Training a Cockapoo to Use an Electronic Dog Fence

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Training a Puggle to Use an Electronic Dog Fence

By: DogFence on 14-05-19

Welcome to our dogs of DogFence blog. Within our blog we will be sharing customer experiences from owners who have used our electronic dog fence.  This week, we feature Taloola, the rather greedy and adventurous Puggle who liked to visit the neighbour’s chickens and   oAnnapolis Valley & Nova Scotia shares how Belle the Border Collie uses an Invisible Fence System to enjoy her scenic country lot next to the cows.

But first, meet Belle!

Belle is a nine-year-old Border Collie who has used her Invisible Fence since she was 13 weeks old. Border Collies are known for being affectionate dogs, and Belle is no exception. She loves people and getting attention as long as it’s on her own terms. Her owner, Helen, says Belle thinks she’s a princess.

Why did Belle’s parents contact Invisible Fence of Annapolis Valley & Nova Scotia?

Training Border Collie to Use Invisible Fence on large property

Belle is Helen’s first dog since childhood. Being a newer dog parent to an energetic dog breed, Helen asked her vet for recommendations on the best pet containment for a large property. Helen’s vet recommended she try Invisible Fence, so Helen contacted her local Invisible Fence Dealer for a quote and to find out more about outdoor containment solutions and indoor avoidance solutions.

Outdoor Containment Solutions

Knowing that Border Collies require a lot of exercise, Helen wanted Belle to enjoy the yard (and the beautiful Annapolis Valley view) while she worked from home. Installing an outdoor containment solution gave Helen the confidence in Belle’s safety while she was inside working, and it allowed them to play together outside without distractions like the school bus.

Belle loves to bark at the school bus. She has never been one to chase the school bus (thanks to her Invisible Fence), but she always makes sure she barks at it when it comes down her road.

In addition to providing Belle independence, the cost to have an Invisible Fence installed was significantly less expensive than the cost to install a traditional fence on Helen’s large property.

Indoor Avoidance Solutions

Not only did Invisible Fence help Helen contain Belle outside, but it also allowed her to provide boundaries in her home as well. Helen, like many pet parents, wanted to keep her dog out of the bedroom. By placing an Shields® Indoor Solution in her bedroom, Helen is now able to keep her bedroom “Belle free.”

Plus, giving Belle the freedom to burn energy outside, made a huge difference when it came to better behavior inside the home. More specifically, Helen says that a combination of indoor and outdoor solutions helped prevent her dog from chewing.

How did we safely train a Border Collie to use Invisible Fence?

According to American Kennel Club, Border Collies are known to be highly trainable dogs. Belle lived up to this expectation, learning her boundaries almost immediately. By the time Belle had her second Perfect Start™ Plus training, she was already a pro.

Belle is a smart dog who catches on quickly. She responds to the beep, and now after all these years, Belle still respects her boundaries.

Defra Approved Electric Fence For Dogs

Electric fence for dogs. What You Need To Know!

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An electric fence was designed ultimately to stop straying dogs.  This can be expanded on for a multitude of scenarios and dangers, to  members of the public and dogs themselves.

Pets love to be out in the fresh air, with freedom to explore. But just letting them out isn’t always practical or safe. A responsible owner wants to keep their pet close to home and out of harm’s way.   A Dog Fence Pet Containment System you can do just that!

DogFence provides a range of smart, hidden electric fencing for dogs. All of our Containment Systems uphold the rigorous standards of pet protection as laid out by the Electronic Collar Manufacturers Association (EMCA) and are DEFRA Approved. Defra Approved Electric Fence For Dogs

The words “Electric Fence” is not technically the case for our hidden fence products…. The Dog Fence system has no electrical current and is hidden underground operating on FM frequency radio waves.

Your pets can enjoy the full run of your garden and grounds all day, whether you are with them or not, improving their quality of life.

The pet containment system is a radio fence and not an electric fence system.

