How Do You Train A Dog On An Invisible Fence
There is no one definitive answer to this question since the best way to train a dog on an invisible fence may vary depending on the dogs personality and training history. However, some tips on how to train a dog on an invisible fence may include providing positive reinforcement when the dog makes good behavior on the fence, teaching the dog how to stay on the fence, and providing a safe and fun environment for the dog to play in.
How To Contain Your German Shepherd With An Invisible Fence
Invisible fencing is becoming more and more popular these days but there are some unique considerations a German Shepherd owner needs to make before they invest in one for their own yard.
In this article, youll learn about invisible fences for dogs, the challenges of using one with a German Shepherd, and some special tips for training your German Shepherd properly so that the invisible fence is effective.
Contents
How Do You Test If Invisible Fence Is Working
Touch both points on the collar while it is ticking or beeping. If you do not feel a shock, then there may be a problem with the receiver collar. Make sure you touch both points on the receiver at the same time when you hear the collar beeping. It will tell you definitively that the fence is or is not working.
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What Age To Start Using A Shock Collar On A Dog
But when it comes to the question of how old is old enough to start using an e-collar to train a dog, the truth is, there isnt a one size fits all answer. Some pups are ready to go around 14 or 15 weeks of age, others should be close to the typically standard prescribed 6 month old time frame before you start.
Herd That: Can A Hidden Fence Work For A Herding Dog
Herding dogs are energetic, loyal, focused, and intelligent. These dogs are happiest when they have a job to do and do best with plenty of room to run. They require an above-average amount of daily exercise and get bored quickly if they arent given enough tasks or engaging activities.
When herding dogs arent given enough to do, they become anxious, resulting in excessive barking or destructive tendencies such as chewing or digging. Due to their genetic makeup, herding dogs also possess a high prey drive, which can sometimes make keeping them on your property difficult.
Due to these factors, herding dog owners often assume that a hidden fence is not an option. However, a DogWatch® Hidden Fence wont only keep your herding dog safe, the freedom to roam their yard will keep them happy. Heres how!
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Petsafe Stay & Play Compact Wirelessfence
The PetSafe Stay and Play is another highly-effective invisible fence that we recommend. Its an above-ground system meaning it doesnt require any burying of wires.
While its fairly similar to the PetSafe Wireless Dog Containment System, this one provides greater coverage at up to ¾ of an acre.
The tone-only setting is another feature we like in the Stay & Play mode. If you dont want to shock your dog, you can use this mode to deter them from exiting the designated boundary.
If your GSD is a little more stubborn, you can always choose from the 5 levels of static correction.
Youll also be impressed by the fact that it can be used on small dog breeds as well. The waterproof collar is designed to fit dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more. In terms of size, it can be adjusted to fit neck sizes 6 to 28 inches.
Also, thiscontainment system has a static-free re-entry feature. This means that if yourpet exits the boundary, theyll be able to return home safely without gettingshocked.
What I Love:
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
Possible Downsides:
- Transmitter requires someimprovement to provide a consistent performance
And the verdict is
PetSafe Stay and Play is an excellent containment system if you have both large and small dogs or prefer a static correction to a shock.
Sportdog Brand Contain + Train System
Another system with buried wires, the SportDOG Contain + Train system can be more difficult to install than wireless fences, but this model comes with an included vibration setting and remote control so you can manually train your dog.
The kit comes with 1 collar for your German Shepherd, but you can expand the system for unlimited dogs if you purchase extra collars.
The SportDOG kit comes with enough wiring to cover 1 1/3rd acre, which is disappointing when compared to some other collars on our list, but it can be expanded with more wiring to cover 100 acres!
As far as waterproofing, the collar is submersible up to 25ft underwater.
The most reported issue with the collar is the tendency for the battery to run out quickly, but this particular kit has rechargeable batteries that are more reliable than the lower level kit that uses 9v batteries.
Installation is similar to other in-ground invisible fences, consisting of burying the wires and marking the boundaries with flags.
The system claims to support an unlimited amount of dogs, but the kit only comes with one collar, so for multiple dog households, youll have to purchase extras.
Included in the kit are enough supplies to cover 1 1/3rd acre, but it can be expanded up to 100 acres.
Yes! The SportDOG Contain + Train system comes with a remote collar so you can train your dog manually as well.
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Are Electric Dog Fences Worth It
Electric Fences For Dogs
There are many types of electric fences available on the market today. The most popular type is the invisible wireless fence. This fence is a wire that runs underground and sends an electric shock to any animal that crosses it.
