Dog Advice

Fencing For Dogs – A Beginners Guide

28 February 2019/in dog advice, dog running away/by Sam Chapman

Considering fencing for dogs…. now spring is in the air! There is nothing quite like getting out and about in the fresh countryside air, and taking a walk. This time of year is when many people decide, they would like a pet to accompany them, on there great adventures.

As a new pet owner, one of the first considerations should have is to ensure the fencing, you have is suitable, to effectively contain your dog.

The Benefits Provided by Having Fencing

There are a number of reasons fenced gardens are beneficial for dogs and their owners.

Some of the most important include:

A fenced yard will give a dog room to run, jump, and play, and encourage him to get plenty of exercise.
Fenced gardens help prevent boredom. Dogs who get the chance to chase squirrels, smell interesting things, and bark at passing pedestrians will enjoy a ton of mental stimulation.
A fenced garden makes it easy to just let your dog go outside and answer nature’s call.
Fences are great for those who cannot go to the park. Many dogs have a fun filled time at the local park, but some are not capable of playing nicely with others. Other dogs can’t go to the park for medical reasons.
Fencing may help your dog ward off intruders. Even relatively small dogs will often bark up a storm when strangers approach, so a fenced garden may help keep your home a bit safer.

Above all fences do not replace walks, in addition to any fence, you will still need to take your dog out daily. Dogs need to explore and enjoy wonderful smells and pee in all the right spots and need that stimulation.

Dog Proof Fencing

Fences are obviously not a one-size-fits-all item. You’ll have to go with a style that suits your home effectively, no to mention your tastes, and your dog. In actuality, dog fences are, therefore almost, always “custom built” to satisfy these and other criteria.

This means you’ll need to think carefully, about a number of issues, when selecting the best dog escape proofing for your home.

Some of the most important things to consider include:

Installation
Aesthetics
Property Lines
Durability
Maintenance
Security
Cost

In conclusion, ff your dog is a jumper, digger or great escape artist, you should seriously consider an up to date type of fencing for dogs. The invisible dog fence is a growing more popular as a way to contain your dog whilst giving them freedom to roam and safety. For instance it is ideal for unusually shaped gardens and perimeters and for those pet owners who do not wish to have a physical fence around their garden.

Get in touch with us today to get clarification on your dog fencing requirements and our friendly team will be happy to advise you on how an invisible fencing system can benefit you and your pet.

Dogs having freedom from a garden fence in the spring

How To Keep Your Dog’s Freedom Safe This Spring

15 February 2019/in Canine Advice, dog advice, dog running away, Fencing For Dogs, Freedom For Dogs/by Sam Chapman

Freedom as Spring is just about to arrive, with this comes the pleasure of getting out and letting your pet roam and explore inside the garden fence boundaries once more.

Spring Pet Freedom Safety Tips.

Use heartworm and flea and tick preventive Now! Your dog or cat should be receiving year-round monthly heart-worm preventive.
Be lungworm aware. Lungworm can be contracted either by dogs eating slugs and snails, or from drinking water from a bowl where a slug or snail has been. Even picking up a toy that a slug or snail has crawled into poses a risk. So don’t leave toys in the garden overnight and regularly clean out any water bowls in the garden.
Spring clean carefully – As you clean out your garages and prep your gardens, treat your fence etc. Remember these activities may pose a risk to your pet. Fertilisers, pesticides, weed-killers, and even mulch can all be dangerous to dogs and cats. Take care when you are putting things like this inside your garden boundaries, where they are accessible for your pet to investigate or worse consume.
When gardening, DO NOT use slug pellets to protect your plants, as these are tasty but toxic to dogs and can have fatal results.
Just because the suns out doesn’t mean you should instantly take your pet out on long walks. Your dog will be just as out of shape from winter inactivity as you are. This is the time of year veterinarians see torn ligaments, strains and sprains, and a variety of aches and pains in dogs. Take it easy. Gradually build up strength and stamina, this is especially true in older pets.
Longer days also mean pets go into “heat.” For many stray, homeless, and neglected dogs and cats, this means unwanted litters. Animal shelters and rescue groups are typically stretched to capacity during spring. Do what you can. If you know someone looking for a pet, encourage adoption or rescue.
It is a legal requirement for all dogs in the UK to be micro-chipped, so make sure your dog is chipped and your contact details on the microchip database are kept up to date. Also your dog should wear a collar and tag, bearing the owner’s details whenever he is out in public. If your dog makes a bid for freedom, beyond your garden fence, it can mean paying a sum to your local dog warden to get your pet back.
The sun can be quite intense even in the Spring so do not leave dogs in cars on hot days.
Plants are popping up in the spring and there are some flowers and plants which pose a danger to your pets. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, if ingested every part of the lily came cause serious health problems and even be fatal. For dogs – lilies, azaleas and foxglove flowers and even daffodil bulbs can present a danger to your dog.
Always keep your dog on the lead in fields where there is livestock. Chances are they will have young this time of year, especially lambs. Also be aware that birds like pheasants and swans nest on the ground so don’t let your dog disturb the nests.
Keep an eye on your dog in the garden as dog thefts from gardens are on the increase. NEVER tie your dog up outside a shop – every day we see stories of dogs being stolen in this way.

