How Electronic Dog Fences Work:
Safe, Invisible Boundaries for Happy Pets
Give your dog or cat the freedom they deserve — without the worry. The DogFence electronic pet containment system uses advanced FM radio technology to create a safe, invisible boundary around your garden. Your pet can explore freely within the set area while you enjoy total peace of mind knowing they’re protected.
Unlike traditional fencing, a DogFence system keeps your garden open and uncluttered — no gates left ajar, no broken panels, and no risk of escape. Designed for both dogs and cats, our humane and proven system teaches pets to understand their boundaries quickly and gently. Trusted across the UK since 2003, DogFence has helped over 20,000 pets stay safe at home and enjoy their freedom every day.
How Our Invisible Dog Fence System Works
Our system creates a hidden boundary around your garden using a coded digital FM radio signal. Your pet wears a lightweight receiver collar that responds only when your pet enters the “avoidance zone”. Here’s the sequence:
Step 1 — The Boundary Wire
A thin wire is laid around (or under) the edge of your garden (or the areas you choose). It carries a coded FM signal that defines the boundary. The signal field size is adjustable (typically 3 –5 ft on either side of the wire).
Step 2 — The Receiver Collar
Your pet wears a small, waterproof collar that “listens” for the boundary signal. Using our FastReact® electronics which respond instantly and consistently, even around metalwork or other electronics.
Step 3 — Warning Zone (Beep Only)
As your pet enters the avoidance zone, the collar gives a clear audible beep. With training most pets learn within a few sessions to stop and turn back at the beep.
Step 4 — Correction Zone (Beep & Impulse)
If they continue past the warning zone, the collar delivers a brief, humane impulse (alongside the beep). Levels are fully programmable to suit each dog or cat. Built-in safety includes timeout after 15 seconds and anti-linger to prevent battery drain. The impulse is similar to a tens machine or static shock received from a door handle.
Step 5 — Training Flags & First Week
During installation, we place temporary training flags along the boundary so your pet has something to see, hear and feel as they learn. Flags are removed once your pet is confidently respecting the beep.
Tip: We can also create no-go zones around flowerbeds, ponds or pools, and tailor loops for rear garden only, front & rear, or driveways.
Why Choose a Wired FM Dog Fence Instead of a Wireless or GPS System?
When it comes to keeping your pet safe, not all containment systems are created equal. Many wireless or GPS fences use AM radio or satellite signals, which can drift, delay, or drop entirely — leaving gaps in safety. At DogFence, our systems use secure FM radio frequency, the same technology trusted by the aviation and medical industries, to provide instant and consistent communication between the boundary and your pet’s collar.
Here’s why the DogFence wired FM system stands apart
Instant response: FM technology reacts up to fifteen times faster than AM or GPS systems — essential when your pet approaches a driveway or road.
No signal drift: The boundary remains fixed and reliable, even during bad weather or power fluctuations.
Custom-shaped coverage: The system can be tailored to any garden layout, from small urban plots to multi-acre estates.
Longer battery life: FM collars only activate near the boundary, avoiding constant scanning and conserving battery life.
Reliable and interference-free: Immune to interference from neighbouring systems or electrical equipment.
Proven and humane: Trusted worldwide for over thirty years and DEFRA-tested here in the UK.
In short, a DogFence wired FM system provides total reliability, safety, and peace of mind — offering the most secure form of invisible containment available today.
| Feature | DogFence FM System | AM / GPS Systems |
|---|---|---|
| Signal Stability | Fixed, interference-free FM signal | Prone to drift or dropouts |
| Response Speed | Instant reaction – 15× faster | Delayed or inconsistent |
| Boundary Accuracy | Precise, adjustable to 1–3 ft zones | Can vary by several metres |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 years (model dependent) | 3–6 months average |
| Terrain Coverage | Works on any layout, slope, or terrain | Limited by signal strength or GPS drift |
| Safety Testing | DEFRA tested and proven humane | Often unverified or untested |
Designed with Your Pet’s Safety and Comfort in Mind
At DogFence, your pet’s safety always comes first. Our systems are carefully designed to be both effective and humane, combining cutting-edge technology with positive, reward-based training. Every installation includes full guidance to help your dog or cat understand their new boundaries calmly and confidently.