There is no doubt about that fact that dogs learn through associative learning. When Bruno sees his lead he is likely to get excited, when he hears you touching his bag of food he may drool and run to his bowl. When the bath is run he may go hide! In this same way, your dog may associate the boundary of the hidden fence as a no go area after installation and training.

What You Get With An Electric Fence For Dogs:

  • Safe for your pets (DEFRA Approved).
  • Works of Radio frequencies not electricity.
  • Effective for any number of pets.
  • Full installation and training.
  • Pets are free to run, not run away.
  • Cost effective compared to traditional fencing.
  • Can keep pets out of ‘No-go’ areas.
  • Not just dogs, it’s a pet fence and cat fence.

If you are worried about having been away from home for too long, without having let your pet out. It might be that you are worried about your dog bothering the neighbours, straying and getting lost, or being involved in an accident on the road.   Even if you have a static fence installed, a dog can be a great escape artist!

Modern roads are dangerous enough without the additional hazard of stray pets. The nightmare scenario here is that your pet could cause an accident, in which someone could be fatally injured and your pet can suffer the same fate. Responsible pet ownership now means that we have to keep our pets secure.

Using our DEFRA approved electric fence for dogs provides the solution to all of these concerns.

DogFence supplies a system for keeping pets within the boundary of a property without the need to install and maintain an unsightly, expensive traditional fence.

The concept of electric fencing for dogs, was first introduced in America, more than twenty years ago. Over a million pets now benefit from it and times have changed in that electric shock collars are illegal in the UK.  DogFence has worked closely with DEFRA to provide a product which falls within the remit of legal requirements.  The pet containment system from DogFence is a DEFRA approved pet containment training system.

Pet behaviour is usually easy to condition, our training succeeds in substituting a psychological boundary for a physical one.

What Is A Hidden Fence?

  • A wire is laid around the perimeter of the property or chosen area and is either buried a couple of centimetres underground or attached to existing fencing. A transmitter sends a low power, low frequency radio signal continuously around the wire which acts as an aerial.
  • Your pet (or pets -can be any number on the same system) wears a tiny battery-powered receiver, on the collar which picks up a coded signal from the wire.
  • When the pet comes within the signal range, he hears a warning beep from the receiver which he must learn to obey.
  • If the warning beep is ignored, which may happen just a few times at the beginning. A correction similar to the static electricity sometimes experienced from a car door or lift button will be experienced.
  • The correction doesn’t harm at all, but it startles and your dog doesn’t eagerly want to repeat this experience. Association of boundary is learnt via training and initially the use of marker flags to provide an effective way to contain your pet, even without a physical fence in place.

Installation and training is a provided by DogFence. It is important that our step-by-step procedures are followed if the psychological boundary for your pet is to be established. Our expert training advisers guide you through the training process on installation day and provide future support.

Our friendly and helpful team are more than happy to answer questions and give advice. 100% safe – no electricity is carried along the wire. This is 100% not an electric shock fence.

Get in Touch with your requirements today!

Our team can:

  1. Advise on the purchase of your system.
  2. Assist you with the layout.
  3. Advise on the installation.
  4. Quote for the installation.
  5. Answer any questions you may have.
Contact Us
dog in run - no containment fence here

Indoor Dog Fence – The Solution To Stair Gates

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Indoor Dog Fence – The Solution To Stair Gates

An indoor dog fence for a dog in your home is essential. Owning a puppy, creates the need of having some way to contain your pet.  This can be for safety or you may simply want some indoor area’s, to be a no go zone!

Like parents with children, the use of stair-gates or playpens are fine when a dog is a pup.  Of course dogs grow and even a small breed dog will scratch.  Damaging the gate, the door frame and can completely pull the gate away and escape.  A dog escaping a gate can lead to injury to claws, paws or worse if the gate falls.  A larger dog can simply jump over it and go where they please.

The Solution to Stair Gates.