What else happens in spring?

That’s right Easter – a time for chocolate and sweets. Children and adults can accidentally drop these around the house, in the garden and out in public. A dogs trusty nose can sniff out a sweet treat with ease.

But here it is, its not a treat, it’s a danger – Why?

Chocolate – Chocolate, even in the smallest amounts, can cause serious health problems if ingested by a dog. The darker the chocolate, the greater the danger to the dog. Beyond the initial symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, chocolate toxicity can lead to tremors, increased heart rate, heart failure, seizures, and in some cases, can be fatal.

Xylitol – Sugar-free candies and gum can contain large amounts of the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Xylitol is highly toxic to some dogs and has been found to cause low blood sugar and liver failure.

Freedom For Your Dog? Have You Checked Your Fence?

Your dog may spend longer in the garden now, so check your fencing and gates are secure both to prevent your dog escaping and to prevent your dog being stolen.

Perhaps you would prefer a specialist invisible pet fence so you have peace of mind that your beloved pet won’t escape. They get out through open gates, dig their way out under a fence or even climb or jump over it, thereby having the freedom to roam. Worse still your dog could end up in a road accident.

With a little foresight and planning, spring can be the best time of year for your pet. Go out in the fresh air and enjoy the freedom of spring!

robotic mower and dog fence with dog wearing dog collar

Dog Fences and Robotic Lawn Mowers working together

5 February 2019/in About us, dog advice/by Sam Chapman

Will a Robotic Lawn Mower Interfere with My Dog Fence?

So you have a dog fence and want to buy a Robotic Lawn Mower? You’ve been online and worked out that the two products may well interfere with each other. Robotic Lawn Mowers and Dog Fences just don’t work together – right? That is the case for many brands and naturally you don’t want your dog fence to fail but equally, you don’t want the grass up around your ears! You need to find a robotic lawn mower that will work with your dog fence or vice versa?

Why do robotic mowers and dog fences interfere with each other?

Both dog fences and robotic lawn mowers use a buried wire that acts as an antenna and conducts a radio signal. An electromagnetic signal field is created around the cable. All but one dog fence systems use an AM radio frequency. This is the issue with installing both robotic mowers and dog fences next to each other. As with a magnet when you bring the same poles together they repel the signal. If no signal is being emitted one or other of the units will not work.

Are There Any Robotic Mowers and Dog Fences That Work Well Together?

Yes – but you’ll need the right dog fence system to avoid problems.

We’ve found that the only dog fence system that reliably works alongside a robotic mower is the DogWatch hidden fence, which we supply here in the UK. It’s designed to operate without interference, even when the wires run quite close to each other.

From experience, cheaper brands of robotic mower tend to be more prone to picking up unwanted signals. The same goes for budget dog fences – they’re often affected by electrical “noise” from everyday household items, leading to false activations. In some cases, with standard AM-based systems, you’d have to keep your dog fence and mower wire metres apart just to stop them clashing!

