Tag Archive for: freedom fence

invisible dog fence to stop dog going through gate

Invisible dog fence – can pets out run them?

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Can dogs run out of an invisible dog fence?

When looking into purchasing an invisible dog fence one of the most commons concerns is will it work? Can the dog run out of the containment fence? Of course, just a like an ordinary fence if the fence is broken or poorly installed it won’t work. So as with any product, an invisible dog fence needs to be correctly installed but more importantly, both the dog and owner need to know how to use it.

If the fence is correctly fitted and both the pet and owner are trained then a “dog out” will rarely happen. In fact, at DogFence we are so confident we even offer a containment promise on our fully installed dog fences.

So what are the reasons that a dog may outrun a dog fence system?

1. Dead Battery

Unlike other brands of containment fences, our Invisible Dog Fences have a long battery life. However, it is still important to check the battery using the tester every 6 months on our mini collars or 18 months on our larger collars. Consistency is the key to the successful use of an invisible dog fence. If the battery runs out the dog can run out. As a rule, we find that 60% of our troubleshooting is down to a dead battery. Using an invisible dog fence is similar to using your car, it requires fuel to operate and needs topping up and checking once in a while.

2. Loose Collar

As with all brands of containment fence, collar fit is crucial. If the collar is dangling around the dog’s neck like a necklace then it will be completely ineffective! Whilst it is true that once trained 90% of dogs will never receive a collar stimulation again the impulse may need to be activated if the dog is in a high drive moment. If the dog enters the zone and carries onto in the avoidance area with no consequence he or she will quickly learn to challenge the fence. A loose collar = a dog on the lose. We always advise checking the collar fit regularly – your pet may lose or gain weight so checking the collar monthly is extremely important. Our handy troubleshooting guide shows how to test the battery and check the collar fit.

3. Invisible Dog Fence Training – lack of Training

As with anything in life you only get out what you put in! When it comes to containment fencing Training is the keyword. If your pet is not correctly trained to use the fence then it will not work for you or your pet.

DogFence is the only UK Company to offer full onsite training within the package. In 2018 the UK Government announced that they would introduce new legislation to ensure that all dog fences are sold with an installation package. At present, the legislation is still pending. It is hoped that through this legislation there will be a standardized certification program. As a small part of our customer base chose to self-install a DIY Dog Fence we offer full support. Naturally, unlike a total mail order Company, our years in the field mean that we can offer expert guidance and support to those who chose to self-install.

When is come to containment training there are 4 critical elements:

  1. Warning flag & audible only familiarisation
  2. Introduction to correction (impulse)
  3. Distraction Training
  4. Reinforcing Training

Warning Beep Training

All invisible dog fences should be sold with flags – at DogFence we use a min of 20 per 100m. The collar should be set to audible only and the pet should be introduced to the training flags. It is with warming beep that will stop the pet in a red mist or high drive moment.

Introduction to correction

The pet must be on a lead through phases 1 – 3 at all times. This is part of the training where the correct impulse level is determined for each pet. It is important to start on the lowest possible level and look for any signs of recognition/reaction to the impulse. This could be as subtle as a flick of the ear of a small flinch. All good containment fence collars should have flexible training levels.

Distraction Training

Once the pet is avoiding the training flags it will be necessary to create some distractions. These can be getting a game going with the pet, having someone else walk through the flags or bringing another dog to the property. Our DogFence Installers will usually involve the customer as part of the distraction and it’s a great way for the owner to really get involved.

Reinforcing Training

Once the pet fully understands the containment fence it is important that he or she associates it with the property and not the installer. The installer will leave full written instructions on how to carry on and when to allow the dog off the lead (cat training is carried out internally).

Freedom!

Once trained the pet has complete freedom and the owner has peace of mind.

 

4. Faulty equipment – Not all Containment Fences are the same!

Dogs will be dogs and the invisible dog fence collar goes through a lot of wear and tear. Many brands of containment fences are Chinese made and the quality is poor. Our invisible dog fences are high-quality but even these can go wrong. Recognizing that consistency is king DogFence offer a Lifetime Warranty on our professionally installed fences. The warranty covers both the transmitter and the computer collars. And because dogs will be dogs we add in a warranty to cover dog chews on the computer collar as well!

As with a car, it is important to check things are working. Our Installers will show you how to carry out the simple monthly checks using the testing tool. Using the correct battery is extremely important. A good quality containment fence collar should alert when a battery is required. At DogFence we recognize that people are busy so we also offer an automatic battery renewal programme.

