Tag Archive for: safe gardens for dogs

Responsible dog owner walking their dog on a lead in the countryside – compliant with UK dog law

Know the UK Dog Law: Keep Your Dog Safe and Legal | DogFence Ltd

Why Every Owner Should Know the UK Dog Law

Every responsible dog owner wants their pet to enjoy freedom while staying safe, but UK dog law makes it clear that owners must keep their dogs under control at all times. Under UK dog control legislation (often referred to as the law on dangerous or out-of-control dogs), you are legally responsible if your dog causes fear, injury, or trouble to people, animals, or livestock. Understanding these UK dog laws, your responsibilities, and the potential dog fines UK helps protect your pet, your neighbours, and the wider community.

Responsible dog owner walking their dog on a lead in the countryside – compliant with UK dog law

A responsible owner keeps their dog under control and compliant with UK law.


What the UK Dog Law Says

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 states that dogs must never be “dangerously out of control” in public or private spaces. That includes dogs that frighten, chase, or injure people or animals. Owners can face fines up to £5,000, and in severe cases, imprisonment. Understanding UK dog law is essential for every owner, because these rules outline exactly when a dog is considered “under control” and what your legal responsibilities are in public and private spaces.

Here are the main points every dog owner should know:

  • Microchipping & Identification – All dogs over eight weeks old must be microchipped and wear a collar with your name and address. Ignoring this rule can result in a £500 fine.

  • Livestock Worrying – Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, farmers can legally act to protect their animals if a dog worries or attacks livestock. Keeping your dog contained prevents tragic outcomes.

  • Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)Local councils may enforce lead rules or dog-free zones. Breaching these can lead to an on-the-spot £100 fine.

Dog chasing sheep in a field – illustrating livestock worrying and the importance of keeping dogs contained under UK dog law


Why Containment Matters Under UK Dog Law

Most owners don’t intend to break the law — but dogs can easily slip out of open gates or gaps in fencing. A wandering dog can cause road accidents, chase livestock, or enter neighbouring gardens.

Keep your dog under control and compliant with UK law by ensuring they remain safely within your property boundaries and don’t pose a risk to people, animals, or livestock. Installing a DogFence invisible dog fence helps owners stay on the right side of UK dog law by keeping dogs safely contained at home.

How a DogFence Keeps You Complianthttps://dogfence.co.uk/

DogFence systems create an invisible boundary using a buried wire or wireless signal. Your dog wears a lightweight receiver collar that gives a gentle tone or mild correction near the boundary, teaching them to stay within the safe area.

This simple, proven technology helps you:A DogFence invisible containment system helps owners meet their responsibilities under UK dog law by keeping dogs safely within property boundaries and preventing escapes, livestock worrying, or nuisance behaviour.

  • Keep your dog under control and compliant with UK law

  • Prevent livestock worrying and road accidents

  • Enjoy peace of mind while your dog plays safely outdoors

Learn more here → How It Works
For the full in-depth guide, see → UK Dog Fence Law: Your 2025 Guide to Legal Compliance


A Responsible Owner Is a Legal Owner

Following UK dog law isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about protecting your pet’s welfare and the people around you.
With a DogFence containment system, you’ll have complete peace of mind knowing your dog is safe, secure, and compliant.

"Two dogs safely enjoying the garden thanks to invisible fencing

 

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Dog Fence Safety Tips: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Dog Fence Safety Tips: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Keeping Pets Safe with Invisible & Electronic Dog Fences

When choosing a dog fence, safety should always be the number one priority. Whether you have an escape-artist dog, a curious cat, or a property near busy roads, a properly installed hidden dog fence can provide peace of mind. But not all fences are created equal — and there are a few key things every pet owner should know.

1. Choose a System Designed with Safety First

Not all electronic fences are the same. Cheap DIY kits often use thin cable and underpowered transmitters that break down quickly, while GPS collars rely on weak satellite signals that can drift or fail altogether. These cut corners leave pets vulnerable.

At DogFence, our systems are:

  • DEFRA tested and proven safe for dogs and cats.
  • Waterproof, chew-proof, and durable — designed for real pet life.
  • Programmable to your pet’s size & temperament, not “one-size-fits-all.”
  • Equipped with safety features like automatic shut-down after 15 seconds and anti-linger to prevent battery drain.

Learn how our system works ›

Happy dog enjoying the garden safely with DogFence invisible fence collar

Enjoying freedom with peace of mind — this happy pup shows how DogFence provides reliable dog fence safety tips in action. Alternative with syn

2. Professional Installation Matters

A hidden fence is only as safe as the way it’s installed. At DogFence Ltd:

  • Our installers carefully bury the boundary cable using specialist equipment.
  • We avoid hazards like underground pipes and electric gates.
  • You’ll get a tailored boundary design that protects both your pets and your garden.

