Underground Fence Review and Guide Introduction and Considerations What is every dog owner's initially goal? Keeping the dog secure and protected! In several cases an underground dog fence can be only the ticket. Maybe the homeowner's organization does not permit ugly fencing that might contain the dog. Maybe the expense of the conventional fence is just not in the budget. Maybe the determined dog keeps locating approaches from, under or over the conventional fence. Whatever the purpose and underground dog fence, when properly installed and the dog properly trained, is an beneficial, humane and cheap solution for many dogs.
What is an underground dog fence? An underground dog fence is a system composed of a radio transmitter, cable that works as a transmitting antenna along with a collar with a receiver that picks upwards the radio signal from the fence when the dog gets too close. When the dog enters the caution region close the cable the collar beeps caution him to stay back. If he continues to move toward the cable he'll receive a static shock or correction. Some methods have increasing corrections thus that the closer the dog progresses toward the cable the stronger the static shock he gets. There is certain conflict about the humane aspect of delivering a shock to an animal to deter him. Most specialists agree though that whenever an underground dog fence is properly installed and also the dog is properly trained to the fence that these methods are extremely humane and secure. Consider the choice if your furry friend runs out into traffic or gets lost. There is certain opportunity of the dog being traumatized by the shock of they are improperly trained and/or the correction levels are way too high for the specific dog's size and temperament. Proper training is critical to achievement with these methods. Yes, it really is real that the dog, ideally, won't like getting the shock at the most you adore holding a doorway knob and acquiring a static shock. It is his incentive to steer clear of the boundary. While the shock is uncomfortable it really is not in itself harmful to the animal. Most methods have automatic shut offs when the animal does not move from the correction area to protect him from over correction.
Compared to a conventional fence an underground dog fence is simple enough to set up and must take lower than a day with many applications. The hardest part of the installation is burying the cable. I provide four methods of burying the cable. The initially is to use a straight edge spade shovel and employ it to dig down about 3 inches and create a V-shaped trench to lay the cable in. The merely press the sod or dirt back place. It is the many difficult and time consuming method. The second way is to use a fuel powered lawn edger to cut a 3 inch deep trench. Lay the cable in the trench and replace the displaced dirt and press into place. The 3rd method is to hire a trencher with a cable installation add-on. The trencher might cut the trench and lay the cable simultaneously. The fourth method is never to bury the cable at all. Instead you are able to simple lay the cable above ground and employ Pet Fence Staples to hang it in place. This method works perfectly for low traffic areas and in grassy areas where the cable might lay deep in the turf. For those who have to cross a driveway or pavement with the cable you need to use a masonry blade to cut a groove in the definite or asphalt and use caulk to seal the cable into place.
There are numerous factors involved with selecting the right underground dog fence system. Some of these factors are discussed below. Later on I'll make specific recommendations based about these factors. Wireless dog fences are not considered in this discussion.
Size of your dog
The size of the dog is an significant element in selecting the right system. A small dog between 5 lbs and 12 lbs needs a receiver collar that provides reducecorrection levels than you would require for a heavier dog. By the same token a medium sized dog between 10 lbs and 60 lbs might need high levels of correction than the usual small dog. And big dogs (over 60 lbs), depending about temperament, could require even high levels of correction. Careful consideration must be given when it comes to quite big dogs to environment and temperament before selecting to set up an underground fence. It may be necessary to set up the underground dog fence in combination with a conventional fence of these dogs.
Temperament of dog
Another significant element in selecting the right system is the temperament of your dog. If the dog is mild mannered or timid (what I call The Home Body) you very well may be able to manage with low levels of correction. For those who have an energetic or curious dog (I call him The Explorer) then you will likely require high levels of correction to overcome these traits. The Protector (larger, more aggressive breeds) need even high levels of correction. Underground dog fences have any where from 1 degree of correction upwards to 8 customer settable levels of correction. For those who have a difficult dog (I decrease to mention these guys) you should think about a system created for difficult dogs with the highest levels of correction.
Number of dogs or cats (yes cats) about the system
If you may have over one dog or a cat, specifically if they are significantly different when it comes to size and temperament, you need to select a system that is adaptable to these different traits. The PetSafe Deluxe Dog Fence Transmitter works with the PetSafe Small Pet Fence Collar and also the PetSafe Stubborn Pet Collar enabling you to blend and match collars for the animals. The PetSafe Underground Cat Fence is moreover works with this system.
