Invisible Fence Questions

EliNHunter

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#1
Hi, all. I got my yellow lab Hunter from the shelter last April. Last summer he had the habit of eating holes into the fenced in back yard so he could get out. Needless to say, he was good once he got out, stuck around, etc., but nonetheless, I don't want him getting outside that fence!

I have a basic chainlink fence coated in vinyl to make it the black color. He can pull that chainlink to make a hole like you wouldn't believe! I've had the fence peope come out to quote the repair. But I can't see spending 100's of $$ to do that only for Hunter to do it again! I've wondered about putting in an invisible fence to train him the "real" fence is nothing to mess with. Would I need to bury the wire outside of the "real" fence? What's the closest distance the dog can get before they feel a sensation? Does the sensation start low and get higher the closer they get to the fenceline? I would hate for him to not be able to get within 5 feet of the fenceline. Is this something I need to get professionally installed?

Nothing like looking at a fence within a fence. I hope it would be short term where he just learns to stop messing with the real fence. Any input is appreciated...
Amy + Hunter
 
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#2
There are several different brands of underground fence, and the "Invisible Fence" brand is the best. The difference is that the invisible fence brand gives the dog a warning beep, a couple of seconds, then a shock if he hasn't moved. Most other underground fences wait until the dog is actually over the wire before they send a signal, and by then, of course, it's usually too late. Invisible Fence brand is a little more expensive, but it's the only one that works properly and will keep a clever dog in the yard.

Pretty much everything can be set to your taste. The Invisible Fence people will come out and actually train your dog to the fence (I don't really approve of the way they do it, but that's a whole other story). They'll recommend settings for distance, time delay, and intensity of the shock.

Yes, professional installation is necessary. Go here to find a branch in your area: http://www.invisiblefence.com/ . You can also usually find them in the phone book. They'll come out and look at your yard and give you a quote for free. Then, when you're ready, they come out and install the power box, hook up the wire, and bury it for you.

It sounds to me like this would be a good solution for your dog. I am strongly against "e-training" in any situation except when it's the only way to keep a dog in their yard, making it a life-and-death situation. I think this is the only time when it's appropriate to use this kind of force.

Usually, a dog doesn't actually take the shock more than once or twice. After some time has gone by, you're usually okay to take off the prong collar. You should put it back on occasionally to remind him of the fence, should he need it.
 

EliNHunter

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#3
Thanks, Emma. That helps alot. I would want the wire buried on the OUTSIDE of the real fence to teach him he can maybe only get within one foot of the fence? Do you think it could be that exact? Hopefully it would be very short term to teach him he can't go all the way to the fence and make contact with it. What an expense! A fence within a fence! But I think he's young and will hopefully have him for many years, so I need to nip it in the bud before summer! Thanks again...
Amy + Hunter the fence-eater...
 

poodlesmom

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#4
I have an IF. I agree that you would want it installed outside the perimeter of your current fence. Tell the IF techs what it is you are looking to accomplish and they'll figure our the correct placement and settings on the unit to achieve it. I have found them to be very helpful.
 

EliNHunter

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Thanks, Poodlesmom. And guess what? You remember my post about a friend inquiring about a goldendoodle? I talked her into the full blown Standard Poodle and she's located a litter she is looking into this weekend. She sent me a picture of the mom and dad... a professional portrait and they look so regal and beautiful. And the pups' pictures were precious! I will share the pics with you if you'd like. Just let me know...
Amy + Hunter
 

poodlesmom

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#6
That's great news! I am so glad you were able to convince her! I am sure she won't be disappointed! Great job! And I, for one, never ever turn down a chance to see pics! :)
 
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#7
Amy, I want to see those pics too! In truth, I've only seen Standard Poodle (or any kind of Poodle) pups one time, just before I turned four. It was kind of funny, really. My parents had given my dog, Copper, to a farmer because I was the only one Copper would tolerate near him. He had some other bad habits, too, like climbing up in the apple tree in his pen and going over the fence . . . :eek: Anyway, I was heartbroken and they were going to get me a more manageable dog, so they were looking at different breeds. I remember going to a house where a woman raised Standard Poodles. My Mom wasn't all that thrilled about a dog that big (she got over that at a later date, but that's a different story, lol!) and it was definitely a no-go when the male hiked his leg and peed on the corner of the wall right there in front of us and his owner. She didn't say a word to him! She actually laughed and said he did that whenever anyone he didn't know came in the house! It must have been true because I remember the place stinking of dog pee. I only got a vague glimpse of a squirming pile of fuzz off in the next room because Mom decided then and there she wanted no part of having a Poodle. It never occured to her it wasn't normal behaviour for the breed, just a very foolish owner. So we ended up with Micky, the Toy Fox Terrier . . . now talk about a handful! And we had another dog that really only paid attention to me . . .

I think my Mom would have really liked a Standard Poodle if she'd met one under different circumstances. They seem to have such lovely manners normally, but still have a great sense of fun. And I know she would have liked not having to deal with shedding, lol! ;)
 

poodlesmom

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#8
I can surely attest to the fact that standard poodles will definitely keep you laughing! Every one I have ever met has been personality plus! :) Another plus is that out of all the different dogs I have had over the years I can honestly say they have been by far the easiest to train. The only problem I have run into is that I need to keep changing the sequence of exercises in training because I find that they (Farley especially) anticipates and automatically moves on to the next exercise. :rolleyes:
 

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