Gentle and Humane Training
Our training approach is designed to teach pets through sound and repetition — not fear. As your pet approaches the warning zone, they’ll hear a clear audible tone. This acts as a cue to turn away and stay within the safe zone. If they continue further, a brief, mild impulse reinforces the boundary. The impulse feels similar to a light tap on the collar and is tailored precisely to your pet’s size and temperament.
Safety Built Into Every System
DEFRA tested and compliant: DogFence collars and transmitters have undergone government safety testing and are approved for use across the UK.
Automatic shut-off: The collar stops after 15 seconds of activation to ensure your pet’s wellbeing.
Anti-linger feature: Prevents battery drain if your pet lingers near the warning zone.
Adjustable correction levels: Each collar can be programmed to your pet’s individual needs.
Waterproof and robust: Collars are fully waterproof up to 10ft and chew-resistant for durability.
Proven Results
Over 20,000 dogs and cats across the UK have been safely trained using DogFence systems. Pets quickly learn to associate the audible cue with the boundary — most within just a few days. The result is total peace of mind for owners and freedom for their pets.
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Advanced Freedom Fence System: Invisible Pet Containment for Safe Freedom
The DogFence Advanced Freedom Fence System offers a secure, invisible boundary for your pets, allowing them to roam freely within your property while ensuring their safety. Utilising cutting-edge FM radio technology, this system provides a reliable and humane solution for pet containment.
How It Works
Our system consists of a central control box connected to a boundary wire discreetly buried around your property’s perimeter. This wire emits a digital FM radio signal, creating a virtual fence. Your pet wears a lightweight receiver collar that detects this signal.
- Approach Warning: As your pet nears the boundary, the collar emits an audible beep, prompting them to stop.
- Gentle Correction: If they continue, a mild, harmless static correction is administered, tailored to their size and temperament.
- Training Support: Our professional installers provide comprehensive training, using audible cues, visual flags, and verbal commands to help your pet understand their new boundaries. Learn more on our Training Services page.
The system’s signal is adjustable, typically set to a 3ft zone, and can be customised for smaller pets post-training. The FM signal ensures consistent coverage, unaffected by metal objects or underground utilities.
Customisable Boundary Layouts
Every property is unique, and our Freedom Fence adapts to various layouts:
- Standard Layout: Encircles the entire property, including front and back gardens.
- Rear Garden Only (Banana Loop): Ideal for semi-detached homes, focusing on backyard containment.
- Front and Rear Garden (Pinch Loop): Prevents pets from moving between front and back areas.
- Single Boundary or Driveway: Targets specific areas like driveways or single boundaries.
- Exclusion Zones: Keep pets away from pools, flowerbeds, or play areas.
Our system seamlessly integrates with existing metal or stock fencing and can navigate challenging terrains, including wooded areas and water crossings. Find out more about our Installation Options.
Advanced Technology for Reliable Containment
- FM Safelink® Technology: Provides a secure, interference-free signal.
- FastReact® Response: Activates 15 times faster than AM systems, ensuring timely corrections.
- Lightweight Receiver Collars: Our collars are among the smallest and lightest globally, with some models offering up to a 2-year battery life.
- Comfort Contact® Posts: Conductive plastic probes ensure comfort for pets with short or smooth coats.
Suitable for Dogs and Cats
Our containment system isn’t just for dogs; it’s equally effective for cats. With adjustable collar settings, you can customise the experience for each pet, ensuring safety and comfort for all. Learn more on our Cat Containment Solutions page.
Professional Installation and Support
DogFence offers professional installation services across the UK. Our trained installers ensure a hassle-free setup and provide comprehensive training for you and your pets. For those who prefer a DIY approach, we offer detailed instructions and dedicated customer support. Visit our Contact Page to get started.
Why Choose DogFence?
- Proven Reliability: Over 45 years of experience in pet containment solutions.
- Advanced Technology: Leading-edge FM signal ensures consistent performance.
- Customisable Solutions: Tailored setups for properties of all sizes and terrains.
- Exceptional Support: Dedicated customer service and professional installation options.
Book Your Free Consultation
Ready to give your pet the freedom they deserve without compromising safety?
Call us today on 03450 623 623
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After completing the training your pet will quickly learn to understand warning beep, and will immediately turn back into the allowed zone. To aid the pet during training DogFence use a series of flags as a visual training aids. The pet therefore has something to hear, something to see and ultimately something to feel. Freedom Fences were orignally designed in the USA and have been given pets freedom for over 45 years.
