At DogWatch of Nashville, we understand you might have questions about how an outdoor hidden fence works and its benefits for keeping your pets safe. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you decide if an underground containment system is right for you.
What Exactly Is a Hidden Fence?
A hidden fence is a modern solution for pet containment that uses an underground boundary wire and electronic signals to create safe zones for your pets. These systems keep dogs within specific areas, such as yards, or prevent them from entering restricted zones such as gardens, patios, or pool areas. Indoors, hidden fences can also establish boundaries, like keeping pets off furniture or away from certain rooms.
While often referred to as "invisible fences," it's important to note that "Invisible Fence®" is a specific brand name. Our hidden fences are part of the DogWatch® family, offering advanced technology in pet containment.
How Do Outdoor Hidden Fences Operate?
Hidden fences work by burying a narrow wire beneath your lawn or yard area. This wire emits a low-level radio signal from a transmitter installed in your home or garage. Your pet wears a lightweight collar that picks up this signal. If your dog approaches the boundary, the collar emits a warning sound or vibration. Should they move closer, they’ll feel a mild stimulation, letting them know they’ve reached the limit of their safe zone.
For indoor systems, the same technology can be adapted to outline specific areas you want to keep pet-free, such as countertops or certain rooms. Wireless options are also available to simplify the setup for these areas.
Training Your Dog to Understand the Boundaries
Our training process ensures that your dog learns their boundaries quickly and comfortably. Once the system is installed, our team helps guide you and your pet through the training steps. These include a mix of voice commands, audio alerts from the collar, and visible flags placed around the boundary to mark the borders.
Dogs associate these visual markers and sounds with the boundary over about two weeks of short daily training sessions. Over time, the flags are removed, and most pets naturally avoid crossing the limit to prevent the mild correction. We customize training plans tailored to your pet’s personality and needs to make the process as smooth as possible.
What Areas Can a Hidden Fence Cover?
DogWatch hidden fences can secure properties as large as 200 acres. They’re adaptable to virtually any terrain, meaning they can be installed on hills, around water features, or even across uneven landscapes.
Indoor systems can also create no-go zones for pets within your home, like keeping them off furniture or out of certain spaces.
Can Hidden Fences Work for More Than One Pet?
Absolutely. Our systems can accommodate as many pets as you need. Each pet simply requires its own compatible receiver collar.
Are These Systems Effective for Cats?
Yes! Our systems work for cats as well as dogs. We’ve even successfully used them for other animals like goats and pigs!
Is the System Safe During Lightning Storms?
Our systems include built-in lightning surge protection to guard against damage during storms. Both internal and external surge protectors keep the fencing system operating reliably.
Is the Hidden Fence Collar Safe for My Dog?
Yes, the stimulation from the collar is completely safe. It’s designed to mimic the feeling of a static shock you might get from touching a metal object after rubbing your feet on the carpet. While it might feel unpleasant for a brief moment, it doesn’t harm your pet.
We recommend removing the collar when not in use to avoid any potential skin irritation from prolonged wear. DogWatch® systems are veterinarian-approved, and the collars have adjustable settings to ensure your pet’s comfort based on their size, sensitivity, and temperament.
How Does DogWatch® Differ from Other Brands?
DogWatch offers several advantages over other brands, including Invisible Fence®. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Advanced Signal Security: Our systems use FM radio frequencies, offering higher resistance to interference compared to systems that use AM signals. This reduces false corrections.
- Longer Battery Life: DogWatch receivers last significantly longer, with an average two-year battery life compared to other brands.
- Owner-Friendly Adjustments: You can easily replace batteries and adjust settings yourself without needing a service visit.
- Custom Features: From vibration-only training modes to real-time status lights, DogWatch systems are built for flexibility and reliability.
Additional Benefits of Our Hidden Fences
- Customizable Setup: You can design containment areas to suit your property’s layout, including gardens, driveways, or other unique spaces.
- Water-Friendly Design: The system can even create safe zones across streams or lakefronts.
- Minimal Maintenance: Unlike traditional fencing, hidden fences don’t require painting or repairs and are unaffected by weather conditions.
What is the Price of a Hidden Fence?
Generally, hidden fences cost less than conventional fencing. The final price depends on factors like property size, the complexity of the layout, and the number of pets. While retail options can seem cheaper upfront, they often lack installation services, training, ongoing support, and warranties—all included with our professionally installed systems.
What Happens if I Move?
Good news! Your DogWatch system is portable. When you move, we can provide installation for a new boundary wire at your new location while reusing your existing equipment, ensuring your pets remain secure.
Will the System Keep Other Animals Out?
Hidden fences are designed to keep your pets safely contained within your property. However, it won’t stop other animals from entering unless they’re also wearing programmed receiver collars.
What If There’s a Power Outage?
DogWatch systems offer backup power options through our PowerPak®, keeping the system functioning during temporary outages. This ensures your pets remain safe even when the lights go out.
