When to train dog for invisible fence

[Ottos_owner]

We never worried about our dog on our dead-end dirt road, but last April Sophie was hit by a neighbor's SUV and had to be euthanized. We vowed never to let that happen again, so now that we have a new puppy, we are getting an invisible fence installed later this month. Otto is only 9 weeks old and way too young to train to the fence, but when would be a good time? We are having the fence put in now because the ground freezes by the end of November (sometimes earlier) and doesn't thaw until April or May. We definitely will need to train Otto as soon as the snow melts in April and the flags are visible. What has been your experience with this? (BTW the breeder says all of her puppies have trained well to invisible fencing--i.e., have not barreled through it. We do not have to worry about other dogs, coyotes, etc., coming close to our house.)

[k9mania]

Most companies recommend that the dog be at least 8 weeks and have some training with good socialization so that you have developed trust and a level of experience that does not freak the puppy out. It took my 9 month border collie 2 days to learn the boundaries. Inotek has a video and a good manual to explain how to safely and properly train the dog. Although some people find it "mean," if it is done properly it can be the difference between the dog running loose with the risk of being hit and a dog that effectively learns the boundaries and never gets shocked. Much like the child that tests the "don't touch the fire." Once they do they don't put themselves in the same position:)