From physical structures to invisible barriers, all fences provide protection for pets and a sense of security for owners. Today, however, they can be used for so much more. Technology has advanced fences to the point where they can be conveniently set and monitored directly from your phone and help track your dog’s every movement — 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, told us. “It ensures their safety by preventing them from wandering off, provides real-time location tracking, allows for customizable boundaries, and can reinforce training by giving timely corrections or alerts when dogs approach restricted areas.” However, as an international trainer for over 10 years, the owner of Upstate Canine Academy, and the host of No Bad Dogs Podcast, Davis can attest that not all dog fences are created equal.
While some are susceptible to glitches that, when it comes to your dog, you aren’t willing to risk, others lack accuracy and consistency. Davis’ pick? The PetSafe® Guardian® GPS + Tracking Dog Fence. “Unlike other products on the market, [this fence] stays on even when the GPS signal is weak from cloud coverage or heavily wooded areas, keeping your dogs safe and contained,” Davis said. “Live tracking and precise GPS location let you see your dog’s real-time movement on the map, and AccuGuard™ tech blends GPS data, real-time motion detection, and AI to ensure advanced protection that no other GPS fence collar can provide.”
Davis trusts the PetSafe fence and collar so much that he often uses them as an essential training tool while working with clients — including the dogs of celebrities such as Brittany Mahomes. On its website, PetSafe even touts its fence as being “the world's safest GPS dog fence.” With a claim like that, many dog owners are interested in trying it for themselves. To start, Davis recommends familiarizing yourself with the product’s corresponding app, playing around with your boundaries, and giving your dog about two weeks to fully acclimate to both the fence and the collar.
Training Tips:
When it comes to incorporating the fence into your dog’s training, use a leash to show them the boundary. Next, he advises using the tone setting to define boundaries with positive reinforcements like treats. After that, introduce distractions beyond the boundary while still utilizing a leash. Finally, build up to playing with your dog in the yard, then walking a safe distance away to do something else. Davis stresses that continuing to watch your dog is important during the training phase until they are trustworthy. If they escape, get them back into the boundary and try again, working up to an hour or more of free range. Once your dog has proven themselves, Davis says they can roam on their own while you periodically check on them, either physically or through the fence’s app.
As with any form of training, Davis’ number one tip is to exercise patience and consistency. “Dogs don’t speak English and most want to please their humans, so show them some grace if they’re playing around a lot,” he said. “Ensure regular, structured training sessions and establish clear communication and routines. Building a strong, trusting relationship with your dog is key.”
Although Davis has been a trainer for over a decade, witnessing the transformation dogs experience, and the joy it brings to both them and their owners, has never gotten old. According to him, effective training can quite literally be life-changing.
“Well-trained dogs are happier, more confident, and easier to manage, leading to a more harmonious living environment,” Davis said. He believes dog training is crucial because it ensures safety, promotes good behavior, and strengthens the dog-owner bond.
With features such as quick charging, a battery life that lasts up to 48 hours, and custom correction levels (choose between tone, vibration, or 10 levels of static), Davis appreciates that the PetSafe® fence teaches dogs boundaries all while providing families priceless peace of mind. “My number one priority is to keep pets happy, healthy, and safe with their families, and the products I recommend need to fit those same criteria,” he said. At the end of the day, the most rewarding part of his job relies on those pillars. “Helping dogs learn and grow, and strengthening the bond between them and their humans brings me immense joy and satisfaction.”
