Radio Fence - Not For The Squeamish!
Written: Jul 18 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy To Install
Cons: Hard To Stomach The Corrections
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| rpllingrock's Full Review: Pet Safe Standard Radio Fence System with Standard... |
At first, the thought of delivering a "correction" to my dog sounded like cruel and unusual punishment until that is, I considered the alternatives.
If you can't stand the thought of your pet getting a "correction" then I can't recommend this to you. It really isn't a pretty sight! But I will say your dog will love the freedom to move around at will without the restrictions of a rope, fence or chain.
How It Works
There are three parts to this system, transmitter, receiver (collar) and the wire.
The transmitter plugs into a 115v outlet, emitting a weak radio signal that travels along a wire that you've installed in a continuous loop around your garden, flower beds or whatever you've determined to be the dogs boundary.
The collar acts as a receiver and correction device. As the dog approaches the wire, the dog collar emits a warning tone signaling to the dog that they have reached their safe limit.
Should the dog decide not to heed the warning and proceed further, a mild correction is delivered to the dog via the collar. In my book it's called a shock and a little nasty one at that!
This system can work with as many dogs as you wish to buy collars for. One, ten, twenty, it doesn't matter.
I have received this "correction" myself and can honestly tell you it was of no fun.
Is This Torture?
To some people this may seem like the case, but we have decided that this method of boundary containment was best for my pet and have no regrets installing and using the system. My dog is allowed the full run of the yard without the worry of her leaving or getting into unwanted areas.
Considering The Alternatives
When I took the alternatives into consideration, I tried to put myself in my dog's shoes. (if she had shoes)
1) Tying the dog with a rope or chain- I originally tried this, but decided this was no way for an animal to spend the better part of the day.
2) Fencing the dog in- I seriously considered this alternative but decided against it. By fencing my dog in I would be fencing myself in also. I enjoy the view of my garden and wooded areas.
3) Leaving the dog in the house- Again I don't think this is the way an animal should spend its entire day while I'm away at work. Sure some dogs prefer staying indoors, but to me it just wasn't right.
4) Allowing the dog to roam the neighborhood freely- Obviously not a good choice. Should I ever want my neighbors to distribute a petition to have the Bank revoke my mortgage, I may consider this.
Installation
The system comes with an installation and training video. Following this direction will yield any obstacles or problems you may encounter during installation.
We installed about 650 feet of transmitter wire in about 3 hours using a straight blade shovel and slitting the earth at about a two-inch depth and tucking in the wire. Pressing the cut area with your foot seals the hole and will blend in with the rest of the grass in a few days.
Mark the barrier several feet from the wire with the plastic flags provided. This will give your dog a visual indication of where the warning "beep" starts.
Training
It shouldn't take more than two weeks to train any dog using this system. My dog learned in less than a week using my own less "shocking" method.
I refused to follow the directions completely (so says my wife) but instead drafted my own set of rules that yielded less "corrections" but may have taken longer. I would estimate that my pet received no more than 5 "corrections" since first installing the system, and all within the first few days.
We walked the dog around the perimeter with the dog on a leash and radio collar. This was supposed to help the dog see where her boundaries lie. Walk her to the edge allowing the collar to beep. I did this for 2 days. On the third day she received her first correction. I will spare the graphic details.
I Never Said I Was Too Bright!
I had already decided that before I allow my dog to get "corrected", I would have to do it to myself first.
I held the collar in my hand, probes pressing against my palm, and walked across the "Line of Correction". I would have worn the collar around my neck if it weren't for the neighbors.
The shock is similar to a static shock but much stronger. One way you can possibly simulate such a shock would be to lower the humidity in your home in Winter to about 5%, roll around on the carpet for several minutes (naked if you prefer) getting all "charged up" and then touch a door knob.
A Would Be Conversation With My Dog
Dog: "Mike, I want to take this time to thank you for installing this Radio Fence and securing my safety. Sure it took me a few days to learn your system, but in the long run it was well worth it."
Me: "No Problem! At least I won't have to worry about you leaving the yard and getting into trouble. I'm sorry about the corrections you received but it was a small price to pay, don't you think?"
Dog:"That's easy for you to say! As a thank you, I have left you gifts throughout the lawn and will continue to do so in appreciation of your efforts."
Me:"Thanks! You're a Princess."
Overall
After looking into several brands of electronic fencing, I have found Radio Fence to stand far above the rest for quality, service and price.
Like anything else, parts will need to be replaced and I have found the Radio Fence people courteous and knowledgeable the few times I had contact with them. Obtaining parts, repair or accessories has not been a problem and the system has performed flawlessly.
I didn't buy this system complete but have upgraded components.
The transmitter sends an audible tone whenever the wire loop has been broken. This was missing on previous models leaving you to manually check for continuity. A broken wire = no protection. Adios Amigo!
She tests the boundary everyday waiting for the battery to go dead. I sometimes come home and find her sitting in the front yard. Once she spots me she'll crawl to the backyard, tail between her legs, knowing she has done wrong.
Should you decide on a Radio Fence, opt for the 6v Lithium batteries over alkaline. With a Lithium battery, you can expect 4-6 months before replacement as opposed to 1-2 months for the alkaline.
Recommended:
Yes
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