Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Updated: 04/13/2023


What are the advantages of an underground electric dog fence over a physical fence?

Underground electric dog fences provide better protection against escapes, as dogs can't dig, jump, or break through them. Physical fences don't prevent escapes through doors or garages, while underground fences ensure complete property coverage.


How do you offer affordable underground electric dog fence installation?

We streamlined our business by reducing advertising expenses operating as an independent contractor, expanding our territory, opening an online store, and simplifying the estimation process. This allows us to provide cost-effective underground electric dog fence installation.


Are dealer-installed underground electric dog fence systems better?

Dealer-installed systems aren't necessarily better. The technology is similar across brands, and it's essential to consider post-sale costs, (receivers, batteries, service) rather than brand alone. Focus on the installer's experience and expertise instead.


Invisible Fence Brand is the biggest name in the business, why shouldn't I just go with them?

Several reasons:

 

1. Expense. They are the most expensive brand on the market and offer the least in technology to their customers.

2. Batteries. Their batteries are expensive. They last half as long and cost twice as much as other brands we offer.

3. We have first-hand experience doing service work on Invisible Fence Systems. We have determined, and it is our own opinion, that everything they do is to maintain a constant revenue stream. We've seen

fences chopped up so that they need to be replaced. We've seen wires just twisted together so that they fail from corrosion later on. We've seen poorly trained dogs, etc.

4. Lastly, Contracts and Deposits.


What types of underground electric dog fence systems do you install?

We offer a variety of package options and work closely with multiple brands to provide tailored solutions for your needs.


Can I adjust the underground electric dog fence myself?

Yes! We’ll show you how to make adjustments and provide phone support if needed.


Will you help train our dogs on the underground electric dog fence system?

We provide initial training guidance and an easy-to-follow program. If issues arise, we're here to assist and ensure successful containment.


What makes your underground electric dog fence training method unique?

Our "Gentle LiteTouch Training," endorsed by the IACP, focuses on a less stressful, low-correction approach compared to traditional methods.


What is your underground electric dog fence success rate?

We've never refunded a customer due to containment failure and will work tirelessly to find a solution for difficult cases.


Why should I get an underground electric dog fence vs a GPS wireless dog fence?

An underground electric dog fence is often the better choice because it can be installed to accommodate any property size or shape. An underground electric dog fence can be customized to meet the customer's needs. Although wireless GPS dog fences are easier to install, there are many drawbacks that we further address within our FAQ.


How much does a GPS Wireless Dog Fence cost?

The typical cost of GPS wireless dog fences ranges between $200 and $1,500 or more, depending on factors such as brand, model, features, and coverage area.

 

It's essential to note that depending on the brand, the initial cost of purchasing a GPS wireless dog fence can be expensive and does not include the monthly subscription fee required to maintain the system and access the GPS wireless dog fence software and mobile app. If you discontinue your subscription or forget to renew it, your dog may not be fully protected by the GPS wireless dog fence. The subscription fee is necessary to retain access to the GPS technology, software, and mobile app. Without a subscription, you won't be able to adjust the fence's settings or monitor your dog's location, compromising your pet's containment safety.


How does a GPS Wireless Dog Fence work?

GPS wireless dog fences are marketed as a modern and convenient way to create virtual boundaries for dogs. Unlike traditional underground dog fences, GPS wireless dog fences use satellite technology to track and define boundaries for dogs. Typically, by downloading and using a smartphone app, you can map out the dog fence boundary and configure it according to your preferences.

 

The GPS receiver collar that a dog wears is designed to detect the previously set boundary via software in an effort to keep the dog within a designated area.

 

Regular updates are essential for a GPS wireless dog fence system's firmware to ensure it remains on the latest version. These firmware updates address bug fixes, security vulnerabilities, and make other improvements to the software. Following the manufacturer's guidelines is crucial for upgrading the firmware of your GPS wireless dog fence system. If these guidelines are not followed during the firmware upgrade, it can result in a botched firmware update, which may render your GPS wireless dog fence system unusable and in an error state. In such cases, it may be necessary to reach out to the manufacturer to determine if a replacement is required.


Is a subscription fee required for GPS Wireless Dog Fence?

Many GPS wireless dog fences require monthly subscription fees, which can vary depending on the brand. These monthly subscription fees cover the cost of maintaining the system and providing access to the software and mobile app used to map out the boundary area for your dog. It's important to note that the subscription cost can quickly add up, especially if you're looking for highly sought-after features and resources that may require additional money a month. Before purchasing a GPS wireless dog fence, be sure to carefully research the brand and associated subscription fee(s) to ensure they fit within your budget.

 

In the event you forget or decide to stop paying the subscription fee for your GPS wireless dog fence, your dog may no longer be protected by the system. This is because the subscription fee is required to maintain access to the GPS system and the software and mobile app that you use to map out the boundary area for your dog.

 

Without access to the GPS system, your dog's receiver collar will not be able to receive signals from the satellites and may not be able to detect the boundary that you previously set. This means that your dog may be able to wander outside of the designated area and potentially get lost or run into dangerous situations.

 

It's important to maintain your subscription and ensure that it is up-to-date. If you're considering cancelling your GPS wireless dog fence subscription, it's crucial to research alternative options or discuss your concerns with the manufacturer to find a solution that works for you and your dog.


Can I use a GPS Wireless Dog Fence if I have a small yard?

If you have a yard that is half an acre or less, it's crucial to consult with the manufacturer of the GPS wireless dog fence system before purchasing to ensure it's suitable for your property size and environment. The defined GPS boundary line can vary unpredictably, reducing the overall accuracy of the system, especially in the presence of interference from nearby buildings or other obstructions. For instance, if you want to keep your dog away from a hazardous roadway, you may need to move the boundary line further away, which reduces the overall size of the boundary area on your property.


Is battery life a concern with GPS Wireless Dog Fences?

Yes! Battery life can be a major concern with GPS wireless dog fences. The battery life of a GPS wireless dog fence receiver collar can greatly vary, but typically lasts less than a day to a couple of days before needing to be recharged depending on settings selected, the GPS wireless dog fence model and brand, and overall health and age of the battery.

 

It's important to monitor the battery life of the GPS receiver collar regularly, especially if you use it for long periods at a time.


Can GPS Wireless Dog Fences be used indoors?

GPS wireless dog fences are not recommended for indoor use as they rely on GPS technology to work correctly. GPS signals may not be strong enough to penetrate the walls and ceilings of buildings, which can lead to inaccurate readings and unreliable boundaries.

 

If you need to create an indoor boundary for your dog, consider other types of electronic fences that use radio waves or wires to create a designated boundary area. These types of fences are typically more reliable for indoor use and can provide a safe and secure environment for your dog to play and explore.

 

In summary, GPS wireless dog fences are not recommended for indoor use as they rely on GPS technology and may not work accurately indoors. Other types of electronic fences are better suited for creating indoor boundaries for your dog.


Do GPS Wireless Dog Fences have range limitations?

It's important to note that GPS wireless dog fences have range limitations that can greatly vary depending on the specific model and brand. Generally, GPS wireless dog fences can have a range of up to a few miles, however, environmental factors, for instance, can drastically reduce their overall effectiveness. It's not uncommon for a GPS wireless dog fence to be marketed as having 3+ miles of range. However, when introducing environmental factors such as dense city areas, the range has the potential to easily drop from a few miles to 0.5 miles depending on severity.

 

When choosing a GPS wireless dog fence, it's essential to consider the size of your property and the range of the GPS wireless dog fence. Environmental factors such as trees, buildings, and terrain are known to weaken the GPS signal and reduce the range of the GPS wireless dog fence. Testing the GPS wireless dog fence before relying on it is crucial to ensure it provides a reliable and consistent boundary for your dog.