Similary boundary wire quality is vitally important. If the boundary wire is too thin it will be very prone to damage. DogFence uses a high-quality heavy-duty boundary wire which is 25 times heavier than most DIY brands supply.  When looking for an invisible dog fence look for the following:

  • Long Battery life containment fence giving cockapoo freedom in the garden
  • Lifetime Warranty on Transmitter & Collars
  • Heavy-duty wire
  • Professional Installation & Training
  • Full after sales service

Escaping dogs will always be a problem as they can cause road accidents, kill or harm livestock or wildlife. Using a containment fence is an excellent way of giving the pet freedom but keeping them safe at home. Not all containment fences are the same and not all containment fence suppliers offer the same level of service. If you would like to receive some professional advice and information call us on 03450 623623.

 

 

dog with lead - no dog fence collar on

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

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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:

  1. Remove the dog fence collar and put it in a safe place. Do not turn off the fence.
  2. Pop him on his lead and walk him up to the exit.
  3. Ask him to sit or stop him before the boundary line (only for the first week).
  4. Give the command to walk and walk slowly out of the property.
  5. Give him praise when you have crossed the boundary.
  6. 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?

 

dog fence most reliable hidden fence worldwide

Freedom Fence vs. DogFence: How Does a Freedom Fence Work? (2025 Guide)

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Freedom Fence vs. DogFence: How Does a Freedom Fence Work? (2025 Guide)

Introduction
A freedom fence is an electronic containment system designed to keep dogs within a designated area without a physical barrier. It uses a transmitter connected to a buried boundary wire to create a radio-signal “no‑go zone”. When your dog, wearing a receiver collar, approaches this zone it first emits a warning beep followed by a static correction. With consistent training, most dogs learn to stay within the safe zone.

If you are researching freedom fences you may have also come across Invisible Fence® and generic dog fence systems. While all of these devices share a similar principle, there are important differences in technology, speed and safety. This guide explains how a freedom fence works and why DogFence’s digital FM systems offer a quicker reaction time and safer containment for your pet.

Disclaimer: “Freedom Fence” is a brand name used by one of our competitors. DogFence Ltd is an independent company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or authorised by Freedom Fence Ltd or its parent company. The comparisons in this guide are provided for informational purposes only.

How does a freedom fence work?

  1. Transmitter and boundary wire – A transmitter is installed at your property and connected to a boundary wire that carries a continuous radio signal around the containment area. The signal must start and finish at the transmitter to complete the loop.

  2. Receiver collar – Your dog wears a receiver collar programmed to detect the signal. When the collar enters the signal zone it beeps, then delivers a mild static correction to discourage crossing the boundary.

  3. Training flags – During training, temporary boundary flags help your dog visualise the invisible line and learn the safe zone.

Freedom fence vs. DogFence: key differences

Signal technology

  • Freedom Fence: Uses a digital AM radio signal. AM is prone to false activations from other household electronics, so the collar checks for two signals before activating, slowing reaction time.

  • DogFence (our solution): Uses a digital FM signal which is immune to interference. The collar only checks for one signal, so it reacts 15 times faster than a freedom fence.

Reaction time

  • Freedom Fence: A dog running at 10 mph could travel up to 7 feet into the no‑go zone before the correction activates. The collar’s shutdown can take 2–5 seconds.

  • DogFence (our solution): The DogFence collar reacts almost instantly – at 10 mph a dog will only enter the zone by 0.125 ft before activation, and the shut‑down time is less than one second.

Warranty & durability

  • Freedom Fence: Limited lifetime warranty that excludes lightning strikes, electrical surges and damage from dog chewing. Manufacturing moved to China around 10 years ago.

  • DogFence (our solution): Full lifetime warranty covering lightning strikes, surges, chewing and accidental damage. Each unit is individually tested at DogWatch HQ in Boston.

Support & training

  • Freedom Fence: Installation and training may vary by dealer; often limited to basic set‑up.

  • DogFence (our solution): Professional installation is performed by our internal team and includes tailored pet training so your dog adapts quickly and safely. This is all backed up by our containment guarantee where applicable.

Battery life & maintenance

  • Freedom Fence: Shorter battery life (3 months max); replacement costs add up.

  • DogFence (our solution): Longer battery life (6 months or 2 years depending on collar type) and optional service plans to minimise maintenance.

How do I train my dog to the invisible (freedom) fence?

We provide on‑site training for your pet and cannot emphasise enough how important the training flags are. The trainer places flags around the boundary to give your dog a clear visual marker. We start with the collar in warning‑beep only mode, walking your dog on a lead around the boundary, tapping each flag and using a command word. This teaches your dog that the flag is a boundary and the beep is a cue to turn back. Only when your dog understands the visual and auditory cues do we introduce the mild static correction. The combination of the flag and beep training, the trainer’s vocal guidance and the gentle impulse helps your dog learn the boundary reliably and humanely. Our professional installers and trainers will guide you through this process and provide post‑installation support.

