What sets Hidden Fence apart is how your dog is trained. GentleSteps™ is designed to create real understanding, so your dog learns the boundary clearly and confidently.
By using very low stimulation levels and highly adjustable equipment, we guide your dog through a calm, structured learning process that produces faster results with far less stress.
Lester Pullen introducing the GentleSteps™ Training Method at the IACP Conference
Developed and Introduced by a Professional Trainer
GentleSteps™ was developed through a collaborative effort between Lester Pullen of Hidden Fence and the late Rich Weinssen of New Jersey.
In 2001, Lester introduced this method to professional dog trainers at the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). Today, this modern, humane approach is used by trained professionals across the country.
Many companies now promote “gentle” training. But effective low-level training depends on precise, adjustable control throughout the training process, not a one-time preset level, and never based on breed, size, or personality.
Our system provides thousands of precise, adjustable settings, enabling the GentleSteps™ method to be tailored to your dog in real time, creating a clearer learning experience and more reliable long-term behavior.
Training That Lets Dogs Think
Dogs learn best when they are able to process and understand what’s happening, not when they are forced to react.
By starting at very low levels, dogs are given the opportunity to recognize patterns, make decisions, and learn through experience. You can actually watch your dog pause, think, and choose the correct behavior.
- ✔ Faster learning with less stress
- ✔ Clear understanding of boundaries
- ✔ Reliable behavior even with distractions
- ✔ Confidence instead of fear
A Smarter Way to Train
Many systems rely on correction alone. GentleSteps™ is different, it focuses on communication, understanding, and gradual learning.
This approach creates a more forgiving training process and leads to better long-term results for both you and your dog.
Work With the Source
Work directly with the trainer who helped develop and introduce this method, and give your dog the best possible start.