Canine Advice

dog fence boundary flags with dog in training

Electronic dog fence – How to train your dog.

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Simple Steps for training your dog to an electronic dog fence

Before commencing electronic dog fence training:

  1. Ensure that you have the correct amount of training flags to cover the boundary. The training flags are the most important part of the training protocol for electronic dog fences. The training flags should be placed approx 8 – 10ft apart around the boundary. Use the collar to find the edge of the avoidance zone and place the flag in the ground in the area where the collar starts to beep.white electronic dog fence flags are placed around the boundary to give the dog a visual
  2. Using the dog fence tester – set the collar to beep only mode. This means that the collar will not give out an impulse just an audible tone.
  3. Place the electronic dog fence collar on the dog and check that it correctly adjusted. As a guide you should be able to get 2 fingers in the neck strap when the dog’s neck is down. See our Trouble Shooting page for handy tips.
  4. Leave the collar on the dog for at least 30 mins before commencing the initial training session.
  5. Find a long lead – 6ft and ideally not the dog’s usual walking lead.

Commencing the training

  1. Take the dog outside on the lead.
  2. Walk the dog around the boundary and tap the flag so that there is good movement.
  3. As you tap each flag use a command word – a good example is “Watch out”.
  4. Allow the dog to go past the training flags into the correction zone (this is the area of the electronic dog fence where the collar will give both a beep and impulse). Allow the dog to linger here and hear the warning beep then direct him back into the garden. Use the command word and tap the flag again.
  5. Repeat this around the boundary for several small sessions over 1 – 2 days.

Introduction to Correction

  1. Place the electronic dog fence collar on the dog approx 20 – 30 mins before starting the training.
  2. Using the tester – lift the level on the receiver from level 0 (beep only) to level 1.
  3. Repeat the process of walking around the boundary and tapping the flags. Always use the command word when tapping the flag.
  4. Allow the dog to go past the flags into the avoidance zone. Look for any signs that the dog is feeling the impulse (a small twitch of the ear, little shake of the head).
  5. Carry on around the boundary allowing the dog to walk into the avoidance zone of his own free will. Never call or drag the dog into the electronic dog fence zone.
  6. If the dog is not responding to the level – lift the level to level 2 and repeat the process. Always direct the dog back into the safe area and praise the dog when he is back in the safe zone.
  7. Once the dog is reacting to the stimulation make a note of the level.
  8. After training play with your dog, praise him and reward him. Do not allow the dog to be off the lead in the garden during the training phase.

Introduction to Distractions

It is important the dog fully understands the warning beep and how to retreat when he is in a high drive moment. By carrying out the distraction training your dog will learn the electronic dog fence so that it becomes second nature. This will ensure that even when he is in a high drive state he stops at the warning beep. The distraction training will require 2 people.

  1. Walk around the boundary, tapping the flags and then have the new person walk into the flags and well into the avoidance area. See if the dog continues or decides to stop.
  2. If the dog continues allow him well into the zone to receive the stimulation and guide him back to you in the safe area. Give him the command word whilst guiding him back to the safe area. Praise him in the safe area.
  3. If the dog stops before or at the flags guide him back and praise him.
  4. Continue walking around the boundary and repeating the process.
  5. Once the dog is making the right decision (not walking into the flagged area) move on and try this on the driveways or open areas.
  6. If the dog is making good progress you may wish to drop the lead and walk into the flagged area with the companion. If the dog endeavors to follow give the command in aloud and firm voice.
  7. A good indication that the dog is fully at home with the electronic dog fence is when he looks away from the flags.

Repeat this process over a couple of days.

Letting your dog off the lead

  1. Walk the dog around a couple of areas and tap the flag if possible. Usually by this stage the dog will not venture near the flags so just give the command word even if you are several feet away from the flag.
  2. Go to the centre of the property and face the dog away from boundary.
  3. Remove the lead and start to walk back towards the house or a safe area.
  4. Play with your dog outside – you can roll a ball but always roll away from the avoidance zone.
  5. Do not leave the dog unsupervised in the garden for the first few days.
  6. After 14 days you can start to remove the flags. Remove the flags every other flag, every other day until they are gone.