Dogfence Ltd crafted a solution based product to combat exterior issues with a pet containment system which works within the confines of your garden/land. The indoor dog fence system, which can be used as a standalone system, or to compliment your outdoor dog fence.

How The Indoor Fence Works

Sharing your home with a dog, does not mean you want them to have access to every room.   A babies room, upstairs or where you have items you do not want broken or chewed.

indoor dog fence - pet safety

The Indoor invisible fence is the solution you need!

If you have used a stair gate across the staircase or doorways, you will likely recall tripping over them.  Struggling with your hands full to open or even pass through the gate.  Not to mention the damage to paintwork on the door frame when the gate is knocked off or the frame by members of the household.  What about when your pet tries to get through?   Simply shutting a door can result in damage to the door, frame and flooring by your pet.  A gated solution can become costly.

The indoor dog fence system works in very much the same way, as the outdoor fence.  The collar gives an audible beep, followed by an impulse when the boundary is neared.  Our training methods ensure your pet, rarely, sets their collar off.

There are a different indoor dog fence options.  The Indoor Fence IB200 or BOB (Battery Operated Boundary), which can be moved from room to room.  We offer a bespoke solution for our indoor fencing service.  Take a look at our indoor dog fence page for further information or get in touch to speak to our team and discuss a solution for your indoor pet containment needs.

dog in run - no containment fence here

The Containment Fence Myth – truth or lies lets learn more

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The truth about containment fences – the myths unraveled!

You’ve most likely heard more than one containment fence myth. There are not many products that are surrounded with such controversy or misunderstanding. People who have never seen or even used a containment fence will often feel qualified to repeat the rhetoric they have read. So let’s look at some of the myths and answer them honestly and frankly.

Containment Fence collars can hurt your pet and cause pain, fear, and distress.

Incorrect – modern fence collars are completely adjustable and can offer levels that are virtually undetectable even to human skin. It is true that the early collars (some 40 years ago) generated a high-level shock but as with all technology things have moved on considerably. Many owners will try the collar before using it on the dog and a popular response is “how will that keep my dog in?” The training aspect of the fence means that most owners will ask when the dog is going to receive the shock. They are then “shocked” when they learn that dog has already received the activation. Contrary to popular belief the dog does not leap into arms of the owner screaming and for most dogs, the flags are the scariest part of the fence.

Fence collars are like electrocuting your dog.

Incorrect. The truth is that a fence collar is very similar to a Tens machine that humans use for physio and pain relief.  Studies have proved that there is no harm done to your pet. The “shock” that is delivered is actually a small static impulse and it too low to be classed as a shock.

Containment fence collars burn dogs and cats.

Lie – It is physically impossible for a containment fence collar to burn a cat, dog or human. Actually, they don’t generate any heat and are incapable of causing a burn. If you want to put it to the test take a thin piece of paper and try to light it with a fence collar or even an e-collar.

“I’ve seen the burn marks!”  No, what you’ve seen is pressure necrosis. Pressure sores are caused when the collar is left on the pet for too long. The collar must be removed for a minimum of 8 hours in every 24 hour period.

The dog fence collar will electrocute my dog if it gets wet

False, the fence collars are designed to be waterproof. In actual fact, if the dog swims in the collar and the coat is wet the impulse is dissipated across the fur. So in actual fact, a fence collar is less effective if the dog is wet.

Containment Fences are used by lazy people who can’t be bothered to train their dogs!

Those that are against containment fences will often throw this one into the hat. So let’s answer this with a few common reasons why people use containment fences:

dog chained up no containment fence here

A chain is cheaper than a containment fence.

  • You can’t train a cat to stay at home. Cats can climb and without creating a prison it is virtually impossible to contain a cat in a rural garden.
  • Most people enquiring about a containment fence have spent hours and hundreds of £’s, maybe even thousands, trying to contain their pets – a containment fence is often the last resort. The lure of the livestock or vermin outside is too strong. Pushing through brambles must be painful –  if they are in “the red mist mode” they will go.
  • Some dogs have a very high prey drive and are driven to hunt. Positive only training will not always work for all dogs.
  • The dog was on their “last chance saloon” because the farmer or gamekeeper has threatened to shoot him.
  • Most Professionally installed containment fences cost over £1000 – a cheaper option would be to lock the dog away or chain him up. People that install containment fences want their pets to have freedom but keep them safe at the same time.
  • The owner received a call after their pet was injured on the road.

