Are invisible fences reliable? How can I keep my JRT boy...

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Answer by Jim
Submitted on 3/24/2004
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I have two Jack Russells on a Invisible Fence and leave them out as long as they like. They never go thru the fence but cause a lot of trouble within. They have sat by the line for hours watching a ground hog or other animal but never go thru. beware if the animal comes in the yard! Now to correct a few things I have read on this page. The collars cannot make burn marks on the dogs neck. These marks come from a improperly adjusted collar. If the collar is too tight, it will cause sores just like a bed sore. So check to make sure the collar is not to tight. All of the problems I have been reading about are the result of non- Invisible Fence Brand systems. You really need to contact a Invisible Fence Dealer and get the facts straight. I am a Invisible Fence Dealer and have thousands of customers with every breed available. Very few of my customers have any problems. The thing to remember is there is only one Invisible Fence Brand. With 30 years experience and superior quality, a dealer will assist you with the training which is very important for your fence to work properly and not cause undue stress on your pet. You will not have a problem with a properly installed system and properly trained dog. Most problems arise from do it yourself systems or dealers selling inferior products. Invisible Fence Brand has a 99.4% containment nation wide and a 98% customer satisfaction. Call a local dealer for a free estimate and they will explain much more than I can here. Thank you, Jim

Answer by Thomas
Submitted on 12/27/2005
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Both FM (frequency modulation) and AM (amplitude modulation) can suffer from interference from external sources and/or signals. A company called "Pet Stop" has an invisible fence containment system that does not use either FM/AM radio frequency (RF) signals (as the Invisible Fence Brand and other brands do). The "Pet Stop" product uses DM (digital modulation) instead of AM or FM. DM is apparently immune to the types of problems that will interfere with AM/FM signals/recievers/transcievers. The "Pet Stop" brand is a professionally installed products that competes favorably with "Invisible Fence Brand". Check out www.getpetstop.com for more info.. BTW: I am in the process of compairing "Invisible Fence Brand" and "Pet Stop Brand" products and, at the time of this posting, I own neither. I'll make my decision when I finish my comparison and evaluation (within a week or so). Email me at suasponte275@speakeasy.net if your curious which I went with etc... and I'll reply and post a response to this list....

Answer by ground zero
Submitted on 4/27/2006
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We have had an invisible fence system to contain our springer on 6 acres..the system when it works..works very well.. the dealer provides great service, which we have needed frequently.. we are on top of a hill and ever since we installed the system we are a bulls eye for every lightening storm that goes over the house...we have had several very close lightening bolts hit including one big one that hit the basketball backboard blowing a big hole in the ground right to the buried invisible fence line... blowing the line out of the ground, burning off the insulation and blowing the fence system main unit off the wall...the dealer replaced the unit, but it also melted all the cable tv leads coming into the house and knocked out the computer...since this episode we have had other shots including one last week that rattle the house and knocked the system out yet again...

Answer by Steve B
Submitted on 5/1/2006
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I'm surprised the Invisible Fence dealer didn't know that the most common reason for dogs getting sores on their neck is that the collar is left on too long. The dog should have the collar removed for at least 12 hours a day. None of these systems is meant for dogs that stay out all day long on a regular basis. I have an Innotek system. They have an adjustable field width and a patented run-through prevention system that should contain the dog that realizes the shock is only for a split second. Finally, the system that shuts off after 20 seconds is refering to a dog that might get stuck in the correction zone. If the dog runs through the wire the system does NOT turn itself off - it will still get a shock if it tries to return into the yard. Yes - the key to these systems is proper training. I'm an independent installer and utilize several different brands. Invisible Fence is not one of them - their technology is a bit outdated now and they are way too expensive for what they offer. None of my customers like the idea of having to replace batteries - especially with proprietary batteries!

Answer by Rick park
Submitted on 7/13/2006
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DogWatch Hidden Fence Systems is the best product on the market. They have an FM signal that can't interfere with other buried pipes or lines. They also have the fastest reaction time in the industry which keeps my dogs from running through the signal at full speed without getting a correction. The battery on the receiver lasts two years, my neighbors dog gets out every three months when the battery dies on their receiver and the dog figures it out before they do. The DogWatch Hidden Fence System also has an automatic shutdown after 15 seconds and a feature that allows the system to adjust up automatically if the dog does not obey its boundaries. Best of all, I have three dogs and two cats on the system and each of them can be at a different level. One of my dogs receivers was chewed off of its neck last month, i called my dealer and put the receiver in the mailbox; by the time I got home from work the receiver was replaced, free of charge, with a new and updated model. Their lifetime warranty even includes dogchews. My DogWatch Hidden Fence System has worked great for me and my pets for over 8 years!!!