Yard size
The size of the yard might impact the choice in Underground Pet Fence methods. Every system has a maximum size it support from the DogTek Underground Pet Fence which supports upwards to 2 1/2 acres to the SportDog Underground Pet Fence that may enclose upwards to 100 acres.
Outside influences
When deciding to set up an underground dog fence you have a propensity to think just about keeping the pet home and from this attitude they often function well. There are, however, outside influences you really need to consider before purchasing and installing the fence. One of the biggest downfalls of an underground dog fence is that, whilst it is constantly the dog in, it cannot keep other dogs, wildlife, predators or individuals out. If you decide to live in a busy neighborhood with a ton of foot traffic or perhaps a ton of individuals walking their dogs past the boundary line you may like to consider keeping the boundary far back from these areas or installing a conventional fence of some sort in this region of the yard. While your dog know the fence will there be other people cannot view the fence and the dog hiding close the boundary could frighten certain individuals and could invite other dogs to enter the yard to state hi. Signs indicating an underground dog fence is within place could help however, they is ugly and individuals unknown with the technologies may well not trust it but still become scared.
If you live in region where other dogs run loose an underground dog fence will not be for you as there are no option for anyone to keep these dogs from entering the yard. The same goes for wildlife that the dog could chase or predators that could attack the dog. Most predators are active in the evenings and after dark thus with proper precautions like as keeping the dog inside throughout this period you are able to usually eliminate difficulties. With wildlife some dogs might get thus hot about the chase that they might run from the fence and get stuck about the external with no way of getting back till you notice their transgression. A fence with stronger correction levels and more intense training could overcome this condition.
Existing fence
If you may have a current conventional fence and the creativity dog (The Explorer?) keeps finding ways out then you can certainly consider adding an underground dog fence to keep him contained. It is the best of both worlds. Installation is much simpler too because you are able to merely connected the underground fence cable to the existing conventional fence.
Remote Training
A few of these methods come with a remote that allows anyone to use the collar for more training functions where the dog can be certain distance from you. These methods are the Innotek Fencing Standard Contain and Locomotive Pet Fence and also the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Contain and Locomotive Pet Fence. If you decide to plan use a remote trainer then these methods might help save you money and also the hassle of flipping between 2 different collars.
Compatibility with other fences and/or barriers
If you're planning to use the underground fence in addition to other containment items like as the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Barrier, the PetSafe Pawz Away Outdoor Barrier or the PetSafe Indoor Fence, or in the event you have dogs of different sizes and temperaments, you need to choose a system that has collar compatibility between them. The PetSafe Deluxe, PetSafe Small Pet, PetSafe Standard and PetSafe Cat collars is used with any present PetSafe underground fence and also the PetSafe Indoor Fence. The Pawz Away and Innotek Ultra collars are works with the Innotek Ultra Transmitter in addition to the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Barrier and also the PetSafe Paws Away Outdoor Barrier. All other methods are works with their obtain transmitters just including the PetSafe Wireless Instant Fence that is not element of the review
System cost
For a few of you budget for a system might play a role. All methods indexed below are proven with possibly the exception of the DogTek that is hot to the U.S. But you do get what you pay for. The reduce cost methods might function well in the ideal environments and with the ideal animals however, I would encourage to you buy the best system you are able to afford. The extra features could help save you both time and money. For instance, the expense of replacing batteries could become substantial over the years. Also, expanding your body might just be potential in the event you purchase a system that allows compatibility. Features like a low power indicator or power backup could confirm to be priceless over the long haul.
Battery expense
Battery lifetime vary depending about things like how frequently the pet approaches the barrier. Over time power substitutions, specifically for the proprietary batteries found in the PetSafe methods could become a bigger expense than using a rechargeable system.
Underground Pet Fences Considered...
Below are the advantages and disadvantages of the best marketing underground fences available. Ranking of these items are based about a scale of one paw to five paws and rate the product for features and security.