That’s where the DogWatch system is different. It uses a low-frequency FM digital signal (either 4kHz or 8kHz), which is far less likely to be disrupted by interference. Unlike AM signals, which can be easily distorted by nearby electronics, FM signals are much more stable and reliable.

If you’re planning to install both a mower and a pet fence in the same garden, the DogWatch FM system is your best bet for keeping things running smoothly.

Golden Retriever puppy inspecting a robotic lawn mower on a grass lawn

This inquisitive pup checks out the robotic lawn mower — both systems working in harmony thanks to DogFence’s interference-free setup.

What happens when there is interference with the robotic mower and the dog fence?

With our DogFence the robotic mower will not cause any loss of signal or false activation to your dog’s fence collar. If in the event there was any interference it would be the mower that would be affected. In these cases, the robotic mower tries to read the dog fence signal and becomes confused (poor thing!).

Moving the boundary wire may help the situation. Ideally, we recommend placing the dog fence wire outside of the robotic lawn mower loop. Depending on which brand of mower you choose you may have to keep a gap between the dog fence and the robotic mower boundary wires. Our Dog Fences can be re-programmed by the owner to either frequency and in many cases, this eliminates any interference issues.

To date, we have had very good success with the following products when used in close proximity. Interestingly we have found that the larger capacity mowers are more prone to picking up interference than those covering a smaller area. We strongly recommend that you do not cross over the wires with either system.

What Happens If There’s Interference Between a Robotic Mower and a Dog Fence?

With our DogFence FM system, it’s very rare for the robotic mower to cause any issues with your dog’s collar — no signal dropouts and no false activations. If interference does occur, it’s usually the mower that gets confused, not the fence. Poor thing doesn’t know which signal to follow!

In most cases, a simple tweak to the layout will solve the problem. We recommend laying the dog fence wire outside the robotic lawn mower loop, and where possible, leave a gap between the two wires (similar to installing a banana loop). How much space you need can depend on the mower brand and model.

The good news? Our system is fully programmable, so you can easily switch between two FM frequencies (4kHz and 8kHz) to minimise any risk of interference. It’s a quick fix that often does the trick.

We’ve had great results using our fences alongside robotic mowers like Husqvarna and Robomow, even in fairly tight spaces. It’s worth noting that larger-capacity mowers (the ones for big gardens) seem slightly more prone to picking up interference than smaller ones — so just keep an eye on your spacing.

And one golden rule: never cross the wires of either system. That’s the quickest way to confuse both devices!

How to Install a Dog Fence with a Robotic Mower

Here are some practical tips for avoiding interference:

Never cross the wires of the two systems
Keep at least 30–50cm between the boundary wires
Place the dog fence wire outside the robotic lawn mower loop
Use the DogWatch programmable frequency (switchable at home) to fine-tune signal compatibility
Test before final burial – lay the wires temporarily and observe both systems working

Which Robotic Lawn Mowers Work Well With DogFence?

We’ve had excellent results when pairing DogFence systems with:

✅ Husqvarna Automower
✅ Robomow
✅ Stihl iMow (selected models)

Tip: Larger-capacity robotic mowers often emit stronger signals, so you may need to keep more distance between boundaries. Check out these brands if you are considering adding on a robo mower alongside your dog fence:

Husqvarna

Robomow

The Husqvarna Automower works seamlessly alongside DogFence’s FM pet containment systems—no interference, just a perfect lawn and a safe pet.

Got Questions or Need Help?

If you have questions about how dog fences and robotic lawn mowers can be installed together then you’ve landed on the right page! We’re here to help you get the right setup for your garden and your pets.

Call us today on 01628 476475
or message us on WhatsApp at 07917 034256

How do I take my dog for walk if I use a dog fence?

4 February 2019/in Canine Advice, dog advice, Keeping dogs safe/by Sam Chapman

How do I take my dog for a walk if I use a dog fence?

After you have had your dog fence installation one of the most common questions we get asked at DogFence is “how do I take the dog for a walk?”.

