Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DogWatch® Hidden Fence System?

The DogWatch® Hidden Fence is a pet fencing system that uses an electronic FM radio signal to keep your dog IN a designated containment area, such as a yard; or OUT of an area, such as a swimming pool, patio, or garden. Our pet containment fences also work in the interior of your home to keep your pet off a couch or away from a kitchen counter.

How does it work?

A hidden wire, buried underground, carries the harmless, low level FM radio signal around the containment area. Your dog wears a receiver on a collar that emits a mild stimulation, or correction, when he gets too close to the boundary. With an indoor dog containment fence, the hidden wire runs around your couch or other containment area and is invisible to the eye. We also have "wireless" indoor units that do not require placement of a boundary wire! Ask us to show you the options.

How does my dog learn where the boundary is?

We will provide the training that you and your pet needs to learn the containment area through voice commands, audible warning signals from the receiver collar and visual flags that are set inside the hidden fence. Your dog goes through a training session with you for a few minutes each day for 7 to 10 days. With training, the dog remembers the placement of the flags and is taught to stay within the containment area. During the training period, flags are slowly taken away. If your dog goes to within 5-10 feet of the boundary, he’ll hear a warning sound indicating he’s too close to the containment fence. If the dog reaches the boundary, he will receive a mild correction.

How is DogWatch® different from Invisible Fence® and other brands?

At DogWatch®, we utilize exclusive safety and convenience features that make DogWatch® the best in the pet containment industry. There are several significant differences:

DogWatch® is the only hidden fence system that uses an FM radio frequency. Our patented SafeLink® FM Digital technology is exclusive to DogWatch®. The FM signal provides the most reliable protection from unintentional stimulation. This can be caused by stray radio signals from such things as garage door openers, televisions, and intercoms. Other pet containment systems, such as Invisible Fence®, run on an AM radio frequency and are more susceptible to picking up stray signals which can cause your dog to receive a correction even when they’re not near the electric fence. That’s why all police and fire department radios are an FM frequency. The FM radio signal is more secure.
Most of our receivers have a two-year battery life an average of eight times longer than the other brands, including the Invisible Fence® brand. When the battery runs out, guess who else runs out? Our long battery life helps keep your pet safe, costs a fraction of what you pay for other pet containment systems, and is good for the environment.
In addition to low battery replacement costs compared to Invisible Fence® and other brands, you also save with DogWatch® because you can purchase batteries for the DogWatch® system from any source and you do not need a service call from a Dealer to replace them as is required by most other brands. For your convenience, we have an optional battery replacement plan to ensure you always have a new battery when you need it.
Our R7 and R8 receiver collars have a status light that is easy to view and a great convenience feature for our customers. It tells you if the receiver is operating properly, indicates what training level you’re using, and when the battery power is low.
DogWatch® includes a unique feature that allows you to correct your dog with an audible-only reminder when he approaches the electric fence. Invisible Fence® does not offer this pet-friendly™ feature.
DogWatch® features the broadest pet training range in the industry. Whether your pet is very timid or highly energetic, we have a distinct training level that uniquely meets their needs.
YOU can adjust our patented, programmable receiver to the training level that works best for your pet's personality and size. No need for a service call or any other charges.

Invisible Fence® is a registered trademark of Invisible Fence, Inc.

Are there other benefits to the DogWatch® Hidden Fence?

Our R7 and R8 receivers have our exclusive AutoMemory™ feature. The receiver constantly monitors and automatically adjusts the training level for your dog if he "challenges" his boundary.
Both receivers feature FastReact™ — the fastest response time in the industry. At . 125 of a second, if your pet challenges the electric fence the receiver will react immediately — at the beginning of the avoidance zone — not when he’s half way through. This feature helps ensure your pet responds to the hidden fence while still INSIDE the containment area.
Our pet-friendly audible-only training level that allows you to train your dog using an audible "beep" tone before you introduce him to the correction setting. Once trained, most dogs respond to the audible warning tone and do not challange the boundary. Some customers set the system to audible-only after the dog is trained.
Your transmitter constantly monitors your electronic dog fence and lets you know if you have a break in your underground wire.
Your DogWatch® Hidden Fence System has a lifetime equipment warranty when installed by an authorized DogWatch® Dealer.

How does my dog learn where the boundary is?

No. This type of stimulation has been used in dog training for over 40 years. And the amount of correction can be adjusted so that a dog receives the appropriate level of stimulation for its size. DogWatch® products are used and recommended by veterinarians.

Will the system work for more than one dog?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of dogs (or cats) our hidden pet fencing can protect at one time.

Is the system safe during a lightning storm?

The DogWatch® Hidden Fence System has both an internal lightning surge protector in the transmitter as well as an external surge protector.

What if my house loses electrical power?

If you experience frequent power loss, we can add a DogWatch® PowerPak. This auxiliary power supply provides hours of power to your electronic fence until your household electrical service can be restored.

How much does it cost?

DogWatch® Hidden Fencing can cost much less than traditional dog fencing and do far more. For example, you can contain your dog In your yard, but keep him OUT of a pool area, garden or driveway gate. Contact us for an estimate on your individual property. Our systems are in small urban yards and 200 acre orchards.

What if I move?

Once you buy the system, you can expand it or take it with you when you move.

How big an area will the system cover? What kinds of areas will it cover?

DogWatch® offers models that can cover properties up to 200 acres. You can contain your dog in or out of most anywhere, including interior features of your home such as couches, dining rooms, and counter tops. Contact us for a free consultation and estimate.

How does my dog learn to use it?

Typically, your Dealer will conduct initial training with you and your dog. DogWatch® has developed an in-depth pet training program that takes about 10-15 minutes per day for one to two weeks.

Does it keep other dogs out?

The DogWatch® Hidden Fence system is designed to keep your dog at home and out of trouble. It will only keep other dogs out if they are wearing a DogWatch® receiver.

How old does my dog have to be before training begins?

All dogs are different. Even within the same breed some dogs may mature earlier than others. If your pet can follow the three basic commands of come, sit, and stay; he may be ready for an electronic dog fence. Generally speaking, this usually happens by about 4 to 6 months old, but for some dogs it may be much earlier. When we meet with you and your pet, we will evaluate your dog and make a recommendation as to when training should begin.

Will a DogWatch® system work with any dog?

Our systems work with all breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs. We will determine a safe minimum age for you dog or cat.

Can my dog get out of the containment area?

If the initial training was done properly, this will rarely happen. If your dog does get out, check to make sure the collar is on securely. On our new receivers, check the status light. You may also increase the range of the signal to keep the dog further from the hidden fence or increase the correction level. Perhaps due to recent landscaping, there is a break in your underground wire that is invisible to your eye. Your Dealer is also available to support you. There are many ways to adjust your DogWatch® System. Call your Dealer or DogWatch® Customer Service if you need help.

Is there a guarantee on the DogWatch® System?

We offer a lifetime equipment warranty on our outdoor systems installed by an authorized Dealer. There is also a limited 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the system.