Keep the flags in a safe place as if you wish to add on another pet you will need to re-flag the boundary and if you change the layout this will need to be re-flagged to give the dog a visual.

Points To Remember

Training your dog to the electronic dog fence should be fun!

Never throw a stick or ball into the avoidance zone.

Small bit size sessions are often better.

Always remove the dog fence collar at night or for a period of 8 hours in every 24 hour period.

Check the fit for your electronic dog fence collar regularly.

Check the battery status on your collar monthly (using the tester supplied).

DogFence Ltd are the largest installers of electronic dog fences in the UK. Our professional installer/trainers can set up your dog fence for you and will train your pet to the system. We also offer a post installation service to train new pets to the system. If you would like more information please call us on 01628 476475 or email info@dogfence.co.uk.

 

 

 

 

dog fence ideas - dog with question mark

Dog Fencing Ideas, How To Decide

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Hi, there whilst you are researching for dog fencing ideas you will see there are many different types of dog fencing from standard fencing to electronic or even invisible fencing options.

Why Do You Need A Fence?

Most pet owners, at some point, have an issue with a dog that likes to take themselves for a walk; loves to jump the back fence (even if its 6ft tall) or is a serial digger, who can move soil like you’ve never seen before. A dog will quite happy at escape in search of things to chase, other people meet or jump up, pets to socialise with or simply because they feel its time for a walk.

Not all people like dogs, they could be frightened of a dog who is roaming without its owner.  As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure not only the safety of your dog but the risk an escaped dog poses to others. This is not to say that your pet is vicious and will attack. Most likely too friendly and may knock someone over or has no road sense and causes an accident.

The Positives of Fencing:

  • Your pet is safe from harm.
  • Other people are safe from your pet.
  • No paying the dog warden to get your pet back which are over £50 a time can mount up, especially if you have a frequent escape artist.
  • Unexpected vet bills, will not be due to injury or poisoning or worse being shot by a farmer.
  • No unexpected puppies, if your dog has not been spayed or neutered.
  • You don’t end up having to pay for other vet bills for another injured animal.
  • Peace of mind that your pet cannot escape.
  • Your dog will not cause an accident (accidents caused by dogs are on the increase)

Dog Fencing Idea’s

Wooden Panel Dog Fencing Ideas

What height do you need 3ft, 4ft, 6ft – wooden panel fencing may well look like it provides a secure area but other than the fence posts, the panels sit above the ground. The enables a dog to dig their way out under a wooden fence. Or perhaps your pet is energetic, can jump high – is a 6ft fence going to hold them back? Maybe you have a 3ft fence and are considering a higher one? What will this do for a dog that can jump? The answer is simple, it will only teach them to jump higher and higher. It’s better to start high so you do not have to foot the bill to replace fencing panels trying to retain your pet.

You may also need to place obstacles to deter jumping or plant bushes, or you can pay out even more money for an angled roof section which slopes inwards at the top of your fence. To maintain a wooden fence costs money and effort; wood treatment to stop rotting or repairs from weather damage.

This option can be quite costly to you and you cannot leave your dog unattended in a fenced garden.

Wire Mesh Dog Fencing Ideas

One word – Barking – caused by barrier frustration that your dog can see others and is either guarding or demanding their attention as they pass by. Of course, a dog left out all day can boredom bark and a wire mesh fence allows for others who cannot stand the barking to an opportunity to be able to tease, release, injure or even poison your pet, yes this does happen!

Dogs do bark when they hear things, but more so when they can also see but feel enclosed they try to alert their owner to someone else’s visual presence. It can also cause fence running due to frustration. To combat this you would not be able to leave your dog unattended in a fenced garden.

Chaining Your Dog Up

This is a recipe for aggression and a lack of exercise for your pet. Unable to seek shelter from weather unless you invest in the cost of building a shelter for them. I guess the question you need to ask if you are even thinking of this is would you like to be chained up for long periods of time? This is not really a freedom fence or a fair form of containment.

chaining up a dog is not a good dog fencing idea

Chaining a dog can lead to stress and aggression.

Wireless Dog Fencing Ideas

And so we have the solution……the inescapable fence – or is it?