It’s actually really simple. The DogFence installer will have trained your dog or cat to stay within the dog fence boundary. This is a reverse training protocol and usually takes the dog approx 7 – 10 days to feel fully comfortable with leaving the property.

There are 2 main points to observe:

Never allow your dog to cross the boundary unless he has contact with you. This could be with the lead or by carrying him or simply having a hand on his shoulder.
Never allow your dog to cross the boundary with his fence collar on – even with the system turned off.

To cross the boundary:

Remove the dog fence collar and put it in a safe place. Do not turn off the fence.
Pop him on his lead and walk him up to the exit.
Ask him to sit or stop him before the boundary line (only for the first week).
Give the command to walk and walk slowly out of the property.
Give him praise when you have crossed the boundary.
Repeat the process when you re-enter the property.

The best way to see how it works is to watch the lovely Lionel demonstrating how it’s done:

When we install a dog fence for you we will run through how to take your dog for a walk after. As with any new training, it may take your dog a few days to adjust to going out for a walk. If you would like to learn more about how we can give your dog freedom in the garden check why not call us today on 01628 476475?

sheep grazing keep dogs on lead to stop dog sheep chasing sign

Escaping dogs in the country are a danger to sheep

17 January 2019/in dog advice, dog running away/by Sam Chapman

Solutions to stop a dog chasing sheep

It’s getting to that time of year when the wildlife is waking up. In early Spring our most common call is I am concerned about my dog getting out and chasing sheep or livestock. Usually owners have tried everything, plugged the hedge, lifted the fence height and all to no avail. If a dog has a high interest in Sheep and has had no training sooner or later he or she will be in with the sheep. For some dogs it’s just the chase, for others it’s the kill. Also a dog with a high prey drive will probably have a high interest in cats or other livestock.

What are the penalties for a dog chasing sheep?

Ultimately his life – the farmer has the right to shoot if he considers that the dog is a threat to his flock and there are no reasonable means of preventing it.

So What steps can an owner take to prevent their dog chasing sheep?

Training – find a good trainer that has a proven track record in this field of expertise (see list below). As Company we recommend a Balanced Trainer. A Balanced Trainer will use multiple tools to train the dog, including an e-collar if necessary.
Ensure that the garden fencing is dog proof. If you are rural, even if you don’t have livestock nearby make sure your fence is secure. The wildlife may tempt him out but ultimately he may end up in trouble with a farmer or a vehicle.
Walking the dog on a lead where sheep are present. It’s good practice, no matter how good your dog is if there are sheep around pop him on a lead for a few minutes.

Training for sheep chasing

Balanced dog trainers will use a range of tools and methods to modify the dog’s behaviour and desire sheep. They will work with you and your dog in a controlled situation and will modify the dog’s desire and interest to chase sheep.
Many old school farmers will advocate putting the dog in a pen with an older Ewe. This can be a risky move as a large Ewe can cause considerable damage to a dog when cornered. It is most certainly a harsh method but may ultimately save the dogs life.
Some Trainers recommend reward only training. Many dogs will recall well in normal situations using this training method. The issue is if you have a dog with a high drive usually the treat is insufficient to divert the attention and so this method not always successful for sheep chasing.

How can I make my rural property dog proof?

Deer or stock fencing may be a solution but can be costly and unsightly. It is also not always effective as dogs will climb up and over or dig under the fence.
Electronic dog fences are a great solution as they will back up your current fencing.

Are Electronic Fences banned?

No, electronic fences are not banned and have not been included in the recent e-collar ban proposals. Electronic fences are a great way to give your dog freedom but also keep them safe in the garden. Unlike traditional fences if the dog is trained correctly then the fence will keep even the keenest dog at home. Interestingly, a dog fence can also often be installed on terrain that is not suitable for traditional fencing. A dog fence, often referred to as an electric dog fence, will also cover driveways and vulnerable open areas.

The word “electric” is actually incorrect as there is no electricity in the cable or the collar. As with an e-collar, it is a static impulse that is generated, very similar to a Tens machine. When a dog is trained to an “electric dog fence” he is conditioned to respond a warning beep. The training is gentle and effective, with many owners asking “when will he get the shock?” only to be told that the dog has already received the stimulation.

