March 04, 2026

How can I help my Belgian Malinois overcome her fear of the GPS fence collar so she'll roam my 2 acres freely without me present?

Full Question:
I have a 7 year old Belgian malinois, previously my primary PSA/ personal protection dog, whom I got at 7 months old. She was pick of the litter from an Ot Vitosha litter who had a few reactive bites before I got her. They resorted to e-collar corrections for fear of her reactivity. She has become one of the best dogs I’ve ever owned; high drive, great civil, high prey, more praise driven than anything. She is the dog that would kill herself trying to do what I ask. She had a complete fear of the ecollar, shutting down when I put it on her maybe 4 years ago. We worked through that and it’s a good tool to have at extremely low levels. I recently got a Dogtra GPS fence. She has resumed her shutdown with it, refusing to leave the carport unless I walk her despite me walking the perimeter with her with it on and playing fetch/tug with it on. The second I’m not with her she won’t leave the carport. What can I do? I have 2 acres I’d like her to be able to roam.
Leerburg
Leerburg Leerburg's Answer:
Different e-collars can generate stimulus that are perceived differently by different dogs. It is likely your Mal has become acclimated to the collar you are using, and now the different stimulus from the new system is taking her back to her previous negative experiences. If the collar for the fence is adjustable turn it all the way down, or even to vibrate only if that is an option.

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