Product: Innotek Fencing Standard Underground Fence
Price: $89.95
Rating: Two Paws
Pros:
- Non-proprietary batteries
- Lowest expense system
- Progressive correction
Cons:
- Single correction level
- No low power warning
- Collar is not rechargeable
- Supports upwards to 5 acres
- No power backup for the transmitter
- Not works with Pawz Away Barriers
Product: Innotek Fencing Standard Contain and Locomotive Pet Fence
Price: $159.95
Rating: Two Paws
Pros:
- Non-proprietary batteries
- Lowest expense contain and train system
- Progressive correction
- Includes a remote training feature
Cons:
- Single correction level
- No low power warning
- Collar is not rechargeable
- Supports upwards to 5 acres
- No power backup for the transmitter
- Not works with Pawz Away Barriers
Product: PetSafe Standard Underground Pet Fence
Price: $119.95
Rating: 2 Paws
Pros:
- Good effective system
- Support upwards to 10 acres
- Compatible with PetSafe Indoor Fence
- Low cost
Cons:
- Single Correction level
- Collar is not rechargeable
- Proprietary batteries
- No low power indicator
- No power backup for transmitter
Product: Innotek Fencing Rechargeable Underground Fence
Price: $169.95
Rating: 3 1/2 Paws
Pros:
- Rechargeable Collar
- Premium transmitter
- Battery backup for transmitter
- 3 correction levels
- Supports upwards to 25 acres
Cons:
- NiMH Battery
- Hums when recharging
- Not works with Pawz Away Barriers
Product: PetSafe Deluxe Underground Pet Fence
Price: $159.95
Rating: 3 1/2 Paws
Pros:
- Compatible with other PetSafe collars
- Compatible with PetSafe Indoor Fence
- Reliable mid range system
- Higher standard Collar and receiver
- Supports upwards to 25 acres
- 4 correction levels
- Low power indicator
Cons:
- Proprietary batteries
- Collar is not rechargeable
- No power backup for the transmitter
Product: Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Pet Fence
Price: $279.95
Rating: 4 1/2 Paws
Pros:
- Collar is rechargeable, utilizes a lithium ion battery
- Low power indicator
- Contoured collar with collar fit feature
- Compatible with Pawz Away barriers
- ReadyTest feature to confirm collar contact
Cons:
- No independent correction degree for different size dogs
Product: Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Contain and Locomotive Pet Fence
Price: $319.95
Rating: 4 1/2 Paws
Pros:
- Collar is rechargeable, utilizes a lithium ion battery
- Low power indicator
- Contoured collar with collar fit feature
- Compatible with Pawz Away barriers
- ReadyTest feature to confirm collar contact
- Included lightning protection
- Includes a remote training feature
Cons:
- No independent correction degree for different size dogs
- Larger collar than the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Pet Fence without the remote training feature
Product: PetSafe Stubborn Pet Underground Fence
Price: $159.95
Rating: 3 1/2 Paws
Pros:
- Strongest correction strength available
- Compatible with other PetSafe collars
- Compatible with PetSafe interior fence
- Supports upwards to 10 acres
- 5 correction levels
- Collar vibration
- Uses a standard 9 volt battery
Cons:
- No power backup for the transmitter
- Collar is not rechargeable
Product: PetSafe Deluxe Small Pet Fence
Price: $199.95
Rating: 4 Paws
Pros:
- Smallest, lightest collar available
- Lower correction levels
- 4 correction levels
- Compatible with PetSafe interior fence
- Compatible with other PetSafe exterior systems
- Designed for dogs under 12 lbs
- Supports upwards to 25 acres
Cons:
- Proprietary batteries
- Collar is not rechargeable
- No power backup for the transmitter
Product: SportDog Underground Electric Pet Fence
Price: $219.95
Rating: 4 Paws
Pros:
- Independent correction levels
- Comes with 1000 feet of wire
- Supports upwards to 100 acres, the largest available
- 4 correction levels
- Collar vibration feature
- Very durable collar
- Uses a standard 9 volt battery
Cons:
- Collar is not rechargeable
- Large clunky receiver
- No power backup for the transmitter
Product: DOGTEK Pet Containment System
Price: $149.95
Rating: Unrated
Pros:
- 8 correction levels
- Separate configurations for caution distance and correction distance
Cons:
- No low power indicator
- Less cable and flags than other systems
- Supports just 2 1/2 acres
- New and unproven
Recommendations
Okay you state, that is all fine and dandy however, which underground dog fence do I want? Well read about and I'll do my right to point you in the ideal direction...
