If you are concerned about keeping your dog safe and ensuring that they have the freedom to frolic in your backyard, an underground dog fence could be just what you are looking for. These fences are recommended by national humane societies and by vets who care for your dog, so they are completely safe. They work by installing a transmitter in your garage or shed near an outlet and then running underground wiring around the perimeter of your yard, or anywhere you do not want your dog to roam (like a swimming pool or flower bed). The transmitter will then send a signal to a receiver that you will put on your dog’s collar. The signal (similar to a radio wave) will be sent to your dog warning them that they have stepped into an area where they are not supposed to be. This warning is done in various ways. Sometimes the signal is a beep. Most of the time, your dog will immediately react and retreat. If your dog ignores the beeping and continues into an area where you do not want them to be, the receiver will emit either static electricity (which will feel like the shock that we get when we shuffle or feet across the carpet) or a light spray of citronella. Your dog will find this spicy, citric smell annoying and this will teach your dog where the boundary is; they will begin to associate these “warnings” with knowing when to retreat.
Using an underground dog fence will take some training on your part but you will be surprised at how quickly your dog will learn where the boundaries have been set. The system will come with a training video and with a little bit of patience on your part, your dog will trained in no time. It will be well worth the peace of mind you will have when you are not at home and the freedom it will give your dog.
Back in the 1970s a salesman from Pennsylvania who traveled quite frequently became concerned with all the dogs he came across that had been hit by cars. He decided to do something about it and he partnered with an electronic engineer and patented the first underground dog fence. He actually worked with a university to study the short-term and long-term effects this system would have on dogs. The study proved that the system was not only effective, but completely safe. Many underground dog fence companies have popped up since then and most companies continue to develop improved and safe methods for using their underground fences.
Many of these companies also have indoor systems that work the same way. They will protect your beloved dog from dangerous chemicals stored around the house; or they can be used to help your dog learn not to jump up on, or chew, expensive furniture.
Before you purchase an underground dog fence, be sure to check into the company’s guarantees and warranties. These fences can keep your dog safe and fit, and at the same time, your dog will be able to maintain their freedom!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Components of an Underground Dog Fence
Is an underground dog fence right for you and your dog? As suburbs continue to pop up around major cities, homeowners’ associations are being formed and they are busy drafting policies. One of the main policies that they are enforcing is to restrict the size, the type and even the very existence of fences due to aesthetic reasons. They do not like the visual clutter associated with conventional fences. If you live in such a neighborhood or if you are just looking for a less expensive and more maintenance free way to protect your dog, an underground dog fence is a good choice.
These fencing systems consist of three components: a transmitter, underground wiring and a receiver placed on your dog’s collar.
§ Transmitter. This must be mounted in a dry location like a garage or a shed and it must be near an electrical outlet which it will plug into. The transmitter will then emit a radio signal that will travel through the underground wiring.
§ Underground Wiring. This is a single strand of insulated wire that starts at the transmitter, goes around your property and then ends back at the transmitter. If you are installing an underground dog fence yourself, it is best to use something (a hose or spray paint) to give yourself a visual idea of where you want the wiring to go. You can also enclose vegetable gardens and swimming pools, or any other area where you do not want your dog to roam.
§ Receiver. A receiver will come connected to a collar that is lightweight and waterproof. You do not have to use the collar that comes with the system; you will be able to take off the receiver and put it on a collar that you already have. The receiver will need a battery that will probably need replaced about every three months. Some receivers come with a rechargeable battery so this is a good thing to inquire about before you purchase a system.
An underground dog fence will not harm your dog. It is recommended by vets and national humane societies; however, you will have to take the time to train your dog. Most systems offer three operating modes: a warning, a warning and a correction and a correction only. A dog must be trained to retreat back into the yard when they hear this warning. You will be surprised though at how quickly your dog will adapt its behavior to heed the warning and not go any further than the area you have laid out for them to roam. The best way to train them is to keep them on a leash since this is something most dogs are used to and you will also have control over their actions. A training video should be included with the system you purchase.
Knowing that your dog (this system works for cats as well) is getting the exercise they need and knowing that they are also protected from running out into the street with an underground dog fence, will give you piece of mind while you are away from your home. It will also give your dog the freedom they need to stay healthy and happy!
These fencing systems consist of three components: a transmitter, underground wiring and a receiver placed on your dog’s collar.
§ Transmitter. This must be mounted in a dry location like a garage or a shed and it must be near an electrical outlet which it will plug into. The transmitter will then emit a radio signal that will travel through the underground wiring.
§ Underground Wiring. This is a single strand of insulated wire that starts at the transmitter, goes around your property and then ends back at the transmitter. If you are installing an underground dog fence yourself, it is best to use something (a hose or spray paint) to give yourself a visual idea of where you want the wiring to go. You can also enclose vegetable gardens and swimming pools, or any other area where you do not want your dog to roam.
