outside the boundary area. If the dog passes the boundary, allow the fence system to correct them (or manually correct with the CONT button) and lead them back to the Safe Zone. Praise the dog if they do not pass the boundary. After successful sessions, allow the leash to drag on the ground.
- Duration: 1-7 consecutive days, at least 3 times a day, until the dog consistently stays within the Safe Zone with distractions. This stage may take longer due to strong stimulants.
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Stage 5: Unleashed Supervision Stage
- Purpose: To train the dog to stay within the fence boundary without a leash.
- Method: Ensure all previous stages are mastered. With the same fence settings, have your dog follow you towards the boundary without a leash. Keep the dog close enough to reach their collar to lead them back if they pass the boundary. If the dog passes the boundary, repeat previous stages. Praise the dog (treats optional) if they do not pass the boundary off-leash. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog and introduce distractions off-leash.
- Duration: 1-7 consecutive days, at least 3 times a day, until the dog consistently stays within the Safe Zone off-leash with controlled distractions. This stage may also take longer.
- Warning: When leading your dog back into the safe zone without a leash, remove the collar unit and power it OFF to prevent accidental stimulation.
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Stage 6: Observation Stage
- Purpose: To give the dog more freedom while observing their behavior to determine if additional training is necessary.
- Method: Frequently observe your dog's off-leash behavior. The handheld unit can be used to monitor the dog's behavior and general location. Flags can be gradually removed, increasing spacing, but ensure visual cues remain at reasonable distances for the dog's reference.
Maintenance Features
While the guide primarily focuses on training, it implicitly highlights some maintenance aspects related to the collar unit and fence system:
- Collar Fit: Before each training session, it is crucial to ensure the collar properly fits the dog's neck. A proper fit is necessary for safe and effective training, as well as to ensure the stimulation is delivered correctly.
- Intensity Level Setting: It is very important to set the correct intensity level on the unit before beginning training sessions. This prevents over-stimulating the dog and ensures the stimulation is appropriate for the dog's response. The instruction manual (pg. 33) provides guidance on finding the proper intensity level.
- Fence Boundary Setup: The instruction manual (pg. 39) details how to set up the fence boundary, which is a prerequisite for training. This involves activating the fence and placing flags or markers at the point where the collar unit gives its warning, establishing a visible boundary.
- Consistency: The guide emphasizes consistency in training sessions and maintaining consistent boundary points. This suggests that regular checks of the fence system's functionality and boundary integrity are important for long-term effectiveness.
- Troubleshooting (Implicit): If the dog does not respond to stimulation (Stage 3), the guide advises confirming the collar is properly fitted and increasing the stimulation level. This implies a need to monitor the system's performance and make adjustments as needed.
The training guide stresses patience, consistency, and short, frequent training sessions. It suggests a minimum of 21 days of training, acknowledging that the actual duration may vary depending on the individual dog. The overall approach is designed to create a positive association with returning to the safe zone, rather than simply punishing the dog for crossing the boundary.
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