Invisible Fence Containment System ? About This Page:

[MinnieMe2]

I know there are a few dog people here, and I'm hoping you can help me out.

This is the weekend I have to start training our 9-month-old basset hound to the invisible fence. I dread it because I know he'll most likely take two or three shocks before he gets the point, and it's going to be painful for me, too. It's been a long time since I trained our other dog, and I'm wondering if any of you have experience with this and as a result could offer some pointers? Charlie needs to be able to run some of his energy off, and I'm hoping that romping around will also help with his 'toilet training'!

[Kruggie]

I have experience with the invisible fence, I have had one for the last fifteen years, and I love it. My dog was (he died) an outside dog, too big and hairy for the indoors. He learned very quickly where he could and could not go. I think he only got the jolt twice. I do know that he seemed to have an acute awareness for when the battery in his collar was dead,,,,he would take off!

I immagine it will help alot with the potty training. Dogs are naturally inclined to find a tree or bush I think!

[MinnieMe2]

Yes, Kruggie, these fences are wonderful. We can't have a standard type of fencing because the drive we share with the two houses on either side of us is right in the middle of our property. The invisible fence is the perfect solution. And our other dog (he died recently) adopted us when he was two, well into his wandering ways. But he learned rather quickly where he could and couldn't go...

[debe]

Is your invisible fence one with the wire under ground or the one without? We have been thinking about a fencing system but now see you can get ones where you don't have to install wire... I haven't found anyone yet with the wireless system to see how effective it works.

[MinnieMe2]

Ours has the wire buried underground. In fact, it was out of commission for awhile because DH did some digging for a decorative fence and cut the invisible fence. He had to splice it back together and it's fine now... I just don't know how I'll get thru this. When we got this fence, I was told that the jolt to the dog is equivalent to a baby touching a hot stove. Except, of course, there's no burn or permanent damage. Our Sam certainly yelped, though, and I'm not looking forward to seeing my Charlie take the hit [img]images/icons/frown.gif[/img]

[Teresa]

Our dog is now 5 and has had "the fence" for 4 1/2 years. He only took about 2 hits from it. Like Kruggie's dog, though, Chance always knows when he can Get Out! and we live near a highway and an Interstate!
I think the best thing we did was turn down the "jolt" he could get and start with that. We also taped the ends on the collar so that the shock was insulated at first and went from there.

The guys that installed our fence told us that some dogs are just TOO dumb to "get it".
Let us know how it goes.

[Nala]

We have a basset and 3 shiztu's (it's a long story, don't ask)all co-habitating in a wood fenced yard. Hounds, especaily scent hound are born to run. Good luck with the fence. If he is anything like ours it may take many tries to get the point across. If it is any consolation, after about 4 years they get too fat and lazy to do any running or much of anything else. But all in all, bassets make wonderful companion animals, very loving and very protective. Enjoy, you are in for a wonderful treat.

[DVC_Don]

Our neighbor has one for their Australian ?. VERY active dog. It works great, except when the battery on the collar runs low.

[MinnieMe2]

Didn't get started this weekend after all, between unexpected company and taking DSs computer to him at school. We need more flags, but I think I'll just use some twine and torn sheets. The flags aren't that expensive, but the shipping and handling add up....

Thanks for the advice, Teresa. I think we'll turn down the voltage a bit and tape the posts at first, too.

And Nala, I've gotten a glimpse of the 'scent dog' thing here and there, and I'm a little concerned that Charlie will get so carried away following a scent that he'll go thru the fence. Then again, maybe this will prove to be a case where the elevator doesn't go all the way to the top, so to speak? Only time will tell...