BUYER'S GUIDE: How to Choose / Install a Pet Containment System

Wired or Wireless? Which is the Better Dog Fence?

Wired Pet Containment Systems

In a wired pet containment system,
• you bury a wire antenna around the area of enclosure creating a perimeter.
• A transmitter in your garage generates the perimeter boundary signal and monitors the continuity of the wire.
• Your dog wears a receiver collar.
• If he crosses the boundary created by the wire, he receives corrective stimulation by electric current. By negative reinforcement, your dog learns to stay within the perimeter.
A wired system has the advantage of flexibility. You lay it out to fit your own individual yard. It can be large or small. It can be any shape. You can enclose your yard, then you can enclose areas within your yard, such as a flowerbed or tool shed.

Wireless Pet Containment Systems

In a wireless pet containment system, the transmitter creates a circular field. If your dog travels outside the boundary of that field, he receives that electric stimulation. Again, by repetition and training, he learns to stay inside the field. A wireless system is easier to install. But it doesn't adapt to the shape of your yard. Say, for example, that you want to reduce the radius of the field to the edge of your front street. You may also wind up restricting your dog's movement to only a portion of your back yard. A wireless system is most effective for a home that's centered on your property. But since most people's homes are not so perfectly symmetrical, a wired system is probably best.

Choosing Features

Lightning Protection

Both wired and wireless pet containment systems operate through the generation of electric fields -- wired systems, from the antenna or ground wire; wireless systems, from the transmitter. Because your system is powered by your home's AC current, it can be vulnerable to power surges. A surge protector may protect your system from problems emanating from your power company, but it will not protect it from lightning or even a buildup of static electricity in the atmosphere during a storm. If your system fails, your dog is free to wander outside the perimeter. We recommend lightning protection to keep your pet and your investment safe.

Battery Back-up

If the power to your system's transmitter fails altogether, you need a back-up power source to keep the system operational. We recommend battery back-up as a precaution.

Audible Line Break Warning

A wired system operates in a closed loop. If the loop (or wire) breaks, the system fails. An audible line break warning clearly alerts you to a problem. To locate the disruption in the ground wire, we recommend an "RF choke" device available at most electronics stores. Once you've installed this device, you can use a simple AM radio to find the problem and fix it. We recommend an audible line break warning so that you don't have to depend on your own monitoring of the transmitter.

Installing Your Pet Containment System

Wired systems

Once you've chosen the layout that's right for your property, you'll want to leave the wire aboveground until you've tested the system for gaps. Installing the wire below ground is simple. Use a shovel to "slice" open the soil, then place the wire no more than 1-2 inches below the surface. An electric edger is also effective. After installation, just brush the dirt back over the seam. Wired pet containment systems must be installed in a loop. The transmitter is placed in your garage and operates on your home's AC current. It joins the loop together. If the loop is broken, the system will not function. We'll troubleshoot problems later in this document.

Basic Installation -- Front and Back Yard

This type of boundary set up is probably the easiest and most common installation. The entire lot including your home is enclosed in the loop. Twisted wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. You may cross a paved or concrete drive way by several methods:
• Run the wire through an existing seam or crack in the drive.
• Run the wire through an existing drainage pipe under the drive. Caution: Since the wire will be deeper below ground your field width may be narrowed. We recommend you test the system in this area to be certain the collar is receiving a signal.
• You may cut a concrete or paved drive using a circular saw with a masonry blade. After inserting the wire in the cut fill the cut with heavy caulk or asphalt patch.

Basic Installation -- Back Yard Only

This type of boundary set up is very easy to install. The loop is used to enclose a defined area, such as the front or back yard. Twisted wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. This type of installation does not give the dog access to the house.



Double Loop Installation -- Back Yard Only

This type of boundary set up produces a double wide field and can be fit to most yards. The double loop is used to define 3 sides of the containment area and the house is used to define the fourth boundary. The 2 wires should be separated by 3-8 feet depending on your field width settings. Twisted wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. We recommend this type of installation for most yards.
• This type of installation gives the dog access to the house.
• Can be used to produce a double wide field.
• Can be fit to most yards. This type of installation does require more wire than a single loop installation. Caution: Take care to not create a gap between the fields. We recommend you lay the wire on top of the ground and test the system prior to burying the wire.

Double Loop Installation -- Back Yard with Pool or Shed

This type of boundary set up is a variation of the Double Loop Installation. This variation is used to define a containment area as well as deny your dog access to smaller areas, like a pool or tool shed, within the yard. Use Double Strand wire to connect the smaller inner loop to the boundary. This type of boundary set up produces a double wide field and can be fit to most yards. The double loop is used to define 3 sides of the containment area and the house is used to define the fourth boundary. The 2 wires should be separated by 3-8 feet depending on your field width settings. Twisted wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. This type of installation gives the dog access to the house. Caution: Take care to not create a gap between the fields. We reccommend you lay the wire on top of the ground and test the system prior to burying the wire.

