When you own a dog, one of your primary concerns is having a safe environment for him to run around. Of course, you can surround your yard with a chain-link fence which will keep your dog safe, but let’s be honest, they’re not esthetically pleasing to the eye. A wooden fence may be more esthetically pleasing but requires a great deal of effort to install. Another option to consider is a wireless dog fence. It will keep your dog safe without destroying the beauty of your yard. A wireless dog fence is also far less expensive than a traditional wooden or chain link fence.
How Do Wireless Fences Work?
A wireless dog fence is made up of two key components. They consist of a receiver, which goes on your dog’s collar, and a transmitter which is mounted in your house, in an area that is close to your yard. When your dog approaches the limits set by the fence, it will first emit a beep. If this doesn’t stop him, the receiver will give your dog a small little shock. Working together, your dog will soon be conditioned to stay within the boundaries of the fence when he hears the beep. Don’t worry that the shock is too powerful. It’s about the same feeling you’d get from static electricity.
Five Key Features
You don’t simply plug in your wireless dog fence and go. The receiver in your dog’s collar requires batteries. Batteries can get pretty expensive, so make sure whatever system you buy comes with rechargeable batteries for the receiver. Another thing you’ll need to think about is the size and age of your pet. If you have a very small dog, the shock may be too strong for their body. Make sure you look at the size weight requirements before you buy! Another factor to consider is the number of dogs the fence can handle. If you only have one dog, it’s no problem, but if you have several dogs, you’ll need to make sure the fence can accommodate them, and make sure it comes with the right number of receivers. If not, you’ll want to make sure you can buy more. Size also matters; the size of space the fence can cover that is. Make sure you pay attention to the range specifications. You also want to look for a fence that has a variety of settings. Remember the object of the shock isn’t to hurt your dog, but you do want him to notice it. Some dogs are more sensitive than others. What may feel like a noticeable shock on one dog may not be noticeable on another. Make sure the fence you choose lets you choose the right strength for your dog.
Installing Your Wireless Fence
There is some good news when it comes to installing your wireless dog fence. You don’t need a degree in mechanical engineering to get the job done, but you will need another person to help you. The first thing you need to do is find a good location for the transmitter. It needs to be plugged in on a wall that is close to the area you want to fence. Once the unit is plugged in, you’ll need to define your fence area. Generally, the transmitter will have a dial on it that will allow you to set the distance of the fence. Once you set your fence line from on the transmitter, have your helper take a collar and walk the perimeter of the fence listening for the beep. This is also an ideal time to place the flags that come with your wireless dog fence around the perimeter of the fenced area. The flags can act as another training tool for your dog. They are a visual representation of the fence line.
Training Your Dog
There are several different ways to initiate your dog to his new wireless fence. Experts suggest starting with the fence in the off position. Leash your pup and walk him up to the fence line (near a flag). Once you reach the flag, turn and bring him back to the center of the yard and reward him with a treat. Do this a few times a day, several minutes at a time for 3 to 4 days. After 3 to 4 days, turn the fence on and repeat the process. When you hear the beep from the dog’s collar, walk him back to the center of the yard and give him a treat. Repeat this process several times a day for a few times a day. With some dogs this may be enough, and he’ll be ready to let loose in the back yard. Some dogs may need to feel the shock a few times. If this is the case with your dog, take him past the boundary a few times so he can feel the small shock, then bring him back to the yard and give him a treat. Hopefully the lesson will sink in quickly and your dog will be free to roam the yard.