Well, the answer depends on what type of wireless fence system you go for:

The AM Frequency Wireless Dog Fence:

  • Many household appliances including televisions, WiFi, computer monitors, light dimmers, motors, etc emit a noise-based signal that AM receivers “hear” and incorrectly acknowledge as their own signal, triggering an unwanted response.
  • AM receivers can be confused and accidentally trigger as the receiver assumes the signal is correct.
  • AM systems use two signals, to try to alleviate the problem, but this slows the reaction time down.  On both the start-up and shut off time on the receiver.  This is why dogs and cats can “outrun” the signal on AM systems.  The pet also continues to be corrected with shocks from their collar, when outside the fencing zone.
  • The AM signal is usually pulsed using an on/off the transmission, however, when in the off state is where interference with other AM signals can occur causing the receiver to miss the total signal.
  • False activation can happen because AM receivers do not ignore all noise-based signals.
  • Pets are able to run through an AM signal and then most AM systems continue to shock your pet over and over once outside the boundary.

The FM Frequency Legal Wireless Dog Fence:

    • A safer and quicker than AM and ignores AM signals
    • A secure digital signal, which ensures no interference is received.
    • FM receivers only hear their own transmission so no false activation occurs especially where patented Safelink technology is used.
    • The FM transmission is a fast signal and more energy efficient.
    • FM signals can work in electrical noise environments.
    • Transmitters can be used near or against electrical appliances.
    • The output power remains constant.
    • Wireless dog fences transmitters can be attached to metal or stock fencing, without signal loss.
    • The FM signal eliminates the risk of false correction and necessary shocks to your pet.
    • The FM frequency hidden dog fence provides an uncrossable barrier for your pet.
    • The shock collar has a safety cut-off, this ensures there is no continuous shocks delivery, in the unlikely event of a boundary breach.
    • Costs a fraction of the price of alternative fencing ideas.

To conclude the best dog fencing idea if you want to ensure your pet cannot escape into harm’s way is to opt for an FM frequency wireless fence. Dog Fence has provided this system to tens of thousands of pet owners throughout the UK. If you are serious about keeping your pet safe and happy with the freedom of an invisible fence take the time to have a conversation with the team at Dog Fence by getting in touch today. Call us on 03450 623623 or email to info@dogfence.co.uk. One of our team would be happy to talk to you about your dog fencing ideas and requirements.

Active dogs safely contained by a robust dog fence on vast, uneven ground in a beautiful, hilly landscape."

Top Tips to Stop your Dog from Escaping Out of The Garden

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Top Tips to Stop your Dog from Escaping Out of The Garden

stop dogs escaping from garden

Yipee – let’s go guys!

Boredom, loneliness, territory protection, prey instincts and separation anxiety are reasons that may lead a dog to stray. So how do you stop your dog from escaping? The answer may be more straight forward than you think.  Firstly it is important to assess the reasons why the dog is escaping.  What is it that draws him off, is it food, livestock another dog or boredom? It goes without saying that every dog owner wishes to prevent their dog from escaping and getting into danger. Outside the safety of the garden your dog risks getting into a fight, being hit by a vehicle, being stolen or even eating something poisonous. There is also responsibility; a free roaming dog is a threat to children, livestock and even other dogs on a lead.

Train your dog?

You may have already asked your trainer how to stop your dog from escaping. Many owners report that the dog develops the habit of escaping through the front door as soon as it is opened. They may also get rewarded for escaping. They get to roam the neighbourhood, scour bins and possibly enjoy a game with another dog! Hence, this then becomes a hard to break habit. Teach your dog to wait at the door until you open it for him and to never go out on its own. Always rewards his good behavior. Your dog will stop getting out of the garden to enjoy treats from you.

Secure your garden

Ensure that your garden area is well secured to stop your dog from escaping. You may be able to use a 6-foot fence to secure the area because most dogs cannot jump over it – you could also consider digging in a chicken wire along the fence line below ground. When a dog is determined to escape, it can do anything to gain access to digging under the 6-foot fence. The chicken wire will be uncomfortable for the dog, and may prevent deter the dog from digging. You can also place concrete or wood blocks at the bottom of your fence to discourage digging. Try to avoid picket fencing as this can cause serious injury to your dog or cat if they impale themselves on the stakes. The issue with a lot of fencing is that wildlife can damage the wire and make holes within the fencing.

