Dog Fence Systems

<b>What Type of Dog Fence is Right For You?</b>

As a responsible pet owner, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring that your dog stays in your yard and does not run at large. By keeping your dog confined, you eliminate many threats to his safety, such as being hit by a car, getting lost, or getting into poisonous substances. Additionally, your neighbors will appreciate the fact that your dog's droppings stay in your yard, and not theirs.

There are multiple ways to contain your dog. The most obvious is to build a traditional fence, such as a chain link or a wooden fence. While a traditional fence can probably contain your pet, it may not be the best option for you. Fences are often expensive to build, especially if you have a large yard. They often end up being conspicuous and unsightly, and dogs frequently find a way over or under fences. Some communities even restrict the construction of fences. A great alternative you may wish to explore is a hidden dog fence which can be either underground buried wire or wireless.

<b>UNDERGROUND FENCE SYSTEMS</b>

An underground fence creates an invisible "safe zone" in your yard. Your dog wears a special containment collar, which allows him to roam freely around your yard, but keeps him within the boundaries of the "safe zone" you create for him. Containment collars deliver an audible warning tone to your dog as he nears the perimeter of his safe zone, and then a harmless electrical stimulation if he continues to approach the boundaries of the underground fence.

Underground fences offer you many benefits. They are extremely affordable when compared to the costs of constructing a physical fence. Installation is quick and easy. Most buried wire systems can be installed in just one afternoon. With proper and consistent training, your dog quickly learns the limits of his yard, and that he cannot dig under or jump over a hidden fence.

There are many different underground fence systems available today. They differ by type (buried wire vs. wireless), yard size (smaller yard up to 5 acres, or larger yards up to 25 acres), and features such as adjustable stimulation levels and remote training capabilities. All hidden fence systems can be used with any number of dogs. Extra collars are always available. Choosing the right hidden fence system for you and your dog requires careful consideration of each system's features and capabilities.

An underground fence offers you plenty of features and flexibility. Buried wire allows you to completely customize areas of your yard that are "off limits," such as gardens, flower beds, pools, or storage areas. When installing buried wire systems, you choose where the wire goes, and where your pet is to go.

Buried wire hidden fence systems include 500 feet of wire. In some cases, you will need additional wire, splicers, and boundary flags.

<b>Basic installation of a buried wire underground fence system consists of these simple steps:</b>

1. Create a continuous loop of wire around the perimeter of your yard.

2. Twist the wire to create a pass-through zone for your dog (i.e. from the transmitter out to the yard's perimeter).

3. Connect the loop to the twisted wire.

4. Bury the wire by cutting a 3" deep trench with a flat spade.

5. Plug in the transmitter (indoors or in an enclosed area).

6. Test the system.

7. Install the white boundary flags as a visual reference for you and your dog.

All buried wire underground fence systems include a manual and installation video that provide detailed instructions for installing the system and training your dog to understand it.

<b>WIRELESS FENCE SYSTEMS</b>

A <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=”http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=1108”>wireless fence</a> system creates a "safe zone" for your dog by using a radio signal produced by the transmitter, rather than buried wire. There are several advantages to this type of hidden fence. The first is ease of installation - there are no wires to bury. All you need to do is plug it in. The second advantage is that the system is not permanent, so you can easily take it with you if you move.

Wireless fence systems do not allow you to customize special areas of your yard the way buried wire systems do. The "safe zone" of a wireless system is circular in nature, and is limited to about a 90-foot radius. This option is best suited for smaller yards or containment areas.

<b>Training and Safe Use</b>

All hidden (underground or wireless) fence systems include a free instructional video to guide you through the installation and training process. Once you install your dog fence system, use the included boundary flags to teach your dog exactly where the wire is located. Walk your leashed dog through the yard and boundaries to teach him the warning tone and correction zone. In a few sessions, your dog will understand how the system works.

As effective and safe as hidden fences are at keeping dogs within the yard, they still require training and responsible pet ownership. Only put the containment collar on your dog when he's outside using the system. Replace/recharge the collar receiver batteries often, and avoid letting the collar get wet. For the safest results, we recommend that you closely monitor your dog while using the containment system, especially for the first few months. And never leave your dog outside unattended for long periods of time. (Remember, while a hidden fence can help keep your dog in your yard, it does nothing for keeping other animals and people out of your yard.)

With the right dog fence system, proper training, and your attention to safety, a hidden fence may just be the key to providing your dog the freedom to explore his yard, while avoiding dangers that lurk beyond.