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What is a wireless dog fence?

A wireless dog fence, sometimes also referred to a wireless radio fence is a pet containment system that uses radio signals to confine your pet within a set area.

Unlike an in-ground electronic dog fence systems, a wireless dog fence uses no wires, just a transmitter to create a hidden fence which works with the receiver collar. 

It is important to note that a wireless dog fence isn’t ideal for many homes due to the landscape, buildings or even the orientation of the site, be sure to speak to a StayFence expert to see if this is a good option for you. You can also learn about in-ground electronic dog fence systems here. 

The video below outlines how one wireless system works.

How do wireless dog fences work?

A centrally located transmitter sends out a radio signal which creates a circular boundary around your pet’s containment area. Depending on what wireless dog fence you buy, the size of your pet containment area can be adjusted. 

Your dog wears a receiver collar which remains in contact with the transmitter. Your pet is free to run around the containment area without getting any type of correction.

When the dog gets too close to the correction zone their receiver collar beeps to warn them that it’s time to turn around.

If they ignore the warning beep and continue to move toward the hidden boundary collar will deliver a mild correction – that’s designed to be uncomfortable but will not hurt them.

The static correction reminds them that they’re somewhere they shouldn’t be and encourages them to retreat back to the containment area you have set out in your garden.

Where should you place a wireless dog fence transmitter?

The wireless transmitter creates a circular containment area for your pet, the transmitter is at the centre of the circle. 

You need to consider certain criteria when selecting the location of the transmitter, for example; it should be around 50cm to 1m off the ground if must be inside and dry as well as in an area that doesn’t fall below freezing, It is highly recommended also that you avoid placing the transmitter on or near any large metal objects as it can interfere with the radio signal. 

You can place your transmitter on a non-metal table or mount the unit on a wall. We recommend that you do not mount the transmitter until you have confirmed that you are pleased with the containment area the transmitter creates for your pet. This is just in case you need to move or adjust the transmitter.

Most importantly, Be sure to follow the instructions and recommendations provided in the box as each manufacturer or model of wireless dog fence may have different instructions than are mentioned here.

Adjust the pet area to the desired size

Before you adjust the pet containment area set out by your wireless dog fence, think about the size and area of your garden and consider the best location to place your transmitter – remember the transmitter must be in the centre of the circular pet containment area. 

Make sure the entire pet area lies within your property boundaries. Remember that you may also move the transmitter within your home to adjust the location of the containment area as needed.

Can you use more than one receiver collar?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of pets you can contain with the containment system. It’s as simple as purchasing an additional compatible receiver collar for each pet. You can buy additional receiver collars on this website in our receiver collars section, simply select which fence system you are using (as shown in the image) to view the compatible receiver collars or you can call our expert team. 

Before making any changes to your system, remove the receiver collar from your existing pet(s). When adding pets to new or existing electronic fence systems, check the boundary limits for each receiver collar separately before using on your pet and adjust the transmitter range as necessary.

Do buildings and landscape interfere with the transmitter?

In general Trees, plants and shrubs will not affect the system. 

As we mentioned above, do not place the transmitter in or near fixed large metal objects such as metal sheds and cars. Large metal objects can affect the signal by reducing the maximum range of the system at the location of the object. If you have a lot of metal in your garden that you feel my impact on your system, we would suggest you use an in-ground wired containment system for you and your pet instead.

The system will work on a mildly sloped garden. The transmitter signal extends depending on the model (old or new)in all directions. A sloping garden or one with hills can cause the pet area to appear less or more than expected. Consider repositioning the transmitter to maximise your pet area.

Wireless routers can cause inconsistency in signal or reduced range. To test if a wireless router is causing problems, turn the router off, and see if the problem persists. It may be helpful to move the transmitter closer to the router to avoid problems. Try putting the transmitter close (about 30-50cm) to router. There will be a place where both signals will not interfere with each other.

Will the containment system keep other pets out of my garden?

No. Containment systems are only effective on pets who wear the receiver collar. Other animals can still enter your garden.

Correction and Training

A wireless pet fence is basically a psychological device. It cannot harm your pet. Wireless dog fences must be used in conjunction with training to offer the most effective deterrent value. Teaching your dog where the boundary is, and letting your dog know that going past the boundary is bad is essential. The collar reminds your dog about the deterrent when you are away.

The collar reminds your pet using different levels of correction, and how the fence system corrects your pet is up to you. Most systems use an auditory deterrent by beeping first to notify the that it is getting close to the boundary, only then if the dog enters the correction zone will it receive mild correction depending on how close it gets to the boundary. Check out our which dog fence is best for your dog article for help in choosing the best system for your dog. 

The static correction is similar to a static shock you get when you shuffle your feet across carpet and then touch a metal door handle. This correction isn’t harmful to your pet. Rather, your pet will begin to associate the correction with the area in your yard where the boundary is.

Underground pet fences should not be used as a replacement for obedience training, but as a supplement to it. With the proper training, your pet will quickly learn to adapt its behaviour to avoid the correction. 

Training with the underground pet fence involves boundary flags, the correction training and consistent training.

Consistent Training: Some pets are more stubborn than others and need the system to be on all the time to contain them.

Correction Training: The first time your pet receives a correction should be on a leash. This enables the owner to easily redirect the pet to the appropriate behaviour should the pet become startled or confused.

Boundary flags: Boundary flags will serve as a visual training aid for both you and your pet. The flags should remain in place for at least two weeks, but in some cases as long as 30 days. Your pet will eventually associate everything inside those boundaries as its safe zone, the area where your pet can roam freely without getting a correction.

When training your pet, you are teaching him that the beep he hears when approaching the boundary should be associated with the correction he will receive if he proceeds toward the boundary. You will teach your pet to retreat from the beeping and the boundary by pulling him away from the boundary when the correction signal goes off. 

Which electronic dog fence is best for your dog

Every dog is different and knowing which dog fence is best for your dog will depend on a number of factors. 

For instance, the best electronic dog fence for large dogs will be very different from the best dog fence for small dogs. Wireless dog fences as discussed here could be a better fit for you or dog runs might work best for you and your dog.

 Check out our which dog fence is best for your dog article for more help with this, or get in touch. Our experts are happy to help. 

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