Dog and cat fences often destroy the relationship between the owner and their pets

Interestingly, the Lincoln report proved that cat owners that used a containment fence had a closer relationship with their cats. This is probably because the cats are not allowed to wander but are content as they have access to the outside to display normal feline behaviors. Many dog owners report that their dogs are calmer once they are contained with an invisible dog fence. Again, this is probably because they are not locked away but are allowed free access to roam within a boundary and are able to just be dogs!

Invisible Fences are only for aggressive dogs

This is 100% incorrect an invisible fence should never be used for an aggressive dog. The fence is an invisible barrier and works in a subtle and gentle way. If a dog has a history of aggression he or she is not a suitable candidate for an invisible dog fence.

People that use electronic pet fences want to hurt dogs and cats

Our experience is the complete opposite. Folks who use containment fences are passionate about keeping their pets safe. Our customers range from ordinary families to vets, dog trainers, cat and dog rescue customers. Sadistic people will always inflict cruelty on animals but they will rarely spend money to do so. We have had owners that have said that they could never have had another cat or dog had it not been for the fence. The pain of having a pet injured or killed on the roads was too much to stand.

Conclusion

There will always be the “keyboard warriors” who are happy to spout rhetoric. When we come up against the propaganda we offer a simple invitation – “come and see for yourself, watch a dog or a cat in training or come and visit our dogs and cats and see for yourself. Afterall seeing is believing and what can’t speak can’t lie. To date, we have never had a single uptake for our invitation. The usual response is I don’t want to see or be a part of this. To those people we say:

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won’t come in.”
― Isaac Asimov

We truly believe that if someone who is skeptical can be open-minded and meet with us they will learn. What they will see is that we offer a good life for dogs, cats and their owners. Indeed the UK Government decided this was the case in August 2018. After listening to containment fence users and meeting with us they concluded that containment fences save pets lives.

“However, after listening closely to the views of pet owners and respondents, the Government will not extend the ban to invisible fencing systems which can keep pets away from roads and potential traffic accidents. These devices are particularly useful for cat owners and animals often respond well to invisible fencing and quickly learn to stay within a boundary without receiving a static pulse.”

If you would like to know more about how a containment fence could work for you please call us – 01628 476475 or contact us for a bespoke estimate here.

Links: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/animal-welfare-banning-the-use-of-electronic-training-collars-for-cats-and-dogs

 

 

Invisible Fence - Dog Die In Hot Cars!

Risk a fine up to £20,000 for leaving dogs in hot cars!

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Car owners are being urged not to leave their dog in the car on a hot day as it could land you some huge fines and other punishments.

UK motorists are being warned to not leave their dog unattended in a car on a hot day. Authorities urge you to keep animals safe and comfortable on car journeys and not in any danger.Invisible Fence - Dog Die In Hot Cars!

Over the summer months, humid conditions in the UK could send temperatures soaring to as high as 38 degrees Celsius.

Road safety officers warn that it’s both dangerous and illegal to leave an animal in a hot vehicle. Yet still we are seeing posts and videos on Facebook of dogs being rescued from hot cars!

If a dog becomes ill or dies, the owner is likely to face a charge of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This offence can bring a prison sentence of up to six months in custody and/or a fine of up to £20,000.

