Tag Archive for: fencing for dogs

Training Your Dog to an Electronic Fence: A Positive Approach to Pet Safety

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Training Your Dog to an Electronic Fence: A Positive Approach to Pet Safety

Training your dog to an electronic dog fence is an essential part of using any dog containment system. Whether you have a professionally installed fence or a self-installed dog fence, proper training ensures your pet understands their boundaries and stays safely contained. At DogFence Ltd, we provide on-site training with all our professional installations, and offer full guidance for self-install kits, so your dog can be trained safely and successfully.

Why is training so important?

An electronic dog fence works by sending a radio signal through a wire placed around the boundary of your property. Your dog wears a small receiver collar which emits a warning tone as they approach the boundary. If they ignore the tone and continue forward, they receive a mild static impulse—enough to discourage them from crossing the line, but not strong enough to cause harm.

However, dogs don’t instinctively understand these signals. Without training, they may become confused or anxious, or simply ignore the warnings. That’s why the training process is so vital—it teaches your dog to understand the audio warning and to respond by retreating to the safe area.

Positive, dog-friendly training methods

We believe in kind, clear, and consistent training. Our methods are based on decades of experience and are designed to suit all dog breeds and temperaments. Here’s what makes our training so effective:

  • Gentle introduction: We start with visual cues (white training flags) and lead training before introducing the collar.
  • Step-by-step approach: Training is phased over several days so your dog can build confidence at their own pace.
  • Calm environment: We always begin training when the dog is relaxed and focused.
  • Owner involvement: You play a key role in reinforcing good behaviour with praise and encouragement.
Top Tip: Keep initial training sessions short and always end on a positive note. A few successful minutes is far more effective than a long, stressful session.

What to expect on installation day

If you choose a professionally installed system, one of our experienced trainers will guide you and your dog through the first training session. We’ll walk the boundary together, introduce the audio tone, and demonstrate how to guide your dog back to safety.

We also explain how to read your dog’s behaviour and how to build up off-lead confidence over the coming days. Most dogs learn the system within just a few sessions.

dog-fence-training-day.jpg

Dog in training to the electronic dog fence

Self-install kits: Can I train my dog myself?

Yes! Our self-install kits include comprehensive training guides, videos, and access to expert support. We’ll talk you through how to set up the system, fit the collar, and train your dog in a safe and structured way. Many owners choose this option and achieve excellent results.

The key is consistency—train your dog every day for short sessions, use clear commands and plenty of praise, and don’t rush the process.

Common training challenges (and how to overcome them)

  • My dog ignores the tone: Ensure the collar is fitted snugly and that you’re reinforcing the warning with leash guidance in the early stages.
  • My dog is nervous: Go slowly. Reassure your dog and use high-value treats and gentle praise to build confidence.
  • Multiple dogs: Train each dog individually before letting them out together. This helps avoid distraction and builds understanding.

What Our Customers Say

At DogFence Ltd, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional service and training for every pet. Here’s what one of our customers had to say about their experience:

“This company are top rank. They quoted over the phone, a gentleman came and installed the cable around a large area and trained the wayward dog to beware it. He was excellent with all our four dogs and extremely nice and helpful – he had also come a long way to install our system – in Cornwall. Since then the fence has worked fantastically with the dog hearing the audible warning and as far as we know has never even been ‘zapped’ such was the excellent training given by the installer. All in all a truly excellent experience, superlatives fail me.”

– Edward Trewhella

We are proud to help pet owners across the UK, and this feedback is just one example of the great experiences our customers have with us. If you’d like to learn more about our systems or book an installation, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

A lasting result

With proper training, your dog will learn to stay within the boundaries—even without wearing the collar. It becomes a habit, a part of their understanding of the home environment. That means freedom for your dog and peace of mind for you.

Thousands of families across the UK trust DogFence to protect their pets. If you’re thinking about installing a dog fence, or if you’re unsure how to train your dog to an existing system, get in touch with us—we’re happy to help. Electronic pet fencing has been safely used for over 50 years but in the UK it is still relatively unheard of – read what the US Pet Meds say about electronic pet fences.

 

Want to speak with a dog training expert?
Call us on 01628 476060 or email info@dogfence.co.uk. We’re here to help you every step of the way.

 

 

dog fencing options

Affordable dog fencing – what are the options?

Affordable dog fencing

When it comes to affordable dog fencing there aren’t many options as fencing is actually quite expensive.  As with everything you get what you pay for and it depends on whether you want to get your hands dirty. Naturally, these fencing options are based on how large an area you need to fence. The landscape that you need to fence. And also the breed of the dog that requires the dog fencing!

