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Free Installation Checklist

A printable, step-by-step checklist for installing an underground dog fence, the same one we hand to new dealers.

  • Pre-install planning worksheet (yard size, dog details, layout sketches)
  • Tools and materials list with recommended brands
  • Step-by-step install order with time estimates
  • Training schedule for weeks 1-3 (previewed below)
  • Final testing checklist before unsupervised use
  • Seasonal maintenance reminders

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Training Schedule: Weeks 1-3

The schedule from the checklist, in full. Every session runs 10-15 minutes on leash, 2-3 times a day, from inside the yard. The dog is never lured or called across the line.

  1. Days 1-3

    Flags first, collar stays off

    • On leash, walk up to a flag, give your boundary cue, and retreat together. Treat every retreat
    • Flags stand every 10 feet at the beep line so the boundary is visible before it is enforced
  2. Days 4-7

    Warning tone only

    • Collar on in tone-only mode; the instant it beeps, turn and lead the dog back into the yard
    • Reward heavily inside the boundary. Never let the dog cross the line
  3. Days 8-10

    Introduce the static correction

    • Lowest level that gets your dog's attention: an ear flick or head turn; a yelp means too high
    • One correction per session, and every session ends on a success
  4. Days 11-14

    Week 2: distraction-proofing

    • On a long line, a helper tempts the dog from outside the line with toys, people, and other dogs
    • At least 5 clean sessions (no crossings) before any off-leash time
  5. Weeks 3-4

    Supervised off-leash

    • Drop the leash but stay in the yard, calling the dog away from the line, always from inside it
    • After two clean supervised weeks, allow unsupervised access around week 4; some dogs need longer
  6. Weeks 4-6

    Wean the flags

    • Once the dog reliably retreats at the tone, remove every other flag, wait 4 days, and repeat
    • Flags are typically up 4-6 weeks total. Pulling them all at once causes regression

Collar rules, every session

Maximum 12 hours a day, off overnight. Reposition the collar every 1-2 hours of wear and check the contact points and the skin under them daily.

Want the detail behind each phase? Start with the day-by-day week-one flag script, then run the full 5-phase boundary training program.

Prefer to read it now? Read the full installation guide on the site.