 

Dog Safety – Motorist Guidelines:

  1. Leave your dog at home on warm days.
  2. If you do need to transport your dog, bring plenty of fresh drinking water, and a bowl. Ensure your dog is able to stay cool on a journey.
  3. Don’t let your dog travel unrestrained. Use of a crate or seat belts and travel harnesses is advised. Not buckling up your pet in the car could land you with a £5,000 fine and invalidate your insurance!
  4. If you suspect your dog might be too hot.  You will need to stop somewhere safe for a good drink of water. Animals are unable to sweat in the way that humans can. Dogs cool themselves by panting and sweating through their paws.
  5. If you have left your dog in the car on a hot day.  Be aware it only takes a few minutes to succumb to the symptoms of heatstroke.
  6. If you suspect your dog is developing heatstroke on a journey, stop somewhere safe and take into the shade or to somewhere cool. However, if signs of heat exhaustion become apparent (for example excessive thirst, heavy panting, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness), you should go straight to a vet.
  7. If you see a pet in a vehicle on a hot day, take immediate action. For example, if you’re in a supermarket, roadside service area or garden centre car park, note the car make, model, colour and registration number.  Go inside and ask for an announcement to be made. If this doesn’t bring the owner out, or you’re in a location where finding the owner is impossible, then dial 999 and ask for the police.

Leaving a dog or any pet for that matter is extremely dangerous!

People believe that it is okay to leave a dog in a car on a warm day.  Windows are left open or the car is parked in the shade. The truth is, it’s still a very dangerous situation for a dog.

A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly.  Even when it doesn’t feel that warm to you, there is danger to your dog.  If it iss 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour.

It is best to leave your dog at home. If your dog is left outside, make sure there is plenty of shade, water and no means of escape.

Dog Fence offers a great invisible fence solution to ensure your beloved pet remains contained within your property boundaries, when a static fence is not enough of a deterrent!

We urge you to share this post and keep the awareness going!

 

 

pet containment fence - stop adder bites for dogs who escape

UK Adder Bites – Dog Owner Warning – Pet Containment Fence

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Vet warns dog owners of the risks of adder bites in warmer weather after a family dog was left fighting for his life.

Five-year-old field spaniel, is believed to have been bitten by an adder while sniffing out sand dunes in North Wales and spent almost two weeks fighting for his life at a Veterinary Hospital in Hartford.  You cannot contain your pet when out walking, especially if they are off the lead.

The venom was so toxic, it caused the skin on the abdomen to blacken, die and peel off while causing severe damage to his liver, leaving vets extremely concerned.

Veterinary surgeon, said, “Obviously, these things are very difficult to predict. It’s more about getting the message out there that it is a risk and to follow the necessary advice. Snakes are more common in some places than others, and tall grassland is a particular risk. It’s definitely something to bear in mind if you have a wandering dog.pet containment fence - stop adder bites for dogs who escape

“The majority of bitten dogs make a full recovery with appropriate treatment. However, this dog was really, really poorly when he came to us and it is only through extensive supportive liver medications, broad spectrum antibiotics and fluid therapy that he came through.

“We’ve not seen a case as severe as this before and we believe the dog had multiple bites.”

The dogs owners, were on holiday in North Wales when their pooch was suspected of being bitten while investigating a recently strimmed area of grassland close to the sand dunes. Although he continued to play and fetch his ball normally, he became lethargic when they returned home and later developed soreness and pain on his left side.

The couple sought veterinary advice on holiday and it was suspected their dog had pulled a muscle but his condition gradually deteriorated and they were forced to return to their home early.

“We were told we were not out of the woods, even with his liver enzyme levels started to come down. It really was touch and go.”

“Quite a number of people who are dog owners have no idea this can happen. Of course we don’t want to scare people but if there’s any chance a dog has been bitten you need to know what to do quickly because the symptoms might not show for one to three hours.

The dog had started to develop bruising around his groin area when he returned home from North Wales. “his bloods and his liver enzymes were through the roof.”

Snake bites in dogs are uncommon in the UK but they can occur, particularly in spring and summer and interestingly between 3pm and 4pm in the afternoon when the adders are most active.

You can identify an adder as a greyish snake, with a dark and very distinct zig-zag pattern down its back, and a red eye. Males tend to be more silvery-grey in colour, while females are more light or reddish-brown.

