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Quick Summary
- Wireless pet containment systems use a combination of a collar and a transmitter to create a boundary for pets. This means that they’re easy to set up and adjust to fit the specific area where they are being used.
- The collar on the system usually has an adjustable button to signal the level of static shock correction it will deliver. It’s important to start with the lowest setting and adjust gradually to avoid traumatizing or upsetting your pet.
- Most systems come with a training guide to help train pets to stay inside the boundary, and this process can take some time and patience. A mixed method of boundary static shock, reward, and reinforcement is recommended for best results.
After all the hard work of finding the best wireless dog fence for your pet, it is now time to install it. Fortunately, this device is easy enough to set up, provided you gain some basic knowledge of what your system does.
As dog owners, we know that keeping our furry friends safe and secure is always a top priority. That’s the reason why I decided to invest in my first wireless pet containment system all those years ago. The process of installing it seemed daunting at first, but after researching and getting some guidance from fellow pet owners, I realized it was simpler than I thought. I soon got the hang of it, and before I knew it, I had purchased and set up over a dozen wireless dog fence units for my dogs, and for some of my friends’ dogs too.
If you’re in the same boat I was in not that long ago, here are some helpful tips on how to install a wireless pet containment system. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or just looking for a more convenient way to keep your furry friend safe, this step-by-step guide will help you get started.
Pet Containment System Terminologies
If you’re considering purchasing a wireless dog fence, understanding the basic terminology is essential to make the most out of your investment. Here are some key terms that you need to know:
Transmitter
The transmitter is the heart of any wireless fence system. It is responsible for transmitting the radio signal that defines the boundaries of the pet containment system. The transmitter is typically plugged into a power outlet and can be adjusted to control the range and intensity of the signal. The transmitter also has a control for the intensity of the static shock that the collar emits to correct your pet’s behavior.
Boundary
The boundary is the line beyond which the pet cannot go. It is determined by the range setting on the wireless signal transmitter, and dog owners are often advised to mark it using the boundary flags included in many wireless dog fence kits. During the initial training period, the boundary flags will help you and your pet to remember where the boundary is. As your pet becomes familiar with the boundary, you can remove the flags.
Wireless Collar
The wireless collar, also known as the receiver collar, is worn by your pet and is responsible for receiving the radio signal from the transmitter. It sometimes comes in the form of a a dog GPS tracker. It is the main device that must be working properly in order to deliver the corrective behavior static shock. The collar is equipped with two sizes of prongs for different types of pets. The collar must be in direct contact with the pet’s skin to deliver the static correction properly. If the pet does not show a significant response to the static shock, then you need to increase the intensity or change to the longest prong size. The collar beeps before giving the static correction as a warning to the pet.
Please keep in mind the following important notes about the collar:
- Remove collar in the night while the pet is sleeping.
- Do not leave your pet for more than 10 hours.
- Do not use the collar to attach a leash or anything else.
- Do not pull or yank the collar.
- Keep the collar charged.
Boundary Flags
Boundary flags are included in the kit and are placed at the edge of the boundary to help the pet understand where it is. Your pet will also recognize these flags. Once your pet is trained with the collar, the flags can be removed.
Wireless Pet Containment System Installation Step-by-Step
Before starting the installation process, make sure you have all the necessary items and read the manual that comes with the wireless pet containment system.
- Removal & Installation Of Transmitter
Remove everything from the box, including the wireless fence transmitter, and read the manual, if there is one. Install the transmitter unit in a place that allows full range on your property. Make sure there is no metal within 2 feet of the transmitter. Hang it on the wall if wall-mounted or set it up higher, at least 2 to 4 feet from ground level. This ensures that the signal transmitter is working at its best capacity.
- Setting Up Boundary
Take out the wireless collar and attach it to the charger, and wait about 2 hours to get a complete charge. Usually, a light will blink when the collar is fully charged. Press and hold the on button until the light starts blinking. When setting up a boundary, make sure you are aware of the wireless fence transmitter’s specifications on distances. Most manufacturers have a high frequency and a low frequency, depending on the range needed. If your home has a large backyard, you will need to adjust the setting, usually found on the transmitter base.
Next, we suggest that you have a helper as it will make setting up easier.
One person stands at the transmitter while another walks out toward the boundary and waits for the beeping signal of the boundary line and the static shock. Place the boundary flags as you walk the boundary line. Make sure you walk around your entire home so you know where it stops and starts. Also, in order to freely take your pet inside and out of yard for walks and such, make sure there is an exit point on the property. On most models, you can adjust the setting and hone in on the frequency to custom fit your area.
- Adjusting The Collar Static Shock
Most collars have an adjustable button that signals the level of static shock correction it will deliver. Always start your pet on the lowest setting and if no positive response is received, then adjust the setting. If the static is too strong, your pet will attempt to run from the boundary in a panic. This could send your pup even farther beyond the boundary, which may repeatedly trigger the static correction, leaving him confused as to why it’s happening. This could traumatize your dog, or at least leave him very anxious and upset for a long while[1]. Also, make sure the collar beeps at the right moment, before the static shock is delivered, so your pet knows that it is approaching the boundary.
- Training And Removal Of Boundary Flags
Most models of wireless pet containment systems contain a training guide, which is also available on YouTube, to help you train your pet to stay inside the boundary. Please note that it will take some dedicated time and understanding to train pets properly. Once the training is complete, slowly remove the boundary flags, allowing the pet to ease into the unmarked boundary. The receiver collar, which is a crucial component of the wireless fence, must be properly working throughout the training process.
Training your pet to stay inside the boundaries is a matter of consistency and confidence for the trainer. It has been proven that a mixed method of boundary static shock, reward, and reinforcement is the best way to get lasting behavioral changes. Make sure you follow the recommendations of the manufacturer when setting up your system, as they do vary. You may experience a harder time with receiving signal in areas that have steep declines or inclines, so test the new wireless dog fence device first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wireless dog fences really work?
Wireless dog fences have around a 70% effectiveness rate, according to statistics from May 2014. While they are an option, it’s important to keep in mind that they may not be as effective as other types of fencing.
How big of an area can a wireless dog fence cover?
A wireless fence can be personalized to cover a maximum radius of 90 feet, or an area 180 feet across. These systems were initially developed to be used for camping and traveling for 1-2 hours, so they tend to have a shorter range than wired systems.
What is the best fencing for dogs that escape?
Dogs that have honed their escape artistry might need the extra security provided by a physical fence. Aluminum fencing is a durable option that can help keep dogs safe, as it can withstand damage that could be caused by the pet. Timber fencing can cause issues, such as deteriorating and making it easier for dogs to escape. Supporting physical fencing like this with a wireless electric dog fence should be enough to make frequent escapees behave.
What is better than invisible fence?
GPS fences like the Halo GPS Dog Fence often come with a lot of features and are not limited by a base transmitter unit or require you to bury any wire. They operate as a multi-layer system that provides protection beyond your boundaries. It only uses a single device — just the collar around your pet’s neck — to guide your pet into safe surroundings when they cross the boundaries. As a security device, it’s significantly more advanced than an invisible fence.
