Learn how to safely and effectively use a dog electric fence with your pet. Follow our step-by-step guide to installation, setup, and training to ensure your dog's safety and comfort.
Many dog owners, when considering their pet's safety, might first think of products like pet electronic fences. However, with a wide variety of such fences on the market and each type offering different features, it's crucial to understand their functions and operating mechanisms before installing an electric fence for your pet.
What is an electronic fence?
An electronic fence is a modern pet management tool that allows pets to move freely within a designated area while preventing them from escaping or entering unsafe or restricted zones.
Different types of fences have varying operational methods and working principles, depending on the type of electronic fence you purchased. Understanding the type and operating mechanism of your electronic fence is essential before you can set it up and use it effectively.
Types of electronic fences and How electronic fence works
Electronic fences primarily come in two types: wired and wireless. A wired fence, as its name implies, uses physical wires to create the boundary, while a wireless fence does not rely on physical wires but instead uses wireless signals to define the pet's activity area. These fence systems are invisible. Currently, there are mainly two types of wireless fences available on the market: one based on GPS positioning technology, known as GPS wireless fences, and the other utilizing radio frequency technology, specifically electromagnetic waves at a certain frequency, referred to as radio wave fences.
wired electronic fence
Wired electronic fences define the pet's activity area by burying or fixing a series of wires under the ground. These wires are connected to a central controller or called transmitter, which, once activated, emits a wireless signal.
The pet wears a receiver, usually in the form of a collar, that detects the signal. When the pet approaches or crosses the boundary, the receiver emits a warning sound or a mild static stimulation, reminding the pet to return to the safe zone. Typically, these systems include the following components:
l Buried Cable: The wired electronic fence system establishes the pet's activity boundary by burying a cable underground.
l Transmitter: An indoor transmitter sends continuous radio waves to the buried cable.
l Receiver Collar: The receiver collar worn by the pet detects these radio waves.
l Warning and Correction: As the pet approaches the cable, the receiver collar first emits an audible warning; if the pet continues to move closer, it will apply a mild static electrical stimulation as a corrective measure.
wireless electronic fence
A wireless electronic fence is a safety system that uses radio frequency technology and wireless signals to define the pet's activity area. This system typically includes the following components:
l Transmitter: Installed inside the house or in a specific location, this device sends out a wireless signal to define the boundary within which the pet is allowed to roam.
l Receiver Collar: A collar worn around the pet's neck that contains a receiver capable of detecting the wireless signal sent by the transmitter.
l Warning and Correction Mechanism: When the pet approaches or crosses the established boundary, the receiver collar issues a sound warning, vibration, or mild shock electrical stimulation according to the system's settings, training the pet not to cross the boundary.
l Training Aids: Such as using boundary flags or other visual markers to help the pet recognize the boundary.
GPS wireless fence
GPS wireless electronic fences establish a virtual boundary through GPS wireless module technology, allowing pets to move freely within a safe area. If the pet goes beyond the boundary, the device automatically triggers preset warnings or stimulation, such as sound alerts, vibrations, or mild electrical shocks, to remind the pet to return to the safe zone. Once the pet is back within the boundary, the warnings and stimulation stop immediately. Typically, these systems include the following components:
l GPS Receiver: Mounted on the pet's collar, this component receives signals from GPS satellites.
l Electronic Fence System: Virtual boundaries are set via software or an application. Some devices do not require this component; they operate solely with a GPS collar, with setting well the center point of the fence and the boundary radius to create a virtual boundary area.
l Feedback Mechanism: When the pet approaches or crosses the virtual boundary, the GPS collar triggers sound warnings or mild electrical stimulation to remind the pet to return to the safe area.
Each type of fence has its unique features and applications, and users need to select the appropriate fence based on their required coverage area, precision requirements, budget, and usage scenarios.
Installation and Setup of Electronic Fences
Wired Electronic Fences
1) Boundary Planning: First, determine the area where you want your pet to be active and plan the boundary lines.
2) Cable Installation: Dig a trench along the planned boundary line and bury the cable underground. The cable should be buried approximately 2-3 inches deep.
3) Transmitter Installation and Connection: Connect the cable to the indoor transmitter and adjust the settings for the fence signal and warning levels according to the instructions.
4) System Testing: Ensure that the entire system works properly. Check all connections and ensure there are no breaks or signal interference.
5) Collar Fitting: Make sure the receiver collar is correctly and comfortably fitted around your dog’s neck, adjusting it to fit the size of your pet’s neck.