The message is, if you notice anything unusual, take your dog to a vet immediately. It’s better to err on the side of caution.

There are so many dangers out there for your pet, especially one who has escaped and is roaming unsupervised. As a responsible pet owner, it is important to ensure your pet is contained. Dog Fence provides a pet containment system in the form of a wireless dog fence which works on radio frequency as opposed to electric dog fences and is an effective solution for pet owners with the most cunning of escape artist dogs. Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your needs today!

 

Please share this post to increase awareness amongst pet owners! Thank you!

Pet Containment System

Pet Containment – If Your Dog Runs Away

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Our Top Tips on What To Do If Your Dog Runs Away.

Containment of a dog can be difficult at times, even more so when you are out enjoying the countryside with your pooch.

1. If you see your dog going, try to capture his attention.

Is your dog is too distracted to be off lead?

The position of ears or overall body language is an indicator of when its time to quickly clip a lead on.

However, if your dog is out of reach or has already taken a few steps in the wrong direction, your first step is to try to help him tune back in to you. Clap your hands, call his name as loudly as you can, whistle, use your most excited voice.

As counter intuitive as it sounds, run away from your dog. This may make him think you’re playing a game and he may chase you.

If your dog does come back to you, reward that. Clip a lead on and immediately give scratches and pats. Tell him he’s such a good boy. You want to recognise the correct behaviour—that he came to you. This is not a moment to punish him for running away.

Pet Containment System

2. Leave something of yours where you last saw your dog.

If your dog runs away in the forest leave your coat in the woods.  Come back the next morning or at the end of the day, your dog might be curled up on your coat  The familiar scent attracts the dog and gives a temporary home base.

3. Spread Out

You want to look for the dog, and will walk and walk and call and call until you find him. Get a group together and all do the same thing. Everyone takes a different route and walks out, calling for the missing dog. In this scenario, it’s helpful to have everyone’s phone numbers so that you can call off the search if someone finds the dog.

4. Wait where you are.

Inaction may not be your first instinct, but in my experience, a dog usually hasn’t actually run away. Just gone on his own adventure for a little while but will come back to the trail.

A dogs comfort zone can be up to 10 minutes long.  Initially, stand on the trail and wait for him to come back.

5. Can your dog can be identified.

Ensure your dog  never goes outside without his collar and tags. His tag should have name, home phone number and mobile number.

The times dogs haves been caught by strangers who have immediately called the numbers on the tags, and enabled pick up right away is a tried and tested means when it comes to your pet wearing a tag.

Be aware that sometimes, your dog may become separated from his collar. All dogs should have a microchip, to identify and  associate with all of your contact numbers. The mobile number is important because it may be that you are not always at home.

6. Trust your dog.

Knowing a regular walking route very well may mean your dog could find his own way home.

7. Contact all the shelters and pounds within several miles.

If you do not find your dog within a certain amount of time, obviously you will start contacting the local dog warden/shelters in your area.

It’s a good idea to contact the shelters within a large range such as the next town or county over in all directions or even further. A dog can be turned into a shelter over 50 miles from where they were last seen.

This could be because the dog covered a large distance or because the people who found the dog drove quite a ways to a shelter.

The point is, contact all the shelters in your region and keep contacting them. Often.

8. Have a recent photo of your dog on hand.

Keep a recent photo of your pet on your phone or by email that you can easily pass along to animal control, use on social media or put on posters.

Losing your dog is scary no matter where you are. As dog owners, we want to do everything we can to prevent this dangerous, anxious scenario. However, if the worst happens, I hope that these tips on what to do if your dog runs away will help you reunite with your dog.

The same is true for a dog who has escaped the garden, unlike on a walk, you can manage and stop garden escapes by the use of our invisible fence pet containment system.