Answer by toefoo123
Submitted on 8/20/2006
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I had the invisible brand dealer install for my 3 dogs. everything was great untill the flags came down. 2 of the 3 would run thru the fence. after 6 or 8 trips from the dealers trainers and manager. they put 3 shock collars on my JRT, one on his stomach, and raised the signal feild from 6 to 12 feet. they kept my lab in that way but not the JRT They gave me most of my money back, but not all of it. I had a pet safe fence installed from a dealer, and they have a program called stubborn no run through, or anti run through. well anyway, all three dogs have been happy in the yard for 3 years, with no problems. The petsafe system he installed was not the one in the store, but some kind of professional model only got thru a authorized dealer. also, the invisible fence dealer in new york here charges $55 for batteries for EACH dogs collar per year. the petsafe invisible fence dealer gives me a lifetime supply for free. or i can get them in a shopping market or drug store. do you reasearch, dont do it yourself, or just get from an invisible fence brand dealer. to contact a dealer for a dog fence, I called....1-800-793-6510

Answer by larry
Submitted on 9/8/2006
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Yes Invisible Fences are reliable. With that said let me explain to you my answer. I am careful to say invisible fence not pet containment because I had a 4 year very expensive search for what my neighbour got in six hours. My friend purchased an invisible fence brand fence in 2000 and it works great. That year I got a beagle pup asked the nieghbour how much. "YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING" my exact response. You must be able to get them for cheaper. My search began. I was right they are ever where so I picked up Guardian Brand of course I assumed they are all the same. Went home excited to show my nieghbour he was ripped off. put the wire in my self two full days and trained lucy. Ha no problem 2 months later lucy is at my neighbours. whats wrong I checked every thing went to the store where I got it the guys first response is oh this happens if you want we can get you a refund.fine i bring it in with no wire no cash very upset ask what i should do they say go see invisible fence dealer no way too much $$$back on line I see hey another by pet safe only $300 bucks already out $199 for guardian I say let's do it. all is well 2 months almost exactly lucy goes on vacation. A local trainer say'snothing will stop her. But hey maggie stay'shome they say it is the breed so I accept that lucy will need a kennel. 2 years later at a builders show I see $$invisible fence guy who is bragging to people he can stop any dog. Ok buster let's go I step right in the middle and tell those folks not beagles. impossible trainer said so. he pulls out a picture books with like 20 beagles. Well I tried it and it didn't work what I found out is that they al are not the same big difference in the way they work cause I did the training again by myself it was not any thing special but ask a dealer they can explain the huge difference. 2 1/2 years later lucy still at home $499 bucks more than my friend. It's not all the same search the mechanics of it before you decide.

Answer by Cindy
Submitted on 11/18/2006
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My 2 cents... We are unable to put a fence around our property. Yet, we wanted to be able to give our dog freedom outside without being on a chain. We looked into several "pet containment systems" and after much research went with Pet Safe. We picked them over Invisible Fence for several reasons. First of all, they offered a better warranty. I like a company that stands behind their product 100%. Also, I could buy replacement batteries for the collar for only $2.99 at Walmart. The Invisible Fence batteries HAVE to be purchased through invisible fence and are EXTREMELY expensive. Another advantage to PetSafe is that I can adjust the settings on the collar myself. With Invisible Fence, you need to have someone from the company come out and change the settings for you. Also, the patents for Invisible Fence have expired. Anyone can duplicate the technology and have done so. Just be very cautious of anyone that tells you that their product is best. Do the research and decide for yourself. I am VERY happy with the training that we received from Pet Safe. They are very professional and do not "slam" other companies. They just state the facts. And no....I don't work for PetSafe....Just a satisfied customer!

Answer by shannan
Submitted on 4/27/2007
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So my situation is that I have a 6 foot privacy fence. We leave our dogs outside during the day while we are at work. When we're home, they're with us. The problem is that our dogs are still finding ways out. They have even started breaking the slats on the fence to create a large enough hole to get through. I have heard reasons against an invisible electric fence-- mostly that the dog won't come back in if they get out and that other animals and children can still get in. Because we have a fence I don't think these apply to us. But I have also heard that the shock can create a negative association with something the dog sees when they get shocked and that it can cause misplaced aggression. What are your responses to these points?