Single Pet, or Multiple Dogs of Similar Size and Temperament
For many conditions I suggest the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Pet Fence. It offers a advantageous balance between features and value and is the many popular underground dog fence. This is very effective and holds up with time. This fence has 3 levels of correction that are increasing meaning the correction gets stronger as the dog stays in the correction area. It offers a lithium Ion rechargeable collar which will likely help save you money over the long run. The contoured collar with collar fit test is a great feature and it really is works with the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Barrier and also the PetSafe Pawz Away Outdoor Barrier. This fence is not for dogs 12 lbs or under and will enclose upwardsto 25 acres with extra cable and flags. The just true drawback for this system is that the collars you don't have independent correction levels making this system unsuitable for dogs of different sizes and temperaments. There is a workaround for this which involves placing a resistor over the probes to decrease the correction degree. We can pick upwards these resistors at Radio Shack. A 33k ohm resistor might decrease the correction degree by about 50% along with a 5.6K ohm resistor might decrease the correction degree by about 75%. If you decide to do this please always eliminate the resistor before recharging the collar. Frankly, I believe this workaround to cumbersome for many and would suggest a different system for multiple dogs of different sizes and temperaments. Oh, did I mention that this system has power backup for the transmitter? So when the energy is out the dog still stays in.
Multiple Dogs of Differing Sizes and Temperaments
For multipledogs of different sizes and temperaments I suggest the PetSafe Deluxe Underground Pet Fence. With this system you are able to add about collars that are designed for the size and style and temperament of your extra dogs or cats. It works with the PetSafe Standard Collar, the PetSafe Deluxe Collar, The PetSafe Small Pet Collar, The PetSafe Cat Collar and also the PetSafe Stubborn Pet Collar making this an excellent choice for this case. All these collars have independent correction degree adjustments thus every dog gets a suitable correction. These collars are works with the PetSafe Indoor Pet Fence also. The biggest drawback for this solution is that every collar utilizes disposable proprietary PetSafe batteries that will grow bills over the years.
Very Small Dogs (5 lbs - 12 lbs)
The just true advantageous choice for the small dog is the PetSafe Deluxe Small Pet Fence. The collars about other methods are way too big and bulky to be comfortable about quite small dogs. Additionally the correction levels about the luxurious small dog collar are below about some of the other collars. If you decide to already have another PetSafe underground dog fence you are able to add the small dog collar to this system also.
Stubborn, Aggressive or Really Large Dogs
If you may have a difficult, aggressive or quite big dog you may require the extra corrective degree of the PetSafe Stubborn Pet Underground Fence that is 3 times more than other collars. Often times people think their dog needs a high correction degree when the actual condition is that the prongs about the luxurious or traditional collar are not making advantageous contact with the skin or they have not properly trained their dog. Before using the higher setting inside collar make sure that these two factors have been addressed.
Extra Large Yard (25 Acres to 100 Acres)
For extra big yards over 25 acres the SportDog Underground Electric Pet Fence is really the only choice. This fence has a selection upwards to 100 acres unlike other's that vary from 2 1/2 acres to 25 acres. The SportDog underground dog fence is truly one of the toughest, many durable methods. Beware though; the receiver inside system is one of the biggest on the market.
In Conjunction with a Traditional Fence
If you have a conventional fence and you require reinforcement you keep the dog from digging under, climbing over or otherwise escaping you might be capable to manage with one of the entry degree methods like the Innotek Fencing Standard Underground Fence or the PetSafe Standard Underground Pet Fence. Keep in mind all other factors to though and remember that in the event you have a difficult or big dog these methods might not have sufficient correction.
In Conjunction with Remote Training
If you may have the requirement for a training collar in addition to the underground dogfence then I suggest the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Contain and Locomotive Pet Fence for even so reasons I suggest the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Pet Fence. The contain and train fence involves a remote that allows anyone to correct the dog from a distance. The collar on this system is somewhat heavier than the collar about the UltraSmart dog fence. This size difference makes it unsuitable for dogs lower than 25 lbs.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been helpful. For those who have issues about underground dog fences you are able to email me at the email address below and I might try to answer the issues a rapidly as potential.
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