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Boundary Layouts
Not all properties are a nice neat flat square and the advantage of the DogFence System is that it can be customised to contain your pet within all sizes and shapes of gardens and property types from Semi-Detached or Terraced properties to stepped or hilly gardens and fields – we can even cross water if absolutely necessary! Due to the FM signal our cable can be run in conjunction with metal and stock fencing without loss of signal. If you have a robotic mower let us know and we can work out a way to keep your lawn short and your dog home!
Below are some examples of some typical installation configurations but of course numerous other options are available.
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Standard Layout
Boundary cable runs around the entire boundary, covering the front and back of the property as well as the driveway.
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Rear garden only or semi-detached (banana loop)
Boundary cable runs around the area to fenced and then back on itself to form the loop. This type of installation is ideal for properties where a full loop is difficult to install. The boundary wires need to be run 2ft apart or more in order the signal to be emitted.
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Front and or Rear garden (pinch loop)
Single cable around the boundary which is “nipped in” either side of the house – this prevents the dog from running from the front to back garden and vice versa whilst still protecting the entire boundary.
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Single Boundary or Driveway (banana loop)
Ideal if only one or part of the boundary requires fencing – Boundary cable runs along the area to fenced and then back on itself to form the loop. The boundary wires need to be run 2ft apart or more in order the signal to be emitted.
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Full Boundary excluding swimming pool and play area
As well as containment the freedom fence can be used to exclude pets from area such as pools, ponds, play areas or flower borders by adding in a loop connected to a twisted cable (twisting the cable cancels the radio signal)
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Dog Fence and Freedom Fences Detailed description
As with Freedom Fence and Invisible Fence the control box sends a coded radio signal which is transmitted through the boundary wire. The difference between DogFence and other brands is that our signal is an FM signal. Freedom Fence and Invisible Fence systems use the older, less secure AM signals.
Transmitter
A small transmitter box is installed somewhere on your property. This needs to be in the dry and plugged into a standard electrical socket. The fence does not pass any electricity through the boundary wire but the transmitter requires a small amount of power to run the system. The average running cost = 5 – 8p per day. We usually recommend that the box is installed in garage, utility room, tack room etc.
Boundary Wire
A heavy duty 16 AWG boundary wire is laid around the perimeter of your property and runs back to the transmitter box. If we are installing for the customer this is generally buried using our burial equipment. The wire carries a safe encoded radio signal which uses our patented FM technology. The signal can easily be adjusted to make the invisible zone larger or smaller (from as little as 2ft to 16ft). The radio signal is usually zeroed from the point at which the wires leave the transmitter box to the boundary and the signal is only “live” around the perimeter or the designated area.
Receiver Collar
The pet wears a small receiver collar which is coded to only react to our FM signal. The DogFence receiver collars are the smallest & lightest available worldwide. When the pet enters the avoidance zone the collar picks up the radio signal. The collar then gives the out a high pitched “beep” to alert the dog or cat. If the pet continues further the collar emits a low static impulse (correction). All our collars have flexible training levels and can be set to audible only. Each dog or cat will have their own correction level tailored to their personality. DogFence systems are the ONLY system worldwide to give a 100% no false activation guarantee due to the patented FM signal. The FM signal does not use OOK (on off keying) and gives total protection around the boundary.
Training
Through our Gentle Touch Training process, using audible and visual aids, your pet learns to identify and stay within his boundaries. Cat training is slightly different using the patent pending training protocol. The pet learns to respond to an audible signal (a beep that comes from his collar). If he continues to go beyond the audible signal, he receives a mild correction from the receiver collar. To aid your pet the new boundary is marked with temporary training flags. All pets learn easily and quickly to respond the audible warning signal rather than the correction. There is no maintenance required for the system simply a battery change in the receiver collar every 6 months or 2 years depending on the receiver type.
Technology
Our new generation of freedom dog fences use wifi capability to keep you connected to your pets at all times. You can monitor the status of the boundary wire, transmitter and receiver collar. You can even see when your pet is active or inactive. click here to learn more.
DogFence Ltd is an authorised, full service dealership and is not to be confused with other brands of dog fencing, cat fencing, dog fence or cat fence company like Freedom Fence, Invisible Fence Brand or Canicom who all claim to provide a dog fence or cat fence.
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IS DOGFENCE FOR ME
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FENCES
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HOW TO BUY
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