§ Receiver. A receiver will come connected to a collar that is lightweight and waterproof. You do not have to use the collar that comes with the system; you will be able to take off the receiver and put it on a collar that you already have. The receiver will need a battery that will probably need replaced about every three months. Some receivers come with a rechargeable battery so this is a good thing to inquire about before you purchase a system.
An underground dog fence will not harm your dog. It is recommended by vets and national humane societies; however, you will have to take the time to train your dog. Most systems offer three operating modes: a warning, a warning and a correction and a correction only. A dog must be trained to retreat back into the yard when they hear this warning. You will be surprised though at how quickly your dog will adapt its behavior to heed the warning and not go any further than the area you have laid out for them to roam. The best way to train them is to keep them on a leash since this is something most dogs are used to and you will also have control over their actions. A training video should be included with the system you purchase.
Knowing that your dog (this system works for cats as well) is getting the exercise they need and knowing that they are also protected from running out into the street with an underground dog fence, will give you piece of mind while you are away from your home. It will also give your dog the freedom they need to stay healthy and happy!
Reasons To Consider An Underground Dog Fence
Most people that own a dog want what is best for them and that includes not only loving them, but keeping them safe as well. When your dog is left unattended they can easily run out into the street and get hit by a car; or if they wander around the area where you live, they could ingest harmful poisons. It is important that you protect your dog (or cat) and it is very easy to do that with an underground dog fence. With an underground fence you will no longer have to keep your dog on a leash; they will be able to run, jump and play. According to most veterinarians, this freedom is so good for them that you will soon notice a change in their behavior; they will become more fun and easier to manage. An underground dog fence works by combining training with proven technology and customized installation.
There are other reasons for installing an underground dog fence. If you live in a neighborhood, there are leash laws that you have to uphold, there are reproductive issues with allowing your dog to roam free and you also just want to be courteous to those living around you and keep your dog from digging in their flower beds or doing their business on their lawns. Most of the more popular underground dog fences are endorsed by national humane societies and veterinarians. You will be surprised, too, that this type of fencing is less expensive than wood or chain link fencing. This is due to accessories, labor costs and maintenance costs. Below are some details based on installing these fences yourself which would cost even less than if they were installed by a professional.
§ Accessories. With a wooden fence, you will need corner posts, a gate and hardware. With a chain link fence, you will need section connectors, a gate, corner poles and hardware. With an underground dog fence, you will need a receiver collar.
§ Labor Costs. It would take approximately four weekends to install a wood fence or a chain link fence by yourself. An underground dog fence can be installed in one day.
§ Maintenance. For a wooden fence, you will need to replace rotted or damaged sections from time to time. For a chain link fence, you will need to patch tears in the fence from time to time. For an underground dog fence, you will need to replace the batteries approximately every three months. The time and cost of replacing batteries is much less overall than the time and cost of replacing sections and patching tears. Also, there are many underground dog fences that come with rechargeable batteries making maintenance nearly cost free.
This is definitely something you should look into before you decide what company to go with as it will be much easier maintenance-wise, not to mention more cost effective, to go with a company who offers a system that comes with rechargeable batteries. Before you make your decision, it would wise to also check for money-back guarantees and warranties.
There are other reasons for installing an underground dog fence. If you live in a neighborhood, there are leash laws that you have to uphold, there are reproductive issues with allowing your dog to roam free and you also just want to be courteous to those living around you and keep your dog from digging in their flower beds or doing their business on their lawns. Most of the more popular underground dog fences are endorsed by national humane societies and veterinarians. You will be surprised, too, that this type of fencing is less expensive than wood or chain link fencing. This is due to accessories, labor costs and maintenance costs. Below are some details based on installing these fences yourself which would cost even less than if they were installed by a professional.
§ Accessories. With a wooden fence, you will need corner posts, a gate and hardware. With a chain link fence, you will need section connectors, a gate, corner poles and hardware. With an underground dog fence, you will need a receiver collar.
§ Labor Costs. It would take approximately four weekends to install a wood fence or a chain link fence by yourself. An underground dog fence can be installed in one day.
§ Maintenance. For a wooden fence, you will need to replace rotted or damaged sections from time to time. For a chain link fence, you will need to patch tears in the fence from time to time. For an underground dog fence, you will need to replace the batteries approximately every three months. The time and cost of replacing batteries is much less overall than the time and cost of replacing sections and patching tears. Also, there are many underground dog fences that come with rechargeable batteries making maintenance nearly cost free.
This is definitely something you should look into before you decide what company to go with as it will be much easier maintenance-wise, not to mention more cost effective, to go with a company who offers a system that comes with rechargeable batteries. Before you make your decision, it would wise to also check for money-back guarantees and warranties.
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