 

 

Invisible Fence - Keep Dogs Cool In SummerDogfence Ltd

Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

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Many people don’t let their dogs in on the fun because they’re worried about the heat and more.  There is Good news!  Your four-legged friend can enjoy the great outdoors if you follow these key tips for keeping dogs cool and safe.

Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Keeping dogs cool in summer requires having plenty of water on hand. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog cool and hydrated is to carry a portable, collapsible water bowl and bottles of cold water when you go out.  Make sure your dog drinks Invisible Fence - Keep Dogs Cool In Summerwater every hour. If your dog starts panting excessively, get him into the shade and offer more water right away.

Get your dog wet

One way to keep your dog cool during outdoor gatherings is to allow him to swim or do other water play activities.  Always check out a venue ahead of time to determine what water options are available for your dog.  It’s also a good idea to bring a few old towels along to dry your dog after play.

Keep your dog out of the midday heat

Avoid exercising with your dog on those hotter days, and if you must, at least avoid the midday hours or anytime it seems too hot for yourself. When going for a walk, avoid hot asphalt that can burn your pet’s paws, keep running to a minimum, and bring plenty of cold water to hydrate and cool your dog.

Keep your dog out of a parked car

With all the tragic stories in the news, this should go without saying — but you should never ever leave your dog in a parked car, not even for a moment. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures up to 131°F-172°F when it’s 80°F-100°F outside.” Even with the windows cracked, temperatures rise quickly – hot enough to cause irreversible organ damage or even death.

Keep your dog out of the dog house

Dog houses aren’t safe in hot weather, because they block air flow and trap the heat inside. If your pet is outside, be sure to keep him or her in the shade when possible, with plenty of water on hand. You can add ice to their water bowl if it’s especially hot to help keep your dog cool when he’s outside.

Know the signs of heatstroke in dogs and what to do

Heatstroke is a serious hazard for dogs on hot days, especially those who are very young or old, or not in good health. Watch for the following signs of heatstroke in your dog:

  • Excessive panting and salivating
  • Obvious discomfort
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Disorientation
  • Seizures

If you see any of these signs in your dog, move him or her into a cooler environment right away and call your vet. You can use ice packs and give your pet some cool water to alleviate the condition until you get to the vets.

Many of the complications from heatstroke do not begin to appear until several days after the incident — but prompt veterinary care can potentially prevent or treat some of these complications.

So, when you and your four-legged best friend head out this summer, remember these important tips for keeping dogs cool outside.   If your dog tends to escape the garden you cannot ensure they are cool when out adventuring without you, it is ideal to invest in an invisible fence system when a static fence does not suffice.

Fencing For Dogs – Digging Dogs

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Fencing for dogs is a key factor, when you create a colourful garden full of plants and flowers. Does your dog undo all your hard work by digging unsightly holes?

If you value a beautiful garden, this can be a frustrating problem. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take that will usually stop a digging dog, once you understand why your dog digs in the first place.

Dogs can dig holes in the garden for a variety of reasons.

Some types of dogs seem to have an inherent tendency to dig. One such breed is the Terrier family of dogs. The tendency to dig is almost innate to the Terrier since they were bred to hunt animals buried in burrows. If you’re dealing with a digging Terrier, you have a bit more off a challenge than you would with other dog breeds. Fencing for these dogs to keep them contained can prove to be a challenge. Other reasons dogs dig are to create a cool spot to lie down in on a hot summer day, to escape underneath a fence, and digging to stay entertained and stimulated.

To stop a digging dog, first try to determine why the behaviour is occurring.

Digging in an attempt to escape your fencing?Fencing For Dogs - Stop Dogs Digging

If this is happening when you’re away from home, he could be suffering from separation anxiety and is attempting to get under the fence to find you. This type of situation is most easily resolved by bringing your dog inside when you go out and leaving him in a secure area with soft, relaxing music or a T.V. playing in the background.

If your dog’s anxiety causes him to be destructive indoors when you leave, consider securing him in a cage. Contrary to what you might think, many dogs actually enjoy the security of a comfortable, well padded cage when kept there for short periods of time.

