Outdoor Hidden Fence FAQs

A hidden fence is a type of underground pet fencing system that utilizes a radio signal to effectively contain your dog within a specific area, such as a yard, or prevent them from accessing certain places like a swimming pool, patio, or garden. Additionally, hidden fences can be utilized indoors to establish indoor boundaries, ensuring your pet stays off furniture, out of specific rooms, or away from kitchen counters.

It is important to note that hidden fences are commonly mislabeled as "invisible fences". However, "Invisible Fence®" is a registered trademark and brand name associated with the Invisible Fence Company.

Hidden fences are constructed by burying a 'boundary wire' a few inches below the surface of your property. This wire carries a harmless and low-level radio signal emitted by a transmitter installed in your house or garage. Your pet wears a lightweight and waterproof receiver collar that detects this radio signal. When your pet approaches the buried wire, the receiver collar emits a warning signal, which can be either audible or a vibration. If your pet continues to move closer to the wire, they will receive a mild but completely safe stimulation, also known as a "correction," from the receiver collar. Through a comprehensive training program, your pet learns to recognize the boundaries of their designated area and to stop upon receiving the warning signal. While there may be slight variations in product features, this is the fundamental mechanism behind all hidden fences, including DogWatch®, Invisible Fence®, and other radio fence brands.

For indoor systems, the hidden wire can be installed around specific areas such as your couch, under the counter's edge, across doorways, or wherever you require either a contained area or an "off-limits" space. We also offer wireless indoor units that eliminate the need for placing a boundary wire. Feel free to contact us to discuss your options further.

Training is a big component of the hidden fence installation process. Once the hidden fence is in place, we collaborate with you to train your pet effectively. The training encompasses various elements, including teaching your pet to recognize the boundaries of the containment area. This is achieved through a combination of voice commands, audible warning signals from the receiver collar, and visual flags strategically placed in the yard where your pet can hear the warning alert. During the training, your dog learns to associate the presence of the flags with the warning signal, gradually understanding their significance. As your pet progresses, the flags are gradually removed. Additionally, your pet comprehends that if they venture beyond the flags and ignore the warning alert, they will receive a mild correction in the form of a stimulation from the collar. Once the training is complete, most dogs instinctively avoid crossing the hidden boundary, stopping before the warning signal to prevent a correction.

We will guide you through the training process, providing detailed instructions and ongoing support, encouraging you to reinforce the training. Following the initial training phase, you will conduct short daily training sessions with your dog over approximately two weeks. We will customize a training plan tailored to address the specific needs of your pet(s).

No. The "stimulation" delivered by the collar may be uncomfortable for your pet, but it is important to note that it will not cause any burns or injuries. It can be likened to the sensation of a strong static shock, similar to what you might experience after walking across a carpet in socks. While it may be unpleasant, rest assured that it does not inflict harm.

While not directly related to the electronic stimulation, it is worth mentioning that tight collars or failure to remove them regularly can lead to ‘pressure sores’ and irritate your dog's skin. Taking off the collar when not in use can help prevent such issues.

It is worth noting that DogWatch® products come highly recommended by numerous veterinarians. This type of stimulation has been used safely and effectively for over 40 years. Modern electronic collars are easily adjustable, allowing you to tailor the stimulation level to suit your dog's sensitivity, size, and personality.

The DogWatch® Hidden Fence brand is often mistaken for the Invisible Fence® brand and is sometimes referred to generically as an "invisible fence." However, it is important to note that DogWatch is not affiliated with the Invisible Fence® company.

At DogWatch, we pride ourselves on providing exclusive safety and convenience features that set us apart as leaders in the pet containment industry. Here are some key differences:

1. DogWatch is the only hidden dog fence system that utilizes an FM radio frequency. Unlike other pet containment systems, such as Invisible Fence®, which use an AM radio frequency, our FM frequency is more secure and less susceptible to interference. This means no false corrections, even when your pet is nowhere near the underground fence. (Note: It's important to clarify that all hidden fences use digital modulation, whether employing FM or AM signals.)
2. Our hidden fence receiver collar boasts an impressive two-year battery life, which is on average eight times longer than other brands, including the Invisible Fence®. This extended battery life not only keeps your pet safe but also saves you money and is environmentally friendly.
3. In addition to the cost savings associated with lower battery replacement costs compared to Invisible Fence® and other brands, DogWatch does not require a service call from a Dealer to replace receiver batteries or adjust settings.
4. All DogWatch receiver collars feature an easy-to-view status light. This light indicates proper receiver operation, the training level being used, and alerts you when the battery power is low. It can even inform you if your pet has been testing the boundary.
5. DogWatch receiver collars can be set to audible-only mode or vibration-only mode during training, allowing for a gentle introduction to the system.
6. Whether your pet is timid or highly energetic, DogWatch receiver collars offer adjustable training levels suitable for your pet's specific needs. These settings are easy to understand and adjust, eliminating the need for a service call if changes are required.

Please note that Invisible Fence® is a registered trademark of Radio Systems, Inc.

DogWatch® receiver collars come equipped with a range of exclusive safety features designed to ensure the well-being of your pet. One such feature is FastReact®, which ensures that your pet responds to the hidden dog fence even when they are still inside the containment area. Our receivers offer an additional unique feature called AutoMemory®, which automatically adjusts the training level if your dog attempts to challenge their boundary.

With our Pet Friendly™ audible-only setting, you have the option to train your dog using an audible "beep" tone before introducing them to the correction setting. This setting can also be adjusted to a vibration alert. Following training, most dogs respond to the warning alert and refrain from testing the boundaries.

Rest assured that your DogWatch transmitter includes a wire-break alert, promptly notifying you if there is any compromise in your boundary wire.

When you choose the DogWatch Hidden Fence System, you benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime equipment warranty, provided the system is installed by an authorized DogWatch Dealer.

We take pride in being a locally owned independent business. As owners, we have a personal stake in ensuring our customers' satisfaction. By offering superior technology and products, we are dedicated to keeping your pets safe and contained.

The cost of a DogWatch® Hidden Fence is typically much lower compared to traditional fencing options. The specific cost varies depending on factors such as the suitable system for your needs, the number of pets, property size, the presence of sidewalk and driveway cuts, and the inclusion of internal "garden loops," among others. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation and a personalized estimate tailored to your property.

In addition to being more cost-effective, hidden fences offer greater flexibility and secure containment compared to traditional fences. With a hidden fence, you can confine your dog within your yard while keeping them out of areas like pool areas, gardens, or driveways. Importantly, a hidden fence prevents your dog from jumping over, chewing through, or digging under the containment system. Unlike traditional fences, hidden fences do not require painting and do not deteriorate over time.

When comparing the cost of a DogWatch® fence with other dealer-installed brands like Invisible Fence®, there is usually minimal difference. While retail brands may appear cheaper, they do not include installation (which can be complex), essential training, ongoing support, or a reliable warranty program. Dealer-installed products also tend to offer superior quality compared to retail brands.

DogWatch® provides a range of hidden fence models that can cover properties spanning up to 200 acres. Our outdoor systems are versatile and can be installed in various terrains, even spanning across streams or creating containment areas in lakes. With our hidden fences, you have the flexibility to contain your dog in specific areas or keep them out of certain spaces, including interior features of your home such as couches, dining rooms, and countertops. For a complimentary consultation and estimate, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

You can take your DogWatch system with you wherever you go! While a new wire may be required at your new house, rest assured that we can utilize your existing equipment to seamlessly create a new hidden fence for your pet.