Can My Dog Get Out of the Hidden Fence Containment Area?
One of the questions DogWatch Dealers are frequently asked is “Can my dog get out of the hidden fence containment area?” The answer is that if the initial training was done properly, this will rarely happen. If it does happen, it is usually for one of the following reasons. The first reason accounts for approximately 90% of all incidents.
1. Loose collar
The contact posts on all hidden fence collars (such as DogWatch®, Invisible Fence® and other brands) need to touch your dog’s skin in order to work. All quality containment systems give an audible (or vibration) warning to alert your dog that it is close to the containment boundary. The dog is trained to retreat when it hears (or feels) this warning. If the dog travels further, he will receive a mild but safe stimulation (also called a “correction”) from the receiver collar. Through a training program, your pet learns to recognize his fence boundaries and learns to stop at the warning signal. If your dog’s hidden fence collar is too loose, all you have is an expensive noise maker. It does not matter if your dog has just started using the hidden dog fence or if it has been on for years. If the collar is loose, the dog will figure it out eventually.
2. Dead Battery
All DogWatch Hidden Fence receiver collars have a battery life of 6 months to 2 years. Other dog fence collars have batteries that need changing every 2-3 months, or worse, have a rechargeable battery. The more often you need to change or charge the battery, the higher the likelihood of having a dead battery, which in turn increases the chance that your pet will leave the yard. Making sure your hidden dog fence has a long battery life, plus an indicator to let you know when the battery is low, will greatly reduce the chance of your dog leaving their containment boundary. DogWatchBatteries.com
3. Lack of or improper training
Most reputable hidden dog fence companies include training with the installation. Not all companies are alike, however, when it comes to training, the most important part of the pet containment system. Just because a company offers a “certified trainer” does not mean that trainer has a lot of experience. There is no national, standardized certification program. A better indicator is how long the company has been in business and, more importantly, what other customers have to say about the training that is provided. Most quality hidden fence companies offer on-going training assistance and some kind of a performance guarantee. The training should also include the pet owner who has a responsibility to continue the prescribed training instruction. With good training and follow through from the pet owner, most dogs will learn to stay in the yard. Always keep your pet containment provider informed of any difficulties your might be experiencing and do not be afraid to ask for help. If your provider is not willing to help, then they are not the right company for you.
4. Faulty equipment
Your dog’s fence collar goes through a lot of wear and tear. Even expensive, high quality equipment can stop working. The most reliable way to ensure this does not happen is to regularly check to make sure the collar is functioning properly. Your hidden fence provider should provide you with the means to easily test your equipment. Also, make sure your pet’s receiver comes with a true Lifetime Warranty. Read the small print.
As long as you keep your pet’s containment collar nice and snug, make sure the receiver is functioning, the battery is fresh and you follow through with the training prescribed by your hidden fence provider there should be no reason why your fur baby would leave the safety of your yard.
The following blog post was adapted from a post written by Pat West, co-owner of DogWatch of Columbus.