A male dog may also dig under a fence when he detects the scent of a female in heat. Having your pet neutered may reduce this motivation for digging. You may also want to reinforce the boundaries of the fence at the base using chicken wire.

Is your dog digging because he’s trying to get cool?

Make sure your dog has a cool shelter located in a shady area where he can escape the heat along with plenty of water. You may also want to consider adding a wading pool filled with shallow water for your dog to use for cooling. Choose a heavy duty plastic one as a dog can puncture an inflatable one with their toenails.

You may also want to have your dog’s hair cut shorter during the summer months and tie a special cooling bandanna around his neck. These are available online.

Is your dog fence digging out of boredom?

To stop a bored dog from digging, make sure he has plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation when he’s alone in the garden. Provide him with safe toys that aren’t likely to cause choking. A summertime wading pool can be a pleasant and cool diversion that will keep your dog from creating havoc with his paws.

Taking your dog for a brisk thirty minute walk can dissipate some of his excess energy that might otherwise be channelled into digging.

If these strategies don’t work, try using a water gun to spray your dog on the head when you notice him digging. If you do this several times, you’ll probably extinguish the behaviour. The trick is to catch your dog in the act and have the water gun ready to work its magic. Never punish a dog after the fact as this is only counterproductive.

With a little patience, you can stop a digging dog and restore your garden to its former state of tranquillity. When your digging pooch is trying to escape the garden, a great solution is to install a pet containment system, this is the perfect solution when choosing fencing for dogs.

stop dogs escaping from garden

Dogs and Fences – Do They Go Together?

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A good fence will keep your dog inside your garden and other dogs (and other dangers) out of your garden. Unfortunately, many dogs look at a fence as a challenge to surmount. They want to dig under it, go through it, or climb over it.

Since the point of a fence is not to create a puzzle for your dog to solve! Let’s look at some ways to keep your dog inside your fence:

Remove Aids to Escape

It is amazing what dogs can use to their benefit when trying to escape from the garden.

  • A bin can stored next to the fence becomes a climbing aid; a step stool.
  • Firewood piled next to a fence does the same thing; it’s easy to climb up on firewood then hop or climb the fence.
  • A tree with a low limb hanging over the fence is also an avenue to escape.

Walk around your garden and look at everything from your dog’s point of view.  Then remove all of those climbing aids.

Stop Fence Tunnellers

Dogs who dig under a fence to escape can be persistent. Filling in each hole, won’t stop a dog from digging and can be frustrating as a never ending chore. Therefore a more permanent solution works better.

The best solution is to create a L-footer along the base of the fence. Take a roll of heavy garden fence or hardware cloth (wire fencing with wire squares) and unroll it alongside your fence. Bend the fencing so a foot of it can be attached to your fence and the remainder will lie flat on the ground at the base of the fence extending into your garden.

The name, L-fence, describes the L shape of the fencing once it’s shaped. The base of the L can be staked to the ground, covered with dirt, gravel, rocks, or just let the grass grow up through it. If you let the grass grow, remember it and don’t mow over it; cut it using other, safer means.

Stop Fence Jumpers

If your dog likes to jump the fence, create a L-footer but turn it upside down so it’s at the top of your fence. Create that L-shape and fasten the short side to the top of your fence with the rest of the garden or hardware fencing angled into your garden at the top of the fence so when your dog looks up, fencing is above.

You’ll need to use some ingenuity to anchor this fencing though. You can use some wood to create supports anchored to the top of your fence.  These will support the folded over garden fence or large angle irons or even metal shelf supports. Take a look at your fence and use your imagination.

Of course, we have to give our pooches credit for the clever ways they can escape and once they find a way out they will use it again and again if not blocked.

There is one surefire way to effectively contain your dog, which is also aesthetically pleasing with or without a static boundary fence and that is through the use of a wireless dog fence system, read more about the Dog Fence system or get in touch with us to discuss your needs.