Answer by Julie
Submitted on 6/10/2007
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I would like to comment on John's answer. I am a Veterinary technician and an Invisible Fence owner. First I would like to say that yes, Invisible Fence is different from other brands on the market. I know this because I interviewed all the local containment brands prior to purchasing my Invisible Fence and hands down the IF sales associate and trainers knew more about dogs then any one else. Second coming from a medical standpoint pet containment systems cannot burn a dog. They are all static. What happens is irresponsible owners fail to take off the dogs collars and the dogs develop pressure sores and bacterial infections- exactly the same way nylon, leather, chokers and pinchers do. It is the owners lack of attention at fault not the containment systems.

Answer by Chuck
Submitted on 7/19/2007
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The truth is Invisible Fence Brand is the far superior product. I mean, over 30 years of experience, come on...duh!!!! The fact is Invisible Fence Brand holds over 150 patents. Imitations are repackaged 1970's electronics. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!!!!! A do-it-yourself systems are awful. One size-fits-all for a dog? Are you crazy! No two dogs have the same personality. If you but some equipment off the internet who is going to help you? Do you know THAT much about dog training? My family has been breeding Labradors for more than 40 years. We train dogs for duck hunting and for advanced field trail competitions(NAHRA-North American Hunting Retriever Association). We tried the Petsafe Radio Fence...garbage. Otis (blk lab 3yrs) went through after 2 weeks of being on the fence. Savannah (yellow lab-8months) was terrified. We had Invisible Fence dealer come to our kennels. He showed us all the imitation fences they take out. The Invisible Fence Brand dealer was also a hunter and breeder that was recommended to us by our veterinarian. They customized a system specifically for our dogs. They worked with Savannah to comfort her in the yard and now the problem is she won't come in the house. Otis has a new respect for the fence. A Jack Russell terrier is an interesting breed. They are tenacious dogs, but some can be very timid. Parson John Russell bred these dogs to go into a fox hole and bring out the fox alive...scratching and biting. The more pain they endure the harder they work. That doesn't mean you have to shock a JRT into submission. Customize the training and the equipment to fit the dog!!!! Go to Invisible Fence.com. Would you buy the cheapest car seat for your child? Why does a Volvo cost more than a Yugo? They both have four wheels and an engine. Volvo has been proven to be the safest car on the road. If you love you pet as much as he loves you...get it done right the first time. Don't waste your time with garbage the way I did. A true Invisible Fence Brand system can only be purchased through an authorized dealer. Don't fall for the scams!

Answer by Bill
Submitted on 7/20/2007
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Response to Frank's question 6/26/07. Dear Frank. I am an Invisible Fence Brand dealer. There is no better system than Invisible Fence. You just have old, out of date electronics. An R-5000 receiver is the oldest receiver in the industry. The R-5000 is no longer in production. It hasn't been made since the mid 1990's. Using an R-5000 is like trying to log on to internet with a typewriter. The r-5000 is an A.M. analog receiver. That was fine when cell phones and remote controls didn't exist. Your r-21 might be an older model as well that is programmed to read an analog transmitter. Check with your local Invisible Fence Brand dealer and he can help you upgrade your electronics. You need to get into the digital age and that should solve the problem. If not your dealer can "mask" the signal bleed so you can continue to use the old stuff. The new IF series is the most technologically advance system on the market-period! Since you already own an IF system you will be taken care of at a lower "upgrade" price. Membership has it's privileges!!!! Down grading to an imitation fence is not a good option. Invisible Fence is the leader of the industry and controls about 90% of the custom installed market. They have the money to invest to make sure they are always the best. Stay with the best...Invisible Fence. That is, of course, if you are actually an IF customer and not just a "knock off" dealer with an ax to grind. In response to John on 5/10/2004, YOU ARE WRONG!!!! Static electricity cannot burn anything. "Pressure Necrosis" (aka Bed Sores) can develop when the collar is too tight and is never removed from the pet. A constant foreign object on the skin can cause the blood capillaries in the skin to die and scab over. This is not the collars fault, is a BAD DOG OWNER. If your dog has pressure necrosis you can smell a foul odor from several feet away. That occurs from neglect. I noticed your reference to "IFCO". You sent up a red flag...you know the industry. I suspect you are a dealer of sorts. Try improving your own product and stop bashing ours.

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Question by Lisa
Submitted on 3/2/2004
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Jack Russell Terriers Breed-FAQ
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Are invisible fences reliable? How can I keep my JRT boy from running off?

Answer by Donna
Submitted on 3/4/2004
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I know of some people who have invisible fences that work quite well. Jacks are very trainable. Just don't leave them out there if you aren't there. If they would happen to run over the fence, the collar will shock them and not let them back in. Just remember, electric fences won't keep other creatures out, and your Jack will chase to the point of ignoring everything else. Best thing to do is to keep him on a leash, or put up a good, stout, tall fence.