DogFence Ltd have been installing the hidden dog fences for over 16 years. We have fenced and contained many dogs on their last chance saloon. We offer a containment promise with our Professional Dog Fences but as with all dog ownership this does involve management from the owner.

Put the collar on the dog every day – it’s useless in the draw!
Make sure the collar is correctly fitted – a lose collar can equal a lose dog!
Remember to change the battery at the correct interval – DogFence batteries last 6 months or 2 years depending on the collar and we even offer automatic renewal programmes so you don’t forget.

Conclusion

The majority of dog owners recognise that dogs need to be trained so that they can enjoy walking together. Sadly owners cannot be present 24/7 and it maybe that the dog escapes from the garden and ends up in a field full of sheep. Installing an electronic dog fence gives owners peace of mind whilst allowing the dog the freedom to enjoy the open air.

If you would like to know more about how DogFence can secure your garden give us a buzz. Our lovely office team can measure out your boundary and give options for the fence remotely. Call us today on 01628 476475 or click here for a quote.

Below is a list of Balanced Dog Trainers that we recommend for sheep chasing:

Take The Lead Training – Devon – Jamie Penrith.

Dutiful Dogs – London & South East England – Nicky Bulter

Southend Dog Training – Essex – Adam Spivey

Paws in Nature – Cheshire – Andrew Lang

Fencing for dogs we explore the options for dog owners

16 January 2019/in dog advice/by Sam Chapman

Best fencing for dogs – what are the options?

When is comes to fencing for dogs it really depends on several important points. A big dog will need a big fence. A four foot fence is nothing to a big dog. Equally small dogs are excellent climbers. It is important to consider the dog breed when choosing a fence. Below are some points to consider when finding the best solution for your dog and environment. All dogs are different, your dog may be fine in your present home and then you move and something changes. Ask yourself the following before choosing your dog fencing solution.

Do you live in an urban area?
Are you rural?
What fencing do you currently have?
What breed of dog do you have?
Is the dog currently escaping?
What size area requires fencing?

Below we have noted some of the most popular forms of fencing for dogs so that Fido stays safe at home where he should be!

Types of fencing for dogs

Chain Link Fences

Arguably this is not the prettiest type of fencing but it is one of the most economical. Chain link fencing can be built to varying heights and can also be used to construct a dog run or pen. The issue that people often have with chain link fencing is that other larger wild animals (foxes and badgers) can cause damage to this type of fence. When the fence is damaged this gives the dog an open avenue to the outside worldwide.

Interestingly Terriers are particularly good climbers and often see chain link fences as an easy ladder to escape. the lovely links make great foot holds for both large and small dogs. Chain link fences tend to be a popular choice for more rural customers as they can be softened with foliage. If you have a large breed of dog the fence height should be a minimum of 6ft to prevent a “climb out”.

Close Board Wooden Fences

This is probably the most popular type of fencing for urban areas. A Close Board fence can be a good option because the dog cannot see the rabbits and squirrels living on the other-side! This may curtail his desire to wander but in some cases can increase anxiety. If a dog can hear but not see what is the other side of the fence this may increase his territorial behavior and lead to excessive barking.

When it comes to fencing it’s a mid priced option if you have a small town garden. This type of fencing for dogs is usually sufficient but if your dog is a digger or a climber then this may not be the best solution. A 6ft close board fence is usually only installed in the rear of the garden so you may have to look at other options for the front of the property. Take note if your dog is a digger you should also concrete below ground!

Stock and Deer Fencing

Stocking and Deer fencing is usually only installed on large rural properties. When installing this type of fencing it is usually best to get the fence dug into the ground to prevent the dog and wildlife digging under it. This can be a costly exercise for large areas and depending on the breed may need to be quite high to prevent a “climb out”. Stock fences can be installed in front of hedges to give a secondary barrier. If you have a very small dog then a stock fence will be ineffective as the dog can squeeze through the wire.