Training flags marking the boundary of an invisible dog fence in a garden

Training flags mark the hidden boundary – giving your dog a clear visual cue during freedom‑fence training.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is a freedom fence the same as an invisible fence?
“Freedom Fence” is often used generically for underground pet containment, but it’s also a specific product brand. “Invisible Fence®” is a separate brand that invented the technology more than 50 years ago. Both use buried wires and radio signals, but DogFence’s digital FM technology provides quicker, safer corrections than older AM systems.

Is it safe for my dog?
When used correctly, electronic pet fences are safe and humane. The static correction is mild and designed to surprise rather than punish. The key to success is consistent training. DogFence’s professional trainers help your dog learn boundaries quickly and avoid confusion, and the FM signal ensures there are no false activations.

What happens if my dog ignores the signal?
If your dog is highly driven (for example, chasing a squirrel), the reaction time of the collar matters. In freedom fence systems, the delay allows dogs to travel further into the no‑go zone. DogFence’s fast reaction time (15× quicker) corrects the dog before momentum carries them across the boundary, improving containment.

Infographic comparing DogFence and Freedom Fence collar reaction times—when a dog runs at 10 mph into the boundary, the DogFence collar activates in about 0.125 seconds (stopping the dog within roughly 0.175 ft), whereas a Freedom Fence collar takes 2–5 seconds, letting the dog travel up to 7 ft into the no‑go zoneResponse Hang‑On Time: Why Shutdown Speed Matters

Many people focus on how quickly a collar activates, but the shutdown time is just as important. With DogFence, the collar reacts almost instantly in both directions: when your dog crosses the boundary it triggers in about 0.125 s, and when your dog retreats back into the safe zone it switches off just as quickly. In contrast, Freedom Fence collars can take 2–5 seconds to shut down (a delay known as response hang‑on time). That means even if your dog does the right thing and stops or turns around, the collar may continue to beep and deliver a correction for several seconds. Our FM technology avoids this unfair “extra” correction, giving your pet clear feedback and a true safe zone.

Quality & Warranty: Built to Last, Covered When It Counts

Manufacturing and warranty policies are often overlooked, yet they reveal a lot about the quality of a system. Freedom Fence systems were originally made in the USA but production moved to China about a decade ago, and their limited lifetime warranty excludes many common issues. For example, lightning strikes or power surges aren’t covered, nor are dog chews or accidental damage, and the equipment itself is only covered for around three years.

By contrast, every DogFence unit is hand‑tested at DogWatch HQ in Boston and assigned a unique identification number. Our lifetime warranty includes what most pet owners worry about:

  • Lightning strikes & surges: the transmitter is fully covered even if a surge box is fitted.

  • Dog chews: if your pet chews the receiver collar, we’ll repair or replace it.

  • Accidental damage: dogs will be dogs; we expect wear and tear and stand behind our products.

Chewed DogFence receiver collar covered under warranty.

Chewed collar covered by DogFence’s warranty – competitors’ limited warranties don’t cover damage caused by dog chews.

This level of coverage—paired with individual quality testing—means DogFence systems are designed to withstand real‑world use and give you peace of mind for the life of your fence.

What about cats or multiple pets?


DogFence systems can be customised for cats and multi‑pet households. Each collar is individually programmed for your pet’s size, temperament and training level, and our FM signal eliminates crosstalk between collars.

Receiver Collar Size & Weight: DogFence vs. Freedom Fence

For owners of small dogs or cats, the size and weight of the receiver collar matter a lot. Our DogFence mini receiver is one of the smallest on the market and weighs just 30 g, battery included. Even our standard collar comes in at 48 g, whereas the comparable Freedom Fence collar weighs around 54 g. That difference might not sound like much, but when it’s hanging around a tiny pet’s neck all day, every gram counts. If you’re choosing between a DogFence or a Freedom Fence system, size and comfort are areas where we really stand out.

DogFence SafeLink transmitter with two lightweight receiver collars; mini collar weighs 30 g and standard collar 48 g.

DogFence SafeLink transmitter and receiver collars – the mini collar weighs just 30 g and the standard 48 g, compared with around 54 g for a Freedom Fence collar

Boundary Wire: Heavy‑Duty Protection vs. Freedom Fence’s Wire

The boundary wire is the lifeline of any hidden fence—it carries the signal that keeps your dog safe. Freedom Fence kits typically include a 1.5 mm wire, which is adequate but thinner than our heavy‑grade options. DogFence systems offer 2.5 mm and 4 mm gauge wires; the thicker the wire, the less prone it is to damage once it’s buried. A heavier grade wire resists corrosion and accidental breaks far better, meaning fewer disruptions and less maintenance over the life of your freedom‑fence‑style system.