This reduces the risk of gaps, interference, or weak spots that could put pets at risk.

3. Training is Key to Safety

Even the best system won’t work without consistent training. That’s why DogFence provides full training on installation day:

  • Dogs (and cats) learn to respond to the warning beep and flags before feeling the impulse (correction).

  • Our training uses gentle, positive reinforcement so pets understand boundaries quickly.

  • The dog always has something to see (flags), something to hear (beep) and finally something to feel (correction).

Every dog is different — some pick up the concept like a duck to water, while others are naturally cautious and take a little more time. Just like people, pets all learn at different paces. The most important thing is to follow the full training programme step by step, without skipping ahead, so your pet builds confidence at the right speed.

Above all, training should always be upbeat and positive. By keeping the sessions short, consistent, and encouraging, your dog will associate the fence with freedom rather than restriction. Most pets are safely contained within just a few sessions — and owners are amazed at how quickly their dogs adapt when training is done correctly.

See our installation & training process ›

DogFence professional training a dog with invisible fence boundary flags in garde

Expert training with DogFence — clear boundaries, safe pets, and peace of mind.

4. Regular Collar Checks

Your pet’s safety depends on keeping their computer collar fitted and functioning correctly. A hidden fence is only as reliable as the collar your pet wears, so it’s vital to make these checks part of your routine:

  • Check the battery regularly – When the battery runs out, the fence can’t do its job, and your pet can run out. At DogFence, our collars have the longest battery life in the industry, but even so, we recommend testing the collar monthly (using the test lamp supplied) and replacing batteries at the correct intervals to avoid any lapse in protection. Why not join our battery programme? Contact us here to learn more.

  • Ensure the collar fits correctly – If the collar is too loose, it becomes nothing more than an ineffective necklace, as the contacts won’t touch the skin. Too tight, and it can cause pressure sores. The simple rule: lift your dog’s head up to the sky; when the neck is stretched, you should be able to slip just one finger between the collar strap and the skin.

  • Surge and lightning protection – Our professionally installed systems come with lifetime warranty and built-in lightning protection. If lightning ever strikes the boundary wire, our surge protection unit safely diverts the current into the ground, preventing it from entering your home’s electrics.

By keeping up with these simple checks, you’ll ensure your fence remains a safe and reliable barrier that protects your pet every day.

Watch our quick video guide on how to check your dog’s collar fit — making sure it’s snug, safe, and comfortable every day.

5. Creating “No-Go Zones” with Inner Loops

One of the unique advantages of an invisible dog fence is that you can protect more than just the perimeter. By running an inner loop off the main boundary wire, we can create “no-go zones” inside your garden.

This works because the boundary cable carries a harmless FM radio signal. When we twist the cable together — a bit like bringing two magnets together — the signal cancels itself out. That means we can route the wire across the lawn to form a small protected zone without the dog receiving an activation along the way.

Illustration of invisible dog fence boundary layout with inner loop no-go zones

Typical DogFence boundary layout — with inner loops to protect ponds, flowerbeds, or toxic plants inside the garden.

What Can You Protect?

  • Ponds and swimming pools – preventing accidents and keeping pets safe around water.

  • Flowerbeds or vegetable patches – protecting your plants (and stopping your dog digging them up!).

  • Toxic plants – such as acorns, yew, or foxglove, which can be highly poisonous to dogs.

These inner loops give you the flexibility to keep your dog away from danger while still giving them the freedom to roam safely in the rest of the garden.

Discover invisible no-go zones ›

Real Customer Story: “It’s Given Us Peace of Mind”

“We were nervous about using a hidden fence at first, but safety was our top concern. Our Labrador, Daisy, had escaped twice and nearly caused an accident on the main road. Since having DogFence installed, we haven’t had a single incident. The training was simple, the collar is comfortable, and Daisy is now free to enjoy the garden safely. It’s given us real peace of mind — worth every penny.”

– Mr & Mrs Griffiths, Oxfordshire

First hand stories like these show how the right system, properly installed and trained, makes all the difference in keeping pets secure without compromise. See more success stories from our customers testimonials .

Dog wearing a DogFence invisible fence collar enjoying the garden safely

Final Thoughts: Safety = Peace of Mind

A dog fence should never be a compromise on your pet’s welfare. By choosing a Pro Range Dog with professional installation, and proper training, you’ll have the confidence that your pet is secure, safe, and free to enjoy the garden.

Ready to Keep Your Pet Safe?

Call us on
01628 476475
|
Message us on WhatsApp
|
Request a Free Quote Online