Electronic dog fence

Incredibly, this type of fencing for dogs has been around for over 40 years. It is a little known fencing solution for dog owners in the UK but widely used in the USA. The advantage of an electronic dog fence is that it can be used on both large or small properties. The electronic dog fence is invisible and so does not create any unsightly barriers. There are several advantages that electronic fencing has over traditional methods.

The dog cannot dig under or jumper over the electronic dog fence.
It is cheaper than traditional fences.
Does not obstruct views and is not unsightly.
Can be taken with you if you move.
Protects the drive even if the gate is open.

Even on most standard urban gardens and electronic dog fence is a most cost effective solution. It is simple to install and offers a safe and effective solution. Having been rigorously tested by Lincoln University these fences are have been proved safe and effective.

If you are intrigued but think how our fence may not work for you why not read some of our customer testimonials. If you would like to know more our experienced professionals can chat to you. We can then put together a bespoke estimate for your dog, property and budget.

For an for an estimate call or contact DogFence on 03450 623623 or info@dogfence.co.uk

dog fence boundary flags with dog in training

Electronic dog fence – How to train your dog.

2 January 2019/in Canine Advice, dog advice/by Sam Chapman

Simple Steps for training your dog to an electronic dog fence

Before commencing electronic dog fence training:

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.
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.
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.
Leave the collar on the dog for at least 30 mins before commencing the initial training session.
Find a long lead – 6ft and ideally not the dog’s usual walking lead.

Commencing the training

Take the dog outside on the lead.
Walk the dog around the boundary and tap the flag so that there is good movement.
As you tap each flag use a command word – a good example is “Watch out”.
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.
Repeat this around the boundary for several small sessions over 1 – 2 days.

Introduction to Correction

Place the electronic dog fence collar on the dog approx 20 – 30 mins before starting the training.
Using the tester – lift the level on the receiver from level 0 (beep only) to level 1.
Repeat the process of walking around the boundary and tapping the flags. Always use the command word when tapping the flag.
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).
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.
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.
Once the dog is reacting to the stimulation make a note of the level.
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.

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.
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.
If the dog stops before or at the flags guide him back and praise him.
Continue walking around the boundary and repeating the process.
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.
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.
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

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.
Go to the centre of the property and face the dog away from boundary.
Remove the lead and start to walk back towards the house or a safe area.
Play with your dog outside – you can roll a ball but always roll away from the avoidance zone.
Do not leave the dog unsupervised in the garden for the first few days.
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.

A dog is for life!

10 December 2018/in About us, Christmas dog, dog advice/by Sam Chapman

A dog is for life – t’was the month before Xmas T’was a month before Christmas and all around the house the children were squealing we want a pet mouse; Or a hamster, a kitten, a dog or a horse. We PROMISE to look after it forever, of course! So straight onto Google the parents […]

dog fence ideas - dog with question mark

Dog Fence Options Compared: Wooden, Mesh & Invisible Systems

10 December 2018/in Canine Advice, dog advice, Keeping dogs safe/by Sam Chapman

Dog Fence Options Compared: Wooden, Mesh, and Invisible Systems

When you’re researching dog fence options, you’ll quickly see there are many different choices — from traditional wooden panels and wire mesh to modern invisible dog fences. But not all solutions are equal when it comes to keeping your dog safe and secure.

In this guide, we’ll compare the most common types of dog fence options, their pros and cons, and explain why an invisible FM frequency fence is often the safest and most cost-effective choice.

Why Do You Need A Fence?

Most pet owners will experience a dog that loves to escape — whether it’s jumping a 6ft fence, digging under the hedge, or simply heading off on an unplanned walk. While this may seem harmless, an escaping dog can:

Put themselves in danger from cars, livestock, or poisoning.
Cause accidents on the road.
Knock over or frighten strangers.
Risk unexpected vet bills or even fines from the dog warden.

A secure fence isn’t just about protecting your dog — it protects others too and gives you peace of mind.

Dog escaping over wooden fence showing need for secure dog fence options

Some dogs see traditional fences as just another challenge.