Studies have shown that this type of fence is only 70% effective. This is because most dogs are smart enough to figure out how to get around an invisible fence. They will either find a way to cross the fence or they will find a way to push or climb over it.
Another type of electric fence is the traditional fence. This fence is made of metal bars that are high off the ground. Dogs cant jump over or through this type of fence.
The final type of electric fence is the sonic fence. This fence uses high-frequency sound to send an electric shock to any animal that crosses it.
Each of these types of fences has its own advantages and disadvantages. The invisible wireless fence is the most popular because it is the least expensive and it is the easiest to install. However, it is only 70% effective. The traditional fence is the most effective type of fence, but it is the most difficult to install. The sonic fence is the most expensive and the least effective type of fence.
What About An Existing Wood Fence Picket Fence Or Chicken Wire Fence
Already have an existing fence? If so you have a few options.
First, consider the type of fence materials. Is it a wire or wooden fence where itd be easy for your dog to actually climb up the side or firmly grip the top to jump over?
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Most times this is something you want to avoid as its possible for your dogs feet to get caught and they can get pretty hurt if they get stuck.
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How Do I Setup A Wireless Invisible Fence
How To Install a Wireless Dog Fence
Why Would I Confine A Dog
Fencing prevents a dog from becoming a neighborhood nuisance, but there are other issues at hand. Keeping a dog appropriately confined keeps him safe by preventing mishaps associated with free roaming. Fenced-in dogs are less likely to be hit by vehicles, have fewer aggressive interactions with other dogs, have decreased exposure to contagious diseases, and are less available to pet thieves.
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Extreme Dog Fence Premium 3
From the same company as the Extreme Dog Fence 1-Dog System, the Extreme Dog Fence 3-Dog system has improved on the number of dogs that can be contained within the fence. This kit includes 3 collars instead of just 1, saving you the time of waiting for additional collars to be delivered.
Even though German Shepherds are one of the most stubborn breeds out there, the Extreme Dog Fence 3-Dog System can handle them with 7 levels of static shock that become progressively stronger the closer the dog gets to the boundary of the fence.
Just like the 1-Dog system, it is waterproof up to 10 ft deep.
Both of the products on our list by Extreme Dog have great ratings and very few cons.
Installation for the Extreme Dog Fence 3-Dog system is simple but time-consuming. One of the few complaints about these systems is that the installation is difficult and having to dig up the wires to address any problems can be a pain.
This kit comes with 3 collars, but the fence can handle additional dogs if you purchase more collars.
The 3-Dog System has an area of coverage of 6 acres and comes with 1000 feet of wire.
How Do I Leave My German Shepherd Alone
Try to keep your German shepherd confined to an enclosed area when youre out.
Hire a dog-walker to take care of your dog while youre away.
Keep your German shepherd entertained with toys, water, and soft flooring.
Alter your habits to avoid leaving your German shepherd alone too much.
Go for a long walk with your German shepherd to keep him amused and distracted.
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Extreme Dog Fence Professional 1
With fantastic reviews and a kit that includes everything you need for a safe and secure electric fence, the Extreme Dog Fence Professional is a brilliant choice for German Shepherds and their owners.
Some of the perks of this kit are the waterproof collars that function up to 10 feet of depth, meaning your dog can swim in the collar without worry. It also has 7 intensity settings for even the most stubborn German Shepherd.
Installation for the Extreme Dog Fence is straightforward, consisting of placing the transmitter and burying the wire after testing to make sure the system works. The Extreme Dog Fence is actually a kit and comes with all the wires, stakes, and flags necessary to install the fence yourself.
Still, if youre planning on using all the wire that this kit comes with, expect it to take a few days to completely install.
The Extreme Dog Fence comes with a 1 collar but can function with multiple dogs. Extra collars must be purchased separately. There is also the option to buy a kit with multiple collars instead of the base model that comes with only 1.
This dog fence has an area of coverage of 6 acres and comes with 1000 feet of wire, making it the fence with the largest area of coverage on the list, along with the 3-Dog system.
How Do You Check If Your Invisible Fence Is Working
Some invisible pet fences include a battery tester with the fence system. Place this on the collar and walk past the boundary wire. If the tester lights up and you hear the audible warning given by the collar, the battery is functioning properly. If you hear the warning, but no light flashes, replace the battery.
