Free Installation Checklist

Planning Worksheet

Print this page from your browser and record the details before ordering or digging. Use the fence planner to sketch the route; its measurements are approximate, not a property survey.

Property address and project date

Record this detail before installation.

System make, model and manual version

Record this detail before installation.

Dogs: age, weight, receiver fit and suitability review

Record this detail before installation.

Drawn loop length, transmitter return and avoidance runs

Record this detail before installation.

811 ticket, required responses and private-line locating

Record this detail before installation.

Crossings, surfaces and supported protection methods

Record this detail before installation.

Installation Checks

1. Confirm dog suitability before buying equipment; the receiver's age and weight ratings are requirements, not proof that the system is appropriate.
2. Read the exact transmitter and receiver instructions. Confirm supported wire, route length, fit, power, placement and protection requirements.
3. Request utility markings before digging, follow your state's notice and response process, and locate private lines separately where needed.
4. Finalize the route, crossings and avoidance areas. Check usable yard space and nearby hazards; electronic containment is not a physical barrier.
5. Measure the full circuit, including both conductors of transmitter returns, detours and avoidance runs. List compatible wire, receivers, connectors, flags and mounting or protection parts before ordering.
6. Test the complete system before burial with the receiver off the dog, using the manufacturer's test light and procedure.
7. Place and protect wire within the equipment and site requirements. Use approved cutting equipment, dust controls and protective equipment where pavement work is needed.
8. Retest the full boundary after installation or any adjustment, at your dog's neck height. Put flags at the tested warning line according to the training instructions.
9. Record the route, splice locations, equipment settings and maintenance instructions. Keep the dog safely contained while installation or repairs are unfinished.

After installation, follow the receiver's power indicators and inspection schedule, check the skin, and retest the boundary after yard work, changes or faults. The maintenance guide explains the seasonal checks; the complete installation guide covers the full workflow.

Training Readiness Checklist

Progress depends on the dog, equipment and yard. Use short, reward-based introductory sessions and the actual training instructions. A calendar or checklist does not establish suitability or guarantee containment.

1. Before starting

   Equipment and suitability checks

   • Confirm the actual receiver's age, weight, fit and wear requirements, and assess your dog's comfort and readiness.
   • Test the boundary without the dog. Address medical concerns, fear, aggression or repeated escapes with an appropriate professional before proceeding.
2. Receiver off

   Flag recognition

   • Use a suitable leash, approach the visible boundary calmly, and reward retreat into the yard.
   • Continue while the dog is comfortable and responsive. Do not lure or call the dog across an active boundary.
3. After calm retreats

   Warning cue only, where supported

   • Use only the warning-only mode documented for the receiver. Attach the leash to a separate suitable collar or harness, clear of the receiver contacts.
   • Reward retreat at the cue. Stop for fear, panic or persistent avoidance rather than advancing because a calendar says to.
4. Individual review

   Choose a suitable training plan

   • Live correction is not a required checklist milestone. Review the equipment instructions, professional welfare guidance and the actual dog's needs.
   • Do not prescribe a correction count or increase stimulation to resolve distress. Reassess the plan and use qualified help when needed.
5. Consistent responses

   Supervised distraction practice

   • Use a suitable long line and manageable distractions; reward calm retreat and keep control of the dog.
   • Assess repeated responses across relevant yard conditions. A fixed number of clean sessions does not guarantee containment or authorize off-leash access.
6. Readiness review

   Supervision and gradual flag removal

   • Review behavior, hardware and yard hazards before reducing assistance. Continue supervision or leash control whenever needed; no date guarantees readiness.
   • Follow the actual training instructions for gradual flag removal. Pause and reassess if the dog tests the boundary, escapes or shows fear.

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