Double Loop Installation with Existing Fencing - Front and Back Yard

This type of boundary set up is a variation of the Double Loop Installation. This variation is used where existing fencing defines one or more sides of a yard. Works great if your neighbors have fences on one or more sides of your lot. Twisted wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. You may cross a paved or concrete drive way by several methods:
• Run the wire through an existing seam or crack in the drive.
• Run the wire through an existing drainage pipe under the drive. Caution: Since the wire will be deeper below ground your field width may be narrowed. We recommend you test the system in this area to be certain the collar is receiving a signal.
• You may cut a concrete or paved drive using a circular saw with a masonry blade. After inserting the wire in the cut fill the cut with heavy caulk or asphalt patch. We recommend you lay the wire out and test the system with the collar prior to burial. You should also check to see if the collar is activated near the existing fence in other parts of the yard. If this is the case move your boundary wire further away from the fence. Take care to not create a gap between the fields.

Double Loop Installation with Existing Fencing - Back Yard Only

This type of boundary set up is a variation of the Double Loop Installation. This variation is used where existing fencing defines one or more sides of a yard. Works great if your neighbors have fences on one or more sides of your lot. Use Double Strand wire along the boundary where you have fencing. Twisted Wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. This type of installation gives the dog access to the house. Caution: You should avoid placing the wire close to metallic objects such as chain link fences. We recommend you lay the wire out and test the system with the collar prior to burial. You should also check to see if the collar is activate near the fence in other parts of the yard. If this is the case move your boundary wire further away from the fence. Take care to not create a gap between the fields.

Gate Blocker Installation

This type of boundary set up is a variation of the Double Loop Installation. This variation is used to block the dogs access to a gate or other opening in a fence or other boundary. Use Double Strand wire to connect the smaller inner loop to the boundary. Twisted wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. This type of installation gives the dog access to the house. Caution: You should avoid placing the wire close to metallic objects such as chain link fences. We recommend you lay the wire out and test the system with the collar prior to burial. You should also check to see if the collar is activate near the fence in other parts of the yard. If this is the case move your boundary wire further away from the fence. Take care to not create a gap between the fields. We also recommend that you block the area around the gate and not just the opening.
• Run the wire through an existing seam or crack in the drive.
• Run the wire through an existing drainage pipe under the drive. Caution: Since the wire will be deeper below ground your field width may be narrowed. We recommend you test the system in this area to be certain the collar is receiving a signal.
• You may cut a concrete or paved drive using a circular saw with a masonry blade. After inserting the wire in the cut fill the cut with heavy caulk or asphalt patch.

Flower Bed Protection

This type of boundary set up is a variation of the Double Loop Installation. This variation is used to block the dog's access to a particular area in your yard such as flower beds or your garden. This type of installation can be used with existing fencing as well as other containment installations. Use Double Strand wire to connect the smaller inner loop to the boundary. The boundary wire can be buried in front or inside the beds. Twisted wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to each bed. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. This type of installation gives the dog access to the house. Caution: You should avoid placing the wire too close the exterior walls of your home. The field can pass through the wall and your dog could receive a stimulation indoors. We recommend you lay the wire out and test the system with the collar prior to burial. You should also check to see if the collar is activated near interior walls. If this is the case move your boundary wire further away from the wall. Take care to not create a gap between the fields. We also recommend that you block the area around the gate and not just the opening.

Combination Installation

This installation is based on a real customer's yard. He wanted to enclose his entire piece of property and keep the dogs off of his patio/pool area as well as off his 2 putting greens. Twisted Wire is used for the run from the transmitter (in Garage) to the perimeter and to the restricted zones. Using 2 pieces of single strand boundary wire twisted together produces no boundary. We recommend you twist this wire using an electric drill or something similar. You want approximately 1 twist per inch. Remember as it twists it will draw up, so allow plenty of extra. Using elements of the single loop as well as the double loop design he was able to define the boundaries exactly as he wanted.



Wireless Systems

Wireless System -- Single Transmitter

Wireless transmitter creates a circular containment zone with adjustable radius to fit your property. The maximum radius varies depending on which wireless system you have. Some systems allow additional transmitters to be added to enlarge the containment area. Transmitters must be installed indoors.



Wireless System -- Multiple Transmitters

Multiple wireless transmitters create overlapping containment zones. Dog may pass from one zone to another without receiving a correction. Wireless transmitter creates a circular containment zone with adjustable radius to fit your property. The maximum radius varies depending on which wireless system you have. Some systems allow additional transmitters to be added to enlarge the containment area. Transmitters must be installed indoors.