Wooden Panel Fencing

Wooden fencing may look sturdy, but it isn’t fool-proof.

Panels often sit slightly above the ground, making it easy for dogs to dig underneath.
Athletic dogs may simply jump over, even if the fence is 6ft tall.
Regular maintenance is required to stop rotting or repair storm damage.
Costs can quickly mount if you need to replace panels or add extra barriers.

For determined dogs, wooden fencing can be little more than a temporary fix.

Wire Mesh Fencing

Wire mesh is another common option, but it often causes more problems than it solves:

Dogs can see through the mesh, leading to barking, fence-running, and frustration.
Neighbours or passers-by can tease or even harm your dog.
Digging under is still possible.

While affordable, wire mesh is rarely a long-term solution for escape-prone dogs.

Why Chaining Is Never the Answer

Some owners resort to chaining a dog when fences fail. But chaining:

Severely restricts exercise.
Causes stress, boredom, and frustration.
Increases aggression and behavioural problems.

It’s unsafe and unfair for the dog — and definitely not a recommended containment method.

Wireless & Invisible Dog Fences

This is where technology offers a smarter solution. Invisible fences use a boundary wire, transmitter, and a computer collar to create a safe containment zone. But not all systems are equal.

AM Frequency Fences (Old Technology)

Can be disrupted by Wi-Fi, TVs, or even light dimmers.
Slow response times mean pets can “outrun” the signal.
Risk of false activations, shocking your dog unnecessarily.

FM Frequency Fences (Modern Technology)

Use secure, fast, digital signals that ignore interference.
Quick reaction time keeps pets safely contained.
Safety cut-off prevents over-correction.
Can be installed around any property size — from small gardens to estates of 350+ acres.
Invisible and planning-friendly.

Learn more about how an invisible dog fence system works.

Why FM Invisible Fences Are the Best Option

Compared to traditional fencing, an FM invisible fence:

Costs a fraction of installing tall panels or mesh.
Works on all terrains, including driveways, hedges, and wooded areas.
Is safe, proven, and recommended by vets.
Gives your dog freedom within safe boundaries.

Learn more about how an invisible dog fence system works.

Dog safely contained with an invisible dog fence system

Invisible dog fences keep pets safe without changing your view.

The Benefits of Secure Fencing

Choosing the right dog fence isn’t just about stopping escapes — it brings peace of mind and real protection for both your pet and the wider community:

Your dog stays safe from roads, poisons, livestock, and other dangers.
Others are protected — no risk of your dog knocking someone over or frightening passers-by.
Lower costs — avoid dog warden fees (often £50+ per incident) and unexpected vet bills.
Prevent accidents — escaped dogs can cause road traffic collisions, which are sadly on the rise.
No unwanted litters if your dog hasn’t been neutered.
Protect other animals — you won’t be liable for injuries to neighbouring pets or livestock.
Peace of mind knowing your dog can enjoy freedom without escaping.

If you also own cats, our cat fence system is designed to keep them safely contained too.

Cat sitting on a garden statue – safe alternatives to roaming with a cat fence system

Even adventurous cats need safe boundaries — our cat fence system keeps them secure without restricting freedom.

Final Thoughts

If you want complete peace of mind, an FM invisible fence is the safest and most reliable option to stop escapes and keep your dog secure.

Call us today on 01628 476475

Request a Free Quote

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Dog wearing DogFence electronic dog fence collar in garden

Containment Fences Explained

19 November 2018/in Cat Advice, dog advice, dog running away/by Sam Chapman

What are electronic Containment Fences and how do they work?

Containment fences hit the news earlier this year when the Government declared that they intended to ban e-collars for training dogs.

Sadly, the media jumped in with both feet first and declared that containment fences were also to be banned. At DogFence we were horrified having Professionally installed containment fences for over 17 years we had no idea why! For our customers that already used a containment fence there was outrage. How could the Government even consider banning a fence that had saved their pets life and given them back their freedom? For those that had not heard about containment fences there was intrigue. What is a containment fence and why do they want to ban them?