Why choose DogFence?

With over two decades of experience, DogFence provides modern, reliable hidden fence systems that keep your pets safe while giving them the freedom to enjoy your garden. Our FM technology reacts quickly, avoids false activations and comes with a lifetime warranty that covers lightning, surges and chewing. We offer professional installation and training, ensuring your pet learns the boundaries confidently.

Ready to protect your dog with the latest hidden fence technology? Get a free quote from DogFence and discover how our system can give your pet the freedom they deserve – safely.

Professional Installation: DogFence vs. Freedom Fence

Both DogFence and Freedom Fence offer professional installation, but the level of service is very different. DogFence’s installers are full‑time employees—they’re fully trained, IACP‑approved and work from vans equipped with cable‑burial trenchers and wire‑detection systems. We also have a dedicated cat‑fence team because training felines requires a different approach.

By comparison, Freedom Fence relies on subcontracted installers. They’re trained on the product, but many work part‑time and only some have trenching equipment. The result is a less consistent installation experience. When you choose DogFence, you get a specialist team with the right tools and expertise for your property and your pet.

SmartFence: Real‑Time Monitoring Sets DogFence Apart from a Freedom Fence

DogFence has continued to innovate beyond basic “freedom fence” technology. In 2018 we launched the UK’s first hidden pet‑containment system with two‑way communication. Our SmartFence uses an app to feed real‑time information back to a base station so you can monitor your dog’s movements and check the system status wherever you are. This level of insight isn’t available with standard Freedom Fence systems and underscores how DogFence keeps pushing the boundaries of pet safety technology.

SmartFence app displayed on a smartphone, showing a dog’s activity graph and system status — highlighting DogFence’s two‑way communication and real‑time monitoring

SmartFence app displaying a dog’s activity – DogFence’s two‑way communication system lets you monitor movements and fence status in real time

Conclusion
For more than two decades, DogFence has been helping UK pet owners keep their dogs and cats safely contained. Our digital FM technology reacts faster and shuts down quicker than older AM systems, our boundary wires are tougher, and our lifetime warranty even covers dog chews and accidental damage. With professional installation, tailored training and innovative SmartFence app monitoring, DogFence offers the safest and most reliable solution on the market.

Ready to see how a modern hidden fence can work for your property?

Call us on 01628 476475 or WhatsApp us on 07917 034256 for a free, no‑obligation quote, or fill in our quote form. We look forward to giving your pets the freedom they deserve – safely.

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dog wearing an old invisible dog fence collar

Freedom fence, Invisible Fence, What are they?

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What is a freedom fence or  Invisible fence?

So what is a freedom dog fence? it’s actually is a generic name for an electronic dog fence. Very similar to a “hoover”, a freedom fence, invisible fence or DogFence are often used to describe the containment fences. These dog fences were first produced in the USA over 40 years ago.

The History of Invisible Fences

Electronic pet containment systems originated in the year 1973. The overall concept began due to humanitarian emotion from American Richard Peck. Peck was a salesman in Pennsylvania selling his company’s metal cutting and welding services.

Richard Peck original inventor of the freedom dog fence

Richard Peck with his original Patents

“I traveled the United States and everywhere I went, I literally saw hundreds of dogs that had been slaughtered by cars. They were all over the roadway,” Peck said years later. “I loved dogs and knew there had to be a way to stop this.”

The development of dog fences

In 1973, Peck partnered with an electronic engineer and patented the first electronic dog fence system. The collar was placed on a pet and received radio waves from a wire buried beneath the ground. The radio waves were transmitted through the wire from a transmitter protected inside the house. When the radio waves are received by the collar, it sends a brief uncomfortable static shock under the pet’s skin. The “shock” deters the pet from traveling farther into a designated zone. In todays’ world date the word “shock” should be replaced by stimulation as the impulse produced is incredibly low and incapable of inducing a state of shock.

Always concerned for dog safety, Peck worked with the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. Together they conducted extensive research on the short-and long-term effects the new system would have on animals. The study proved it was extremely effective for influencing behavior of animals and keeping them contained in a specified area. Furthermore, the study proved that pets that were contained by a freedom dog fence had no long-term ill effects from the stimulation.

