Choosing an Electronic Pet Fence
Creating a secure area for pets to enjoy the outdoors is an important part of pet ownership. Every year, thousands of people choose an electronic fence to give their pet's freedom and safety. But with dozens of options on the market, how do you choose which is right for you and your family?
How electronic containment works
Pet owners can design nearly any size and shape area for their pet to be outdoors. An electronic transmitter sends a radio signal through a boundary wire that is buried a few inches below the surface. Pets wear a small receiver collar that detects the radio signal sent through the boundary. As the pet approaches the boundary, the collar issues a warning tone. If the pet proceeds further, the collar will issue a short, safe, static correction letting him know his boundaries.
A static correction is similar to the experience of walking across carpet on a dry day and touched a doorknob. It isn't harmful but it is an "attention-getting" tingle, enough to motivate your dog to stay within the boundary area. Progressive correction technology makes containing the beloved but also hard-headed, stubborn dogs possible.
The majority of containment systems provide training tools for pets and owners that include temporary training flags and step-by-step training instructions.
How much area to contain?
You have the freedom to create nearly any layout and size containment area of your pet. As a first step, pace off the area you're thinking about containing. Average systems include a transmitter that will support a containment area of up to 5 acres systems and include about 500 feet of boundary wire; enough to contain up to one-third of an acre. To contain an area larger than 500 feet, wire expansion kits are available. Extended coverage for up to 25 acres is also an option with higher power transmitters.
Installation 101
The transmitter for the containment system must be installed indoors, where temperatures do not drop below freezing and near an AC outlet such as a garage or basement. The boundary wire will lead from the transmitter and make a circuit around your boundary area. The boundary wire will need to be placed an inch or so in the ground. For small layouts, a flat-edged spade will work. For larger layouts, consider a gas-powered edger or trencher, available at most rental outlets.
Installing an in-ground fence need not be complicated. It can be a great weekend project.
Your dog's receiver collar
As you evaluate systems, consider the receiver collar that your pet will wear. Collars are available for a variety of dog sizes and temperaments. Some are rechargeable, while most have replaceable batteries. You can choose collars with slim designs, greater correction intensity for more stubborn dogs, or more basic and economical models.
Containment systems typical include one or two collars; however you can add more pets to the system with the additional collars.
Training your pet
Once your system is installed, you will want to spend a few minutes a day training your dog for about the first two weeks you have your system. The training is designed to get your pet familiar with the boundary area and help him understand his limits. For the most effective training, begin with boundary flags in place; lead him on a leash across the yard. As he sees and approaches the flag, allow him to hear the beep of the receiver collar and pull him away from the flag, into your designated fenced area. Repeat this step consistently in exercises over several days. Your pet will begin to associate with tone with the limit of the boundary area.
In time, your dog will likely challenge the limits of his boundary, and he'll receive a static correction. When this happens for the first few times this occurs, and reassure him with soothing tones and gentle pats.
In about two weeks, remove every third flag or so. As your dog understands his limits, he'll no longer need the visual cues the flags provide. In less than a month after installation, you and your pet will be enjoying the benefits of your electronic in-round pet fence.
By: Radio Systems/Petsafe
These products are available at your local Agway store, to find an Agway near you go to our store locator located on the home page of http://www.agway.com/. "The people who know" at your local Agway can help you with all your pet training needs.
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