Answer by Tanisha
Submitted on 3/4/2004
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Once a dog has established a habit of running away it is almost impossible to teach him not to. You will have to put him in a cage or like you said get an invisible fence. I haven'tthe money for one but I want one so I once did an online search and came up with one that I thought sounded good. Here is the site: http://radiofence.com/rf3006.htm It comes with flags, wire, lightning protection, levels of intensity, and after 20 seconds of punishment it will shut off in case your dog got stuck outside the boundary. It is easily installed and evidently doesn't have some of the inconvenient problems most underground fences have. Good luck! Tanisha

Answer by Merrie Beth
Submitted on 4/13/2004
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I have a professionally installed and trained system called Contain-A-Pet. It worked for a while, but then 2 or our dogs get loose now. They realize that the shock is only for a split second and worth it to get out of the yard. We worked with our dealer who gave us harnesses with more shock locations and they still get out. They worked extensively with the dogs as did we, and we are wondering how Invisible Fence is different. Tell us why? Thanks much...

Answer by John
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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Invisible Fence Brand is not any different from any other brand. The key to any pet containment system is the TRAINING. To make a comment to the IFCO dealer, some systems on the market will burn the dog, if they are too loose and the dog enters the signal field it will arc causing a burn on the dog's neck. Anyone who is looking for a system should do research, there are some good products on the market, always remember the training is key, pro installation never hurts. Also remember that Invisible Fence Brand is not the only game in town, and there are certainly other brands that have gone way above and beyond with their technology.

Answer by Frank
Submitted on 6/26/2004
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I would like to know whose electronic fence is better than Invisible fence! I have had an Invisible Fence brand fence for several years and use a 5000 receiver as well as an R21. Problem is I keep getting stray signals out of my household electrical system that affects the R21 especially (making it beep sporadically when the dog lies near pipes or electrical lines within the house) thus causing problems within my house. For the record, the transmitter is outside in a detached garage and the line runs around about 8 acres of land and through about 300 feet of lake. Any help out there?

Answer by JODY RAGAN
Submitted on 3/14/2005
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I HAVE HAD AN INCIDENT WHERE A ELECTRICAL STORM CAUSED THE COLLAR TO BEEP (I THINK) HAS ANYONE HAD THIS HAPPEN? OR, HAS ANYONE ANSWERED FRANK'S QUESTIONS OF 6/26/04?

Answer by Greg
Submitted on 4/11/2005
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I think I know the answer to Franks problem, I am an Invisible Fence Dealer and on rare occasions I have seen interference on frequency 7 I have never seen interference on frequency 10. Call your local dealer and ask them to switch frequencies & reprogram your collar. Your system is pretty old as well, maybe you should consider an upgrade to the latest technology. It's come a long ways since the 5000, existing customers can upgrade very reasonably.

Answer by RAZSA
Submitted on 5/8/2005
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INVISIBLE FENCE BRAND IS GREAT I INSTALL THEM. THEY CAN WORK WITH ANY DOG. I HAVE WORKED WITH HUNDREDS OF DOGS THERE IS NO ARC OR BURN THAT IS CRAZY TALK. FRANK YOU NEED A MASK WHAT YOU HAVE IS CALLED A BLEED WHICH IS A RARE PROBLEM BUT IS EASILY FIXED CALL YOUR DEALER WHO INSTALLED IT AND TELL HIM TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR YOU.

Answer by Jess
Submitted on 5/8/2005
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If you want to get an invisible fence get one, if not, don't.

Answer by steve
Submitted on 6/5/2005
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go to www.getpetstop.com and get the best you never regret it . it keeps four of my jacks in 24/7 . they have dog doors to go in and out of . i got it all from my local pet stop dealer.

Answer by Paul
Submitted on 10/27/2005
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Stray signals are a downfall to ANY electronic pet containment system. Invisible fence is the only electronic pet containment that has a solution to this problem. Call your local Invisible Fence dealer to find out how to fix this problem.