No boundary gardens

The late 1970s in the USA there was a rise in the popularity of housing estates forbidding traditional fencing. This made it almost impossible to have a large dog. Naturally with the new “invisible fence systems”  quickly became popular. Peck initially sold the systems through catalogs and direct mail. The growth of the company was very slow. There were only 50 systems sold the first year. The fences were promoted by two nationally distributed dog magazines, Dogs and Dog Fancy.

Peck retired in the early 1980s and sold his company to private entrepreneurs outside of Philadelphia. These entrepreneurs invested in product improvements and named the product “Invisible Fence.” The engineering staff began refining the technology of the existing product. The company began selling a compact, lighter version of the receiver collar that went from 13 ounces down to 3 ounces. Thus the market was opened so that smaller dogs and cats could utilize the Invisible Fence solution.

New Manufacturers enter the market

In 1990, the overall patent for the technology expired and other companies to began to appear. This led to the rise in other manufacturers, PetSafe, DogWatch, and Innotek. These Companies have produced their own version of the original invisible fence. The early systems were not available for self-installation and Freedom Fence Dealers were part of the PetSafe network that started offering installation across the USA.

The market went worldwide

Dog Fence, Invisible Fence and Freedom Fence dealers started to import the technology into Europe and Australia. These markets were mainly self-installation markets and over time some dealerships started to offer a limited installation service through agents and part-time sub-contractors.

In the UK there were 3 Companies offering Installation for freedom dog fences:

Invisible Fence

The original Invisible Fence UK Dealer has recently retired after selling both Invisible Fence and Innotek systems for over 25 years. Most of the Invisible dog fences were sold for self-installation.

Freedom Fence

This business model is slightly different and is made up of a large number of representatives who work on a sub-contract basis. These individuals will install the PetSafe and PetSafe Professional brand of dog fence. PetSafe fences use the same AM technology that was used to produce the original Invisible Fence systems. As these are part time representatives they do not all offer the same level of service.

DogFence

DogFence  Ltd were the first Company to offer complete onsite Professional Installation & Training for dogs and cats. This Company uses the DogWatch brand of hidden fence which was developed using an FM radio frequency. When it comes to technology the FM signal is far safer and faster than the AM operated fences. DogFence Ltd pioneered bringing the full installation & training service to the UK. Unlike Freedom Fence the installers are all employed by DogFence. This gives consistency in quality of service and equipment standards.

Why is Technology Important?

Arguably most peoples pets are part of their family, they are as important as children or siblings. Naturally one wants to do everything they can to protect them which is why they install a dog fence. As with your car it is important to look at safety features within each product.

The Original Invisible Fence used an AM radio signal. This was mirrored by all manufacturers except DogWatch (DogFence). DogWatch inc were concerned about the high numbers of false activation on the receiver collars with AM. The dog may not be in the zone but the collar was activated because the collar picked up a similar signal. It is for this reason that they decided to explore using an FM signal. After developing and patenting the FM signal it quickly became clear that this was a far superior channel.

Why is the FM signal safer? The reason for the FM signal is to ensure that nothing else can activate the dog or cats computer collar. The Freedom Fence and Invisible Fence brands use OOK (on/off keying).  With OOK the collar is open to picking up other signals when it is in the “down” time. This means that the collar can activate when the pet is not in the “no go zone” as it has “heard” another signal.

With the DogFence system the signal is constant and the collar can only read the programmed signal. In order to reduce case of false activation freedom fence and invisible fence systems use a 2nd signal to reduce confusion. Naturally checking for 2 signals slows down the reaction time on the collar.

Why does speed affect the dog fence?

Put simply if your dog is racing towards the no go zone the collar needs to stop him before he runs into the road. With the DogFence system if he runs at 10mph he will only get 0.125ft into the zone before the collar has given a warning beep and impulse. With a freedom fence he will be at 7ft before the collar has activated. Conversely many people never consider the shut down time on the fence. What happens if the dog retreats? How quickly will the collar stop? Again, speed is crucial the start up and the shut down times are equal. If your dog retreats the FM fences will shut down in less than 1 second. With the PetSafe, Invisible Fence and Freedom Fences AM brands the time is 2 – 5 seconds. Food for thought!

freedom fence and dog fence collar reaction times illustrated with 2 dogs running at 10mph

Collar reaction times for DogFence and Freedom Fence. DogFence is 15 times quicker!

Conclusion

Today there are well more than 2 million freedom dog fence systems installed worldwide. Recent studies by Lincoln University and the UK Governments consultation have proved that these fences save the lives of dogs and cats. It maybe that you are skeptical or adverse to the idea of using a Freedom dog fence but those that use them swear by them. A few of the comments from the Government consultation can be read here:-

If you would like to obtain more information on our containment fences call us (01628) 476475 or click here.