Would appreciate advice on a DIY electronic pet fence project. Brand and feature recommendations, do and don'ts on installation process, training method, etc. Area of containment is small, > 500', and there are only two open areas which I will need to install the wire across....separate by the back of home. Fencing is not an option due to POA restrictions. Dog is medium size and 5 months old.

kith:

I have been researching this for the past few months now as we have a couple of labs. I will install one as soon as I have some free time but I will be going with the Petsafe brand. If you do not want to mess with the wires, look at their wireless containment system. From what I have read and videos I have watched, the instructions are pretty straight forward and easy.

I've got one for the Bony Dog. It's the bury the wire variety, not the complete radio fence that is only good for a circular perimeter.

Pros:
Keeps the little escape artist where he belongs
Low Maintenance

Cons:
There are a couple areas where burying the wire wasn't feasible and it's not very weedwacker friendly
The control box isn't waterproof so it has to be indoors somwhere
Now warning when the collar battery dies except for seeing the little ****er on the front porch when I get home

jaggiemaggie:

Thanks for the reply. I have also read and researched this topic, but I wanted to also get some first hand input from posters on this forum. The wireless unit you suggest may be my best option. Take care.

Thanks, Tree Hugger

We have the radio fence with two big dogs that like to run and chase things and it works fantastically. It costs a little bit but it is way worth it. It has run thru protection to keep your dog from gritting his teeth and jumping over a buried wire.

I would recommend reading up on the training for it. I have a weimaraner that didn't mind getting shocked - She could jump a 6 foot fence while simultaneously getting shocked. From what I read, we didn't train her properly at the beginning....

Thanks for all replies...which seem to indicate that the system doesn't work with some dogs. I am, however, going to give it a try since my options are limited. I hope to remember to report back to this thread.

Here's my dog versus electric fence story to add to those above. Neighbor had a feisty small dog which ran out to the street to bark at passersby. They installed an electric fence and after several shocks, the dog knew the boundary and would not cross. Over the course of a year the dog had made a visible 'rut' in the yard just inside the wire's route. I was talking to this neighbor later and commented on how effective the system was. The neighbor replied that it sure worked for his dog, especially since he had turned the electricity off to the wire after the first month's training.

I am thinking about getting one for my basset hound. Any reports back on your situation now?