 

In summary, while GPS wireless dog fences have the potential to keep your dog safe and secure, it's important to be aware of their range limitations and the environmental factors that can affect their effectiveness.


Can a GPS Wireless Dog Fence work with multiple dogs?

Yes, GPS wireless dog fences can work with multiple dogs, but heavily depends on the specific model and brand in question. Some GPS wireless dog fences allow you to add multiple GPS receiver collars to the system, while others only allow one GPS receiver collar per system.

 

If you have multiple dogs and want to use a GPS wireless dog fence system, it's essential to choose a model that supports multiple receiver collars. This allows you to create designated boundary areas for each dog and ensure that they stay within their designated area.

 

It's also essential to note that each GPS receiver collar typically requires its own subscription fee depending on the brand, which can add up quickly if you have multiple dogs. Before purchasing a GPS wireless dog fence, be sure to research the costs associated with adding multiple receiver collars to ensure that the system fits within your budget. Additionally, you should also research the training process for each dog and ensure that the GPS wireless dog fence system in question offers resources and support for training multiple dogs.


Are GPS Wireless Dog Fences easy to install?

GPS wireless dog fences are generally easy to install depending on the model and brand, as well as your technical abilities. Here are the typical steps to install a GPS wireless dog fence:

 

Choose the GPS wireless dog fence that best suits your needs and preferences.

Download and install the software or mobile app required for the GPS wireless dog fence.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to activate and set up the GPS wireless dog fence system.

Use the software or mobile app to map out the designated boundary area for your dog.

Attach the GPS receiver collar to your dog and activate it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Train your dog to recognize and respect the designated boundary area using the manufacturer's recommended training techniques.

 

The installation process for GPS wireless dog fences can vary depending on the specific model and brand. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and to test the system regularly to ensure that it's working correctly.


Are GPS Wireless Dog Fences waterproof?

GPS wireless dog fences are typically designed to be waterproof or at least water-resistant. This is because some dogs love to play in water, and it's critical for the GPS receiver collar to continue functioning even if it gets wet.

 

However, the degree of waterproofing can vary depending on the specific model and brand. Some GPS wireless dog fences are fully waterproof and can be submerged in water without damage, while others may only be water-resistant and can withstand some exposure to water but not prolonged submersion.

 

It's essential to check the manufacturer's specifications for the GPS wireless dog fence you are considering purchasing to ensure that it has adequate waterproofing for your dog's needs.


Do I need a GPS Wireless Dog Fence if my dog is microchipped?

Yes, you may still need a GPS wireless dog fence even if your dog is microchipped. A microchip is a form of identification that can help reunite you with your lost dog in the event someone finds your dog and scans their microchip. However, it is important to understand that microchipping does not prevent your dog from wandering outside of your property or getting into dangerous situations.


At what age can puppies start using an underground electric dog fence?

Puppies are generally ready between 12 and 16 weeks old, depending on their maturity.


Can senior dogs use an underground electric dog fence?

We recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine if a dog fence is suitable for your senior dog.


Can you install an underground electric dog fence around existing physical fencing?

Yes, we can install inside, outside, or attach to existing physical fencing while maintaining safety and functionality.


Can I have a backyard-only underground electric dog fence? Will it cost less?

We can create backyard-only underground electric dog fences, but the cost may not be significantly reduced due to installation requirements.


Can you install an underground electric dog fence on wooded properties?

Yes, we can install on wooded properties with a clear 36" path for trenching or by top-laying the boundary wire if deemed necessary.


How close should my underground electric dog fence be to a neighbor's underground electric dog fence?

We recommend installing your underground electric dog fence 3–4 feet away from neighboring underground electric dog fences to avoid unwanted interference.


Do you offer underground electric dog fence discounts?

We don't offer discounts but provide fair, flat pricing without inflated costs.