Even the MP that called for the ban didn’t know if the containment fence was to be included within any ban and the officials at DEFRA did not know how containment fences worked! As experts in the field for containment fencing DogFence were invited to meet with officials from DEFRA and demonstrate the fence.

The comments from the DEFRA team were as we suspected “it’s not that bad” and “it’s not what I imagined”.

So what is a containment fence?

It’s actually an invisible fence or virtual fence which is created by a radio signal. Originally invented to keep dogs safe at home in the USA where gardens are traditionally unfenced their popularity has grown in recent years.

A containment fence is actually a very simple and unobtrusive system which can be installed on virtually any property at a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing. It also offers for safety than conventional fencing as the pet can’t dig under or jump over the fence and it protects open areas such as driveways.

A boundary wire is placed around the property boundary which transmits a coded radio signal to a collar worn by the pet. When the pet approaches the boundary wire a high pitched warning beep alerts the pet to go back. If the pet continues forward, an electrical impulse is given through the collar (this is often referred to as a correction or static shock) and the pet retreats back into the safe area.

How does the pet know where to go?

Every pet undergoes a training programme which usually takes 2 – 5 days. When training to a containment fence it is important that the boundary is flagged to give a good visual of where the virtual fence starts. The flags stay in the ground as a visual marker for approx. 2 – 3 weeks. Containment fences can be used for dogs over the age of 12 weeks and cats 16 weeks or over.

The trainer will take the dog outside and set the collar to “beep only” mode. Using some voice commands, he will introduce the dog to the containment fence training flags and later he will allow the dog to enter the “no go area” of his own accord. By re-focusing the dog back into the safe area with the assistance of the warning beep and vocal commands the pet will quickly learn where he can or can’t go. Following the beep only session the training moves onto to assess the correct level of impulse (correction) required for the pet. If the owner has more than one pet the likelihood is that they will each have a different training level.

containment fences are marked with training flags

Visible boundary for the pet with flags.

With cats the training is carried out internally following the Dog Fence Cat protocol. This training protocol was used as part of the Lincoln Cat Containment Fence study.

Will the containment fence hurt my pet?

Of course the thought of giving any impulse or shock to your pet can be abhorrent. It is important to note though that the impulse is very low and is usually only felt during the training phase. The sad scenario is that the pain felt from a car is almost unimaginable and the discomfort of containment fence is no worse than an annual vaccination. Also for dog owners there is always the threat of a shot gun as dog attacks on sheep are rising annually.

What areas of the garden will the containment fence cover?

Interestingly, containment fences can cover the entire garden including the driveway. The largest installation that we have installed at Dog Fence is 450 acres. Usually the fence wire is dug directly into the ground (approx. 3 – 5” below the surface) but it can be attached to existing physical boundaries. It is not uncommon for the fence wire to be attached to post and rail fences, stone walls, run through hedges, ditches or streams and even the odd moat! When it comes to the driveway any surface can be crossed except Resin bonded drives which require special attention.

Containment Fence Collars

The original containment fences from the early 80’s used heavy bulky collars but as with the mobile phone technology everything has been scaled down in recent years. Not only have the collars become smaller and lighter but the battery life has also increased.

At Dog Fence we can boast the smallest and lightest collars worldwide. Our mini containment fence collar only weighs 30g but still features an incredible 6-month battery life. Incredibly our standard collar has a 2-year battery life and weighs in at only 48g which is still the 3^rd lightest collar available worldwide!

How much do containment fences cost?

A containment fence costs a fraction of the cost of installing a traditional fence or driveway gates. Unlike a wooden or stock fence a containment fence becomes more cost effective the larger the area. Naturally the price is dependent on the owner’s location and the number of dog or cats that they have. There is no need to visit a property to give an estimate for the containment fence; this can all be carried out via our online survey tool.

Summary

Thankfully, the Government looked at the evidence, research and responses from containment fence owners and deemed these lifesaving systems safe to use. Indeed, Michael Gove stood up and supported the life-saving fences in Parliament.

If you are interested in receiving a quick free quote contact us today on 01628 476475 or fill in our quote form https://dogfence.co.uk/quote/