Virtual Fencing Best Practice Guide

Virtual fencing is designed to help livestock learn and respond to an audio cue, allowing them to be managed without physical fences. Like any stock management tool, the best outcomes depend on good setup, thoughtful management, and giving animals the opportunity to learn.

Following these best-practice principles will help support animal welfare, improve learning, and maximise the effectiveness of your virtual fencing system.

1. Train animals before relying on the fence

Virtual fencing works because animals learn that responding to the audio cue prevents the electrical stimulus.

During the learning period, animals should be introduced to virtual fencing in a controlled environment where they can easily understand the relationship between the audio cue, the boundary, and the desired behaviour. Most animals learn quickly when given clear, consistent experiences.

Avoid changing boundaries frequently until animals have demonstrated they understand the system.

2. Always "give them an out"

One of the most important welfare principles in virtual fencing is ensuring animals always have a clear path away from the virtual boundary.

When an animal hears the audio cue, it should be able to simply stop or turn around to return to the inclusion zone. This allows the animal to control the outcome by making the correct behavioural choice.

Avoid creating situations where animals may feel trapped, including:

• Narrow laneways
• Dead ends
• Complex or overlapping boundary layouts
• Situations where animals are pressured towards a boundary

Good boundary design makes the correct behaviour easy and intuitive.

3. Use calm, low-stress stock handling

The way livestock are managed has a significant influence on how successfully they learn virtual fencing.

When moving stock:

• Handle animals calmly.
• Avoid pushing animals directly into virtual boundaries.
• Allow animals time to respond to the audio cue.
• Minimise unnecessary pressure during training.

Animals learn best when they can make their own decision to turn away from the boundary.

4. Set animals up for success

Virtual fencing should be designed around normal livestock behaviour.

Ensure animals always have easy access to:

• Feed
• Water
• Shade
• Shelter
• Lying and resting areas

Avoid placing boundaries so that animals must repeatedly challenge the fence to reach essential resources.

Simple boundary layouts are generally easier for animals to understand than highly complex paddock designs.

5. Consider breed and mob behaviour

Not all cattle behave the same when entering a new paddock.

Many Bos taurus breeds, such as Angus and Hereford, typically begin grazing soon after entering a new pasture.

Many Bos indicus breeds, such as Brahman and Nelore, are more likely to explore the boundaries of a new paddock before settling. If a virtual boundary is already active, a mob may encounter it together and at higher speed, resulting in a less controlled first experience.

When introducing virtual fencing:

• Consider the behaviour of the breed.
• Monitor stock closely after entering new paddocks.
• Allow extra time and supervision for more exploratory animals.

Planning introductions around normal breed behaviour can improve learning and reduce unnecessary interactions with the boundary.

6. Monitor animals and the system

Regular observation remains an important part of good stock management.

During training, pay attention to:

• Monitor the Animals status on the eShepherd App
• Animals that receive repeated stimuli.
• Animals that appear confused or reluctant to move.
• Mob behaviour around virtual boundaries.

Also ensure neckbands are correctly fitted, batteries are adequately charged, and the system is operating as expected.

Best practice in summary

Successful virtual fencing is based on four simple principles:

• Train first – Allow animals to learn the audio cue before relying on the virtual fence.
• Give them an out – Always provide a clear path away from the boundary.
• Manage calmly – Use low-stress stock handling and allow animals to make the correct choice.
• Set animals up for success – Design boundaries and paddocks that support normal behaviour and positive welfare outcomes.
• When these principles are followed, most livestock learn the system quickly, resulting in effective pasture management while supporting high standards of animal welfare.

Updated on: 30/07/2026