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German Shepherd Yelped When Training On Underground Fence
Long story short, I got my German Shepherd at animal control about 5 years ago and they estimated she was about 6mos to a year old. She’s really a great dog–I’ve never had to train her much on anything…she sat for me, shook, comes, stays, walks really well, etc. She is a really sensitive dog, somewhat timid. She’s never been aggressive or bit anyone, but is known to not like some middle-aged men…and she will bark at them. We don’t know what it is or why, but assume it has to do with her past before I got her from the pound. Anyway, we live out in the township of a very relaxed area and have never tied our dogs up in the 25 yrs we’ve been here. She has a doggy door that she freely comes and goes as she pleases…My mother works full-time and as do I — as a pilot .
Long story short, a FedEx guy tried to deliver a package next door last week and she didn’t like him. We were not home. She barked at him and he wouldn’t get out of the truck. I get it, she can be scary. He claimed he was going to “file a complaint” and so my mother panicked about this one and said we need to get an underground fence immediately…I was gone for work at the time, so it was very stressful for me not being able to do much about it, so I gave in and called an underground fence company that day. $600 later we have one installed. Luckily, I coincidentally had some time off to train her.
Personally, I know this dog very well and I don’t think this is going to work. Any thoughts or ideas?
How Did Invisible Fence Of The Triad Help
Ann’s local Invisible Fence Dealership recommended our exclusive Boundary Plus Technology because it offers 30% more yard space than other electric pet fences and would give her dogs room to explore all the way to the edge of their property without going over. This product is ideal when making the most of your yard space – especially when you have big dogs that need room to run!
In addition to giving Sam and his sibling freedom to play in a large yard, our Invisible Fence system also gave Ann a break from letting the dogs out to go potty. She no longer has to stand in the rain with them on a leash!
“I would recommend Invisible Fence as a great value for the money. I have two dogs whom I was unsure would stay in it, and it has worked wonderfully.” – Ann
Our certified trainers have trained over 3,000,000 pets, using animal-behaviorist approved training methods and customizing training for each individual animal. If you have more questions about training a German Shepherd to use Invisible Fence , please schedule a free in-home consultation with an Invisible Fence dealer near you!
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Benefits Of An Invisible Fence
As already mentioned, invisible fences are an excellent option to keep your dog safe and protected. You will have better control, with this type of fences you should be aware of the amount of control that these systems offer.
If you have a restless, playful pooch and it wants to run all the time, you should have a fence that has it under control. Although traditional fences work well, they are not 100% safe and less if you leave the yard door open.
On the other hand, with the invisible fences, you can start training your dog, and it will learn to be within the established perimeter. A wireless dog fence kit acts as a physical barrier without an actual fence.
When your dog adjusts, you will see that he will feel happy, and that will be when you can see the results of this wireless pet invisible fence system for dogs. Some will allow you to adjust the levels of correction. Others will also include a warning beep feature.
Pro Tip: Check the wireless dog fence website for upcoming fence systems.
Are Wireless Dog Fences Safe
Yes, wireless dog fences are reliable when used in the right circumstance. Standard wireless dog fences are most reliable for small, squared shaped yards that are less than an acre. Underground dog fences are most reliable for larger yards and when you’re trying to keep your dog out of your pool or garden.
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Should I Get An Invisible Fence
With safety in mind, dog owners may consider traditional or electronic fences. Here are advantages and disadvantages to popular invisible fences.
Pros:
Reasonable cost. Although there are less expensive versions of traditional fences, neighborhood codes often specify the types of construction materials that are allowed. Some fencing materials are expensive and labor is an added cost. Invisible electric fences are often less costly even when professionally installed.
Adaptability. While traditional fences work well on flat or gently sloping yards, invisible fencing works on almost any terrain. Invisible fences can span hilly spots, wooded areas and water. Also, electronic fences can cover acres of ground in any pattern to create large exercise areas for dogs.
Aesthetics. Invisible fences are, well, invisible. These barriers do not visually interfere with scenic views or green spaces and enhance the feeling of being outdoors. People can move around the yard freely without the hassle of opening and closing gates. The inconvenience of outlining flags is temporary. Once the dog learns the boundaries of the electric fence, the flags can be removed.
Convenience. Electric fences can be installed more quickly than conventional enclosures. Trenching and laying wire takes less time than laying fence posts, nailing boards, welding iron, or rolling wire.
Reliability. Dogs with a tendency to climb over, dig under, or chew through fences may be better contained with an electric fence.