Containment fencing

If you have an uneven garden terrain, consider having a smaller dog run that could be confined to one corner. Another alternative for securing the garden is installing underground or invisible fencing. The hidden fence uses a small computer collar that interacts with a signal that surrounds the property. When the dog enters the “no go zone” the dog’s collar reacts to the radio signal and gives the dog a high pitched warning beep to alert the dog that he or she is in the wrong area. If the dog continues the collar gives out a low level static shock (correction). The dog will have been trained to know where the “no go zone” area is located through a training protocol that uses both vocal and visual indicators. The advantage of an invisible dog fence is that they can be installed on nearly any terrain.

Over the years there has been negative press on the use of electronic dog fences, often referred to as electric dog fence but recent studies have dispelled the myths, indeed a study into cat containment reported that there are no negative long term effects with using an electronic fence. (Lincoln 2016) https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/news/2016/09/1265.asp.

The issue of how to stop your dog from escaping is always going to be a difficult subject but below are few tips:-

Driveways and open boundaries

Driveways are always going to be a weak point, as are open areas which cannot be fenced due to planning restrictions. These areas really are ideal for using electric dog fences. Escaping dogs will always use the weakest point on a property and an open gateway or clear area is a golden opportunity for a dog to make a bid for freedom. An underground dog fence will operate invisibly and effectively 24/7 to prevent the dog or cat from escaping through the vulnerable area. Owners often install electric gates to keep dogs and cats off the roads, however, most dogs will quickly learn that when they hear the buzzer they have an open opportunity to not just run out but amble out at a steady pace. An underground dog fence can be fitted in conjunction with electric gates to prevent the pet from escaping when they hear the buzzer.

stop dogs from escaping through driveway

An open driveway is difficult to secure.

Consequences of an escaping dog

If your dog escapes and is caught by a council dog warden you may be issued with a warning, a caution or a fixed penalty fine. If your dog is considered out of control you may even be prosecuted and fined. The penalty is up to 6 months in prison or an unlimited fine!  This is surely a big enough incentive to stop a a dog from escaping! Also further controls can be given to the owner.  In some cases the dog may be transferred to a local kennels whilst the owner is located at a heavy daily cost or even transferred to shelter and possibly re-homed. Recent media reports have also found out that the RSPCA is too quick to euthanise. Sadly owners pets have been permanently separated from their vets within a matter of weeks.

 

Exercise your dog

A dog that only stays and plays in the garden will eventually get bored, stressed, frustrated and unhappy. Dog’s need a change of scenery. Just like people a change is as good as a rest. If your dog is bored it will look for ways to break the tedium.  For you and your dog’s sanity it is advisable to walk your dog every day if possible. This way he can experience a new environment, remain engaged and interact with other dogs. Exercises not only boosts your dog’s socialization skills but also stimulates its mind. Country walks or walks in the park are a great way to stimulate your dog. The sounds, scents and interaction with nature and other dogs will keep him fresh. If you exercise your dog daily or regularly then this should help to stop your dog escaping from the garden.

Conclusion

Just like human beings, dogs like adventure and to discover new things. If you want to stop your dog from escaping you need to break the cycle. It may be that you need to install a containment fence or that you need to train your dog or exercise him more. If the issue is not tackled then the habit will continue. As an owners we must look at the issue from two angles. Primarily we need to be responsible for our dog’s welfare, state of mind and health. However, we also have a responsibility to those people, livestock and property that a wandering dog may come in contact with.  An engaged happy dog will be less likely to wander.

 

 

wireless dog fence creates a circle of signal around the boundary.

Wireless dog fence – the truth – do they work?

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Wireless dog fence – is this an easier solution?

What’s the buzz about a wireless dog fence? When considering installing an electronic dog fence one of the factors will be “do I need to install a boundary wire? A wireless dog fence seems like an easy solution. No boundary wire to dig in, just plug in and go! For over 40 years  the electronic dog fence has been used to keep pets  safe. Traditionally this  involved digging or installing a circuit of boundary wire to keep the cat or dog contained. The idea of simply plugging in and going seems so much easier so why are these fences not more popular?