Dog fencing for small areas

If you are looking to fence a small back garden then it is likely that you already have a fence or wall but it isn’t meeting your needs. Watch your dog and see if he is using something to climb up and scrabble over or is he climbing or digging. Consider installing trellis above your fence. This can be bought from any good DIY store and is relatively quick to install. If you have a digger add a concrete footer below your fence by pouring concrete along the edge of the fence and sinking the bottom of the fence into the concrete before it dries.  This is naturally a labour intensive job but should do the trick!

dog fencing using trellis on wall

Trellis placed on top of wall

If you are not sure where he is getting out then one of our DIY dog fences is going to be the cheapest way forward. These fences are under £250.00 and will cover a small urban garden. If you compare the price of re-fencing a complete rear garden versus adding an electronic dog fence the dog fence will win on price all day long!

For small gardens with low fences, you may be able to upgrade your fence to a close board fence. These fences start at around £38.00 per metre fully installed. You will need to check that you can install a fence of this height before ripping out the old fence.

Rural gardens and small paddocks

It goes without saying that dog fencing for rural areas can be a headache. Not only are you trying to stop your dog going out but the local wildlife is busy pushing its way in. If you have an issue with rabbits and small dogs then this could be a good option for you but it is not the cheapest! Rabbit fencing starts at approx £130.00 per 50m without installation! If you are covering a 1-acre site this will cost in the region of £690.00 just for the galvanised mesh without any posts of labour. Also unless it is extremely well-installed rabbit fencing can be damaged by larger mammals such as Badgers, Muntjack and larger Deer.

dog fencing for rabbits

Rabbit fence used as dog fencing

If you have hedges or areas with no existing fences then the cheapest form of fencing will be either a stock fence or an electronic dog fence. If you have horses or livestock then you will need to look at stock fencing options. Of course, if it is only a dog or a cat that needs containing then an electronic dog fence is by far the cheapest option.

Our DIY dog fence can be expanded up to an acre for an additional £100.00 and a Professionally Installed dog fence will cost in the region of £1000.00 depending on the location and number of dogs. This would work out more cost-effective than the galvanized or stock fencing and would also protect the driveways. Installing gates can also be very costly and of course, this relies on people shutting the gate when they come or go! Our Professionally installed fences have a lifetime warranty on the hardware and a containment promise for the dog.

Large estates and difficult terrains

If it aesthetics then Estate fencing is most certainly the winner but you will need deep pockets to install this timeless classic! At around £80.00 per 2m panel + installation, it will very soon add up, especially on the large country estate! Again, you will need to think about gates and this type of fencing is not dog secure. Other popular types of fencing are post and rail with stock fencing below or chain link fencing. Chain link fencing is probably the cheapest starting from around £2500 for 1 acre + installation. Whereas if you are looking at fencing 10 acres using our Performance Series on a 10-acre site the cost would be circa £1800.00 including installation & training.

dog fencing used as estate fencing

Estate fencing

Riverbanks and Undulating Terrain

If your property goes down to the river you may be able to install a small picket fence. These will not stop all dogs as they tend to only be a 90 cm – 100cm high. Prices for Picket fencing start at around £12.00 per metre plus installation.  Alternatively, you can use our dog fence to run along the boundary. This will keep your dog out of the river without disrupting the view. If you have very undulating terrain then you will probably need to install a stock fence but there would be a hefty surge-charge to install this! Again, an invisible fence can be installed for a fraction of the cost.  The trencher used to install the invisible dog fence is extremely adaptable and be operated in both steep and undulating terrain. Images of the dog fence trencher can be seen on our installation & training page.

dog fencing by river using picket fence

Picket fence along river bank

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dog Fencing price summary

Based on an acre (and excluding gates)

    • Electronic dog fence (1 dog fully installed – covers gateways as well) – from £3.50 per metre installed.
    • Stock Fencing (no gates) – from £7.00 per metre installed
    • Rabbit Fencing (no gates) – from £8.00 per metre installed
    • Stock Fencing with post and rail (no gates) – from £12.00 per metre
    • Picket fencing (no gate) – from £20.00 per metre
    • Close board fence (no gate) – from £35.00 per metre installed
    • Estate fencing (no gate) from £40.00 per metre installed

Prices have been based on submissions from Companies in Berkshire (2019). Prices are based on properties in the local area and are a guide.

If you have been searching for dog fencing options then read our testimonials on our Trust Pilot reviews. If you would like more information or prices call us today on 03450 623623 or complete our quote form.

 

 

 

fencing for dogs

Fencing for dogs we explore the options for dog owners

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.

  1. Do you live in an urban area?
  2. Are you rural?
  3. What fencing do you currently have?
  4. What breed of dog do you have?
  5. Is the dog currently escaping?
  6. 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 chain link dog fencing being climbed by dogthat 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.

  1. The dog cannot dig under or jumper over the electronic dog fence.
  2. It is cheaper than traditional fences.
  3. Does not obstruct views and is not unsightly.
  4. Can be taken with you if you move.
  5. 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