Training Your Dog to Live in a Pet Containment System

You can't expect any pet containment system to be effective without training your dog. It's not like a fence. It's invisible. Your dog will be confused. Plus a determined, untrained dog will withstand the stimulation long enough to break free. We recommend that your dog be at least six (6) months old and weigh at least ten (10) pounds before you consider a pet containment system. Any younger, and your dog probably will not accept the necessary training. Any smaller, and the receiver collar will not fit snugly. If you do not train your dog to live with your pet containment system, he may not go into the yard at all. Or he may find a spot, afraid to move, and sit motionless. Your pet containment system is a safe, humane way to discipline your dog, but it won't work without you.



Learning the Containment System's Corrective Field
• Let your dog wear the receiver/collar for 3-7 days before activating your pet containment system. He'll get used to the collar. He needs to learn that the perimeter, not the collar, issues corrective stimulation.
• The receiver collar must be snug against your dog's skin. You may have heard of the "three fingers" rule, where you are able to slip three fingers under your dog's collar to ensure a relaxed fit. A snug collar is safe, comfortable, and necessary for your system to work properly.
• Do not allow your dog to wear the collar more than 12 hours at a time. Because of the corrective prongs on the underside of the collar, wearing the collar 24 hours a day can lead to skin irritation. When your dog is not wearing the receiver collar, he should be inside your home or kenneled.
• Use flags to mark the boundaries of the perimeter at first. Your dog will need visual cues to learn. Leave the flags up for 15-30 days.
• Your dog needs to be on the leash the first time he receives corrective stimulation. Walk your dog on a leash. When he crosses the corrective field, pull him out and issue "sit" and "stay" commands.
• You direct your dog to appropriate behaviors. He must learn from you.
Creating the "Invisible Gate" You'll need to train your dog to leave the perimeter when you want him to.
• Pick a spot on the perimeter.
• Deactivate your pet containment system.
• Command your dog to "sit" and "stay" in the perimeter at that spot.
• Cross the perimeter and issue a "come" command. The dog will exit the perimeter without receiving corrective stimulation.
• Use the same spot every time to let your dog exit the perimeter. This is your "invisible gate."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - How old does a dog have to be before starting training? A - This is somewhat breed dependent, but most breeds should be at least 6 months of age. Q - During training an owner observes their dog sitting in the pet containment system correction zone. The owner has touched the probes and has determined the collar is working. The owner can see the dog's skin flinch, so he is sure the dog is receiving the correction. What should the owner do to prevent this from happening? A - Retrain the dog by putting it on a long leash. As soon as the dog is observed entering the corrective zone it should be pulled out and redirected to the "sit" and "stay" command. Q - Once a dog is trained to the pet containment system, what is the best way to take the dog out of the boundary? A - Create what is called an "invisible gate" and take the dog out only through this gate. Q - Once a dog is trained to the pet containment system how does the owner create the "invisible gate" concept? A - Place a long leash on the dog. Turn the pet containment system off. Remove the dog's collar. Put the dog on the "sit" and "stay" command near the area that will become the "gate". Owner walks out of yard and asks dog to "come". Q - If a dog is running through the system at only one spot in the yard, how is this corrected? A - Set him up at this location. For example, have him on a long leash and then have someone else walk by that spot or walk their dog by that spot. When the dog attempts to leave - pull him back with the leash and then redirect him to the "sit" and "stay" commands. Q - What is the dummy collar effect? A - This is a procedure where the collar is eliminated as a factor in learning. In other words, the dog wears the collar without it being activated for 3-5 days. This way the dog does not learn that the collar causes the correction, but rather getting to close to the yard boundary. Q - How long should an owner take to create the dummy collar effect? A - On the average, it will take at least 3 days and as long as 7 days. Q - How many days should the dog wear a deactivated collar before receiving the correction for the first time? A - At least three days and in some cases as long as 7 days. Q - The first time the dog receives the correction should he be on or off a leash? A - On the leash. This way the owner can easily redirect the dog to the appropriate behavior. Q - What is the purpose of having the dog on a leash the first time he receives the correction? A - So in the event the dog would become confused, the owner can easily direct him to the appropriate behavior. Q - How long should the owner leave the flags up? A - The flags should remain for at least 2 weeks, but in some cases as long as 30 days. Q - What is meant by the "safe zone"? A - The area where the dog can roam freely without getting a correction. Q - Is this a humane way to train a dog? A - Absolutely. While the correction is unpleasant, it is harmless to your pet. Electronic training devices require interaction and training from the owner to achieve desired results. Q - How do I prevent one dog from chewing on the collar of another dog? A - If you see one dog chewing on the other dog's collar - pull him off and redirect him to "sit" and "stay".

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