The wireless dog fence involves installing the transmitter into centre of the property.  From central transmitter a circular signal creates the no go zone around the garden. Sounds simple enough, however, the downside is that property owner needs to consider several major facts when looking into wireless dog fencing.

Considerations re installing a wireless dog fence

circle zone of wireless fence

The wireless fence works be creating a circular zone around the boundary.

  • A Wireless dog fence may not suitable for narrow properties – the property needs to be 30ft wide min.
  • Terrain challenges: The lay of the land may not be suitable. A wireless dog fence is not ideal for sloping or terraced gardens.
  • Heavily wooded areas can interrupt the signal. Similarly metal objects and fencing can grossly effected the signal leading to dead spots. This happens with all AM electronic dog fences.
  • A wireless dog fence collar cannot be worn indoors as is prone to activation from objects within the house – TV’s and dimmer switches as well as other household appliances.
  • Fence wobble – the boundary with a wireless dog fence fluctuates so the dog boundary will change causing confusion/danger to the dog .With some systems the Wireless Fence wobble can be up to 16ft.
  • A wireless fence cannot be used with houses that have a mobile phone signal booster or smart meter.
  • The Wireless dog fence receiver collar is heavy and bulky and not really suitable for small dogs or cats.
  • Does not give adequate warning if the pet enters the zone.

The wireless fence does work for some owners.  It would be fair to say that this product is probably more suitable to US houses where the house is on an open plan flat plot. For UK households most gardens are already fenced and the wireless dog fence is a backup. With US houses the wireless fence may be the only containment parameter. If the zone does not cover every inch of the property it is not quite so crucial. With a UK garden if the owner has a fence running around the boundary and the installs an interior circular zone this is confusing for the dog.

Also if the owner is prepared to remove the computer collar when the dog enters the house this would make the wireless fence a good option.

Most owners will agree that boundary wobble is unfair for the pet the if the wireless dog fence is being added as a secondary fence it may not be quite such an important issue.

Advantages of a wireless dog fence

  • Quick and easy to install.
  • No boundary wire to lay – so cable cannot be damaged.

What about wired systems?

wired dog fence wire is running around edge of property. Electronic dog fences can be used on any size or shape garden

The wired fence can be used to cover irregular boundaries even on undulating terrain and can create inner loops to cover pools or play areas.

The advantage that a wired dog fence has over the wireless fence is that it can be used for any shape of property, on any terrain. Also the FM systems* guarantee no false activation on the pets collar both internally and externally so the collar can be worn both inside and outside. Different technology within the wired fences enables the   size and weight of the collars  to be far smaller and lighter. Collars used for wireless dog fences are heavier and bulkier due to the antenna and batteries.

*Dog Fence UK are the only electronic dog fences worldwide to us an FM signal.

  • A wired dog fence can be installed on any terrain and can cover irregular shaped or undulating boundaries.
  • If an FM system is used there is guaranteed no false activation on the collar.
  • Boundary is consistent – no mixed message for the dog.
  • Can cover a larger area – up to 6km of boundary wire (350 acres).
  • Collars are smaller and lighter (suitable for all breeds and cats).
  • Always gives an audible warning.

Disadvantages of a wired dog fence

  • Boundary wire can be broken, therefore, burial of wire is advisable
  • Installation will take longer
  • Not as easy to move from house to house.

October 2018 Update

Since this blog was originally written the criteria for the installation of both wired dog fences and wireless dog fences has changed in the UK. New Government legislation to be introduced shortly requires that all electronic dog fences need to be professionally installed with training. We are currently waiting for the Governments position regarding wireless dog fences.

Both wireless dog fences and wired systems will contain most pets but it is worth researching before purchasing to avoid making a costly mistake. The training time for both wired and wireless dog fences should be the same and this will be dependent on the size of the area, age and breed of dog.

Should you wish to talk to one of our experts regarding an electronic dog fence installation please call us on 03450 623 623 or email us @ info@dogfence.co.uk. www.dogfence.co.uk.

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