How to Take Your SpotOn GPS Fence on Vacation

November 15, 2024

One of the main advantages we hear of the SpotOn System is its portability so you can let your dog run freely no matter where you are going. However, we have also heard that people are wary the first time they try to use the system somewhere new, because they assume their dog only gets it for their primary location – usually the backyard. Since many of you plan to travel with your dogs this holiday season, we have put together these tips to ensure that you can seamlessly transition your dog from your backyard to your holiday destination.

Your dog is trained to the tones, not your yard.

Many people worry that their dog has figured out their backyard boundaries, but won’t be able to figure out new boundaries at a new location. This just isn’t true.

If you want to test it, take your dog outside, connect via Bluetooth to the collar. Now take your dog towards a normally safe area and issue the tones. What does your dog do? Turns back, right? It’s the tones that have trained your dog to turn around. This will work no matter where you go.

If your dog did not turn around, then it’s time to go back and review the initial training video and start training to the tones. Target training combined with tones is great for that. See our GPS Fence Refresher to learn more.

REVISIT FENCE CREATION

It might have been some time since you set up a new containment area, so review the steps before you arrive before the thrill of your travels takes over. Remember these key points for successful fence creation:

SpotOn works best for properties with ½ acre or more, otherwise your dog will constantly be receiving warning tones and won’t have much space to play
Fences should be 80’ wide at their narrowest points
Be sure that you create a buffer of at least 15’ from hazards like a road, railroad track, or other danger. GPS shift is a common occurrence and usually is only 3-10’ so a 15’ buffer should be just fine.
SpotOn is set with Forest Mode enabled to ensure the best possible GPS reliability under trees, brush, or bushes. So if your travel destination is heavily forested you'll be all set.
There are three ways to create a fence: walking the perimeter, drawing the fence in-app, or creating instant circular fences. Drawing the fence will be the quickest. To learn more about these options, visit: How to Create and Edit Custom GPS Fences: Walk, Draw, and Modify.

Keys to Success – Once You Arrive

Set up your fence keeping in mind the tips above. You can note landmarks that will help you remember the boundary. Your dog does not need the landmarks as will be more reliant on the tones.
Begin with your dog on a leash and walk the boundaries, stepping into the alert tone and encouraging your dog to turn back. Give him a ‘Yes’ and a treat to reward the right (turn back) behavior.
Once you feel like your dog knows there are boundaries you can let him off leash or put him on a long 10’ leash and let him wander around on his own. Observe as he nears the boundaries whether he turns around.
Proof the boundary by tempting your dog with a high value distraction such as having a person he likes walk outside of his boundaries. Note if your pup hears the tones and turns around and be sure to praise or treat.

Watch Our Video

Watch this quick video to see how easy it is to set up a fence with SpotOn.

Get the Best Portable Dog Fence

If you’re eager to make road trips, holidays, and vacations easier, it’s time to bring home SpotOn. With its innovative GPS technology, SpotOn ensures your dog stays safe and secure no matter where your adventures take you. Don’t let boundaries hold you back—explore with confidence knowing SpotOn has you covered.