6) Pet Training: Use flags or other visual cues to help your pet learn the location of the boundary and train your pet to adapt to the new device through a series of training sessions.
Wireless Electronic Fences
1) Select Transmitter Location: Find a central location to place the transmitter, ensuring it can cover the area you wish to restrict.
2) Set Up the Transmitter: Follow the instructions in the product manual to configure the transmitter and set the desired pet activity range.
3) Fit the Receiver Collar: Put the receiver collar on your pet, making sure it fits the size of your pet's neck.
4) Test the Signal: Use the included test tools, combined with the feedback on the collar when crossing the boundary, to ensure the signal coverage meets your expectations.
5) Train Your Pet: Use flags or other visual cues to help your pet learn the location of the boundary and train your pet to adapt to the new device through a series of training sessions.
GPS Wireless Fences
1) Choose an Open Outdoor Location: GPS wireless electronic fences rely on clear GPS signals. First, set up your GPS receiver in an open outdoor area. Ensure that the area is free from tall buildings, trees, or other obstructions that could interfere with the GPS signal.
2) Install Software: Download and install the accompanying application on your smartphone or computer.
3) Set Boundaries: Using the application, define the virtual boundaries. You can set a circular or custom-shaped boundary. Note that depending on the product type, some do not require an app to set the boundary; refer to the product manual for specific instructions.
4) Fit and Configure the Receiver Collar: Ensure the collar snugly fits the size of your pet's neck and adjust it to the appropriate warning level and other settings, such as the radius of the fence.
5) Test the System: Power on and test the GPS signal and the functionality of the receiver collar to ensure everything is working properly.
6) Train Your Pet: Use flags or other visual cues to help your pet learn the location of the boundary and train your pet to adapt to the new device through a series of training sessions.
Training Your Pet to Use an Electronic Fence
Before using a pet electronic fence, your pet needs proper training to understand the meaning of the boundary and learn to return to the safe area when approaching it. Proper training ensures your pet's safety and minimizes unnecessary anxiety or discomfort.
The following training methods are provided for reference. If your product comes with a training manual, take the time to read it carefully before beginning your training.
Phase One: Familiarizing with the Collar and Boundary
1. Get Your Dog Used to the Collar: Let your dog wear the collar without activating the electronic fence for a few days, allowing it to get accustomed to the presence of the collar.
2. Introduce the Boundary: Use flags or other visual markers to indicate the boundary line, helping your dog recognize the boundary. Ensure that all equipment is properly installed and tested before starting the training.
Phase Two: Sound Warning Training
1. Sound Warning: Activate the sound warning feature of the electronic fence. When your dog approaches the boundary, it will hear the warning sound. Use positive reinforcement, such as rewarding your dog with food or toys, when it hears the warning sound and immediately brings it back into the safe area.
2. Repetitive Practice: Repeat the process of having your dog approach the boundary, hear the sound warning, and then return. Reward your dog each time it successfully returns to the safe area.
Phase Three: Static Stimulation Training
1. Gradually Introduce Stimulation: Once your dog is accustomed to the sound warning, you can gradually introduce a mild static stimulation. When your dog approaches the boundary and hears the sound warning, if it does not immediately return, it will feel a mild static stimulation. Note that you should start with the lowest stimulation level and increase it based on your dog's response.
2. Supervised Training: Monitor your dog's behavior during training to ensure it does not become overly distressed due to the mild stimulation. If your dog shows signs of discomfort or fear, lower the stimulation level or pause training for a period.
3. Gradual Adaptation: Gradually increase the number of times your dog approaches the boundary, rewarding it each time it successfully returns. Avoid punishing or being harsh with your dog to prevent negative effects.
Phase Four: Ongoing Training and Monitoring
1. Continued Training: Continue repeating the training processes until your dog can respect the boundary without direct supervision.
2. Behavior Monitoring: Even after training is complete, regularly observe your dog's behavior to ensure it still respects the boundary. If any issues arise, retrain or adjust the settings.
3. Adjust Training Methods: If your dog continues to attempt to cross the boundary, you may need to adjust your training methods or seek professional help. Consider consulting a professional pet trainer or veterinarian.
Important Tips
l Safety First: Always prioritize your dog's safety. If your dog displays extreme distress or fear, stop the training immediately and consult a professional.
l Patience and Consistency: Training takes time and patience. Maintaining consistent training methods and reward systems helps establish stable habits.
l Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Ensure that the use of electronic fences is allowed in your area and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.