GPS Fence Refresher: Taking SpotOn with you on Vacation
One of the main advantages of the SpotOn system is its portability, so you can let your dog run freely no matter where you go. However, we’ve also heard that people are hesitant the first time they set up the system somewhere new, beyond the backyard. If you're putting together your travel plans and want to ensure you can bring your dog along, we have put together these tips to ensure that you can seamlessly transition your dog from your backyard to your vacation destination.
YOUR DOG IS TRAINED TO THE TONES, NOT YOUR YARD.
Many people worry that their dog has figured out the backyard boundaries that they were trained to, 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, and 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. Check out this video for a refresher on setting up your fence.
REVISIT FENCE CREATION
It might have been some time since you set up a new containment area, so review the steps before your summer fun begins. 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.
- If your destination is heavily forested, we’ve got you covered. Our patented technology enables a strong GPS signal even under heavy cover from trees, brush, or bushes!
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Need a new custom fence for your vacation destination? Simply draw & edit fences right in the app in minutes. Or if it’s easier to set the virtual fence boundaries by walking when in a new location, simply walk the fence perimeter with the collar to make a new fence.
- Want to let your dog go in and out freely with his collar on? Set up a Home Zone to avoid collar corrections when your dog enters the house or any other roofed structure like a barn or garage. With a Home Zone, your dog can keep the collar on when indoors without receiving any false corrections.
Keys to Success – Once You Arrive
- Set up your fence keeping in mind the tips above. Note landmarks when you set up your perimeter, to help you remember the boundary. Your dog does not need them. They 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.
- 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. Praise or treat them for understanding & respecting the boundary.
Adventure Ready. Boundary Secure.
SpotOn’s portable system lets your dog enjoy safe boundaries anywhere—from the backyard to your vacation spot.
Patented GPS technology ensures reliability, even in dense forests or unfamiliar locations.
Set up easily with the app, walk the perimeter, or use the Pause feature for large areas.
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