We have two dogs, a Puggle (beagle/pug mix) and a Jack Russell. The Petsafe system was very easy to install. There is a video and there are very detailed written instructions. They suggest day to day training for at least a couple of weeks. And, it is suggested that you do not short cut the training. As for installation, we used a gas edger that sliced a hole in the ground 1-2 inches deep. It is a little tricky to cut the corners, but you are better off if they are rounded. The one mistake we made was to install the wire to the ceiling of our garage, which is located under our living room. This of course set off the alarm for our dogs. Soon after, we removed the wire and reinstalled it on the lower half of the garage walls.

It is very important to follow the training instructions very carefully. Don't get cold feet when your dogs are timid and scared. The system will work. It worked great for our dogs for a couple of months. They were very easy to train. It was amazing how you could simply let your dogs out in the area with no problems. And, with the Petsafe underground fence, you can simply mow over it. There is no trimming like there is with a conventional fence.

However, after those two months, our medium size dog, the Puggle, started escaping. He would run the wire excitedly then jump through. We almost lost him three times. Customer service was understanding, but said he simply needed retrained. This did not work. After continued escapes, we purchased the heavy duty collar. Thus far, it has worked great. Rabbits seem to know he can go only so far. And, my mom, who is scared of dogs, knows where she can walk in the yard when visiting. This heavy duty collar is a little bulky, but our dogs seem to have gotten used to it.

Today, I got our riding lawnmower out to chop up some leaves. The noise scared the Jack Russell. He ran through the underground wire. He did not even yelp. It took us an hour to get him back. Well, like I said, it worked great for a couple of months.

But, now I am having doubts again. Out daughter and son-in-law installed the same system. They have had virtually no problems.

I guess these quirks should not be considered anything serious. Maybe it is our dogs. And, I guess they could dig under an above ground fence.

Any suggestions from Petsafe owners would be appreciated.

I am adding an update. It has now been a year and a half. We have had only one in this time period. It is very important to replace the batteries on a regular basis. We do so every three- four months. I would now give this system a grade of at least a B. Friends who have a regular fence are jealous of the fact that I do not have to trim. I guess that is another plus. Just an update...

Hey...I hate to keep going on and on. But, the underground fence is an ongoing thing. I really do believe it is worth the hassle. The latest thing is my puggle barks at one section of it excitedly with the idea of maybe getting worked up and trying an escape. But friends who have above ground fences say even they do not simply leave their pets unattended in those fences either. Their dogs often dig under, climb over, or somehow get through the gates. So I guess there may be more chapters to this story.

Here is another chapter. The petsafe online and phone help is very good. Both our dogs use the extra long prongs. Our larger dog has the extra heavy duty collar. It vibrates a lot when he nears the wire. The prongs have fallen off. I mentioned online that I needed some guidance. The next day, I received both an email and a call. They suggested I add a drop of superglue. And, I was able to purchase a kit of replacement prongs etc. I requested only long ones. Two days later it arrived with my special request.

Again, being a school teacher, I repeat myself. This is an ongoing maintenance issue. And, I do believe it is still worth it.


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