Answer by aaron
Submitted on 11/17/2005
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There are many systems out there, but the most advanced by far is Pet Stop. Pet Stop is ran out of Cincinatti, Ohio, but available nationwide. Pet Stop is ran by John Purtell, ho started Invisible Fence originally. As to Frank's question, His Invisible Fence is ran of oa a.m. frequency, wich can "flood" onto utility lines or metal objects. Pet Stop is a digital frequensy signal, wich eliminates ' GHOST SIGNALS" . Most Pet Stop dealers offer a swap out program ,where they use your exsisting wire, take your Invisible Fence ( or other brand ) and trade you for a Pet Stop system with full lifetime warranties for a discounted price

Answer by Larry
Submitted on 12/7/2005
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Frank - There are several solutions to correct the stray signals you are experiencing with your Invisible Fence Computer Collars. There is a product called an "Invisible Mask" designed to shield stray signals - especially indoors. The other possible solution is sometimes changing the frequency on the transmitter and R21 Receiver will correct this (if it's set to 10K, your Dealer can switch this to 7K and re-program the receiver collar to the same frequency. The best thing to do is to contact your local Invisible Fence Dealer, explain the problem you're experiencing and ask them about the Invisible Mask. Hope this helps - Larry

Answer by your mom
Submitted on 12/19/2005
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Answer by Chris Arndt
Submitted on 5/29/2007
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Give us a call. Dog Guard of the Hudson Valley www.HudsonValleyDogGuard.com 845-527-2554

Answer by slm5788
Submitted on 12/20/2005
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I have 4 dogs, 3 small and 1 large. I have been using the Invisible fence for two years with no problems. The key to making sure they don't run through it is to spend some time training. The collars can be adjusted to many levels and I have never had them burn my dog. IF you get quotes from a couple systems, The Invisible fence dealer will probably cut you a better deal rather than lose the job.

Answer by cavrat
Submitted on 4/2/2006
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I have a large backyard with 5 flower/mulch beds. I want to cut off access to the beds but not the rest of the yard. Do I need 5 systems or can one work if parts of the wire is insulated???????????

Answer by Stephanie
Submitted on 4/5/2006
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My dog has the invisble fence and he has to big wholes on his neck that are infected. We took it off and he doesn't notice that it is off he stays in the yard. But he still has those two big holes on his neck.

Answer by invisible fence dealer
Submitted on 8/20/2006
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The srtay signals might be a line probl;em. contact your dealer that installed it. The other thing is that both of those callars are know for going off near tv's and microewaves. the filter system invisible fence uses is not up to date. as a matter of fact, in the manuals, invisible fence states, check your collars near appliances, as some signals are similar to the invisible fence brand signal, and may cause your dog to get shocked by accident. Petsafe professional dealers and Dogwatch dealers are better. just dont buy the stuff in the store

Answer by dogman
Submitted on 9/4/2006
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Invisible fence brand is just that. a brand, like kleenex. Look for a petsafe professional dealer at petsafepro.com. they have a gentle training program that is more effective training than any other system out there. plus if your JRT runs thru, they can make it so it doesnt just shut off when he runs thru, it will turn him around because of the training they use. its not about the shock, its about the training!

Answer by upstatebill
Submitted on 10/18/2006
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Since all underground fencing systems will work with proper training, three factors should influence your decision to buy an underground fence; price, service and warranty resolution. I purchased a Petsafe brand and had numerous transmitter problems that took weeks to resolve. I replaced it with Invisible Fence and had difficulty getting service. Finally, I purchased a Contain-A-Pet system and found them to have the best price, almost immediate service and warranty issues resolved in a matter of days. Get quotes and also compare the company's commitment to service.

Answer by Vern
Submitted on 1/11/2007
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Ihave had an electronic fence system for 20 years with Rotweillers, two that went 140 lbs. One of these dogs gave us some problems. It only took a couple times for us to break him. Two collars one behind each ear, turn up the signal range to as wide as it will go Inotec, the only manufacture we have used, even sent us an extra strength collar. The two collar method worked like a charm. Once we got over the training hump they would not go near the fence line, even with no collar on. If your dog is master you will have problems, if you are master the dog will know that your love and effection may be withheld if they go beyond the bounds you have set.

Answer by Joe
Submitted on 5/9/2007
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Does anyone with an invisible fence leave their dogs outside most of the time? I am wondering if it would be a good alternitive to building a 1000.00+ wooden fence at my new home. We have about 1 acre of land that I wanty the dogs to stay in. By the way, I have two Red Tick Hounds. I'm mostly worried aboutthem picking up a scent and running through the fence.

Answer by Steve
Submitted on 5/24/2007
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The vote buttons do not work on this page. I am using Firefox 2.0

Answer by steve
Submitted on 7/17/2007
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PET STOP is far supperior to invisible fence. They have much better products and technology. If you have invisible fence (like my mom does) they can sell you batteries and service you for less. Can't say enough about them. I found them at petstop.com

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