Radio Systems Corporation manufactures the PetSafe fence, which allows pet owners to install an invisible electronic barrier around their yard that will prevent their pet from leaving the property. The fence consists of an electronic cable buried along the perimeter of the yard and a collar with an electronic sensor and a transmitter that detects the pet approaching the buried fence and responds by emitting an electronic shock or a high-pitch sound as the animal nears the buried cable. A PetSafe contractor usually installs the fence.
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Setting the Boundary
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The PetSafe fence features an adjustable "warning zone" that may be increased or decreased, depending upon the property owner's preference, but the manufacturer suggests a minimum area of at least 5 feet on both sides of the buried cable to afford protection while still allowing the pet to romp freely in the rest of the yard.
By holding the collar a couple of feet from the ground and approaching the fence slowly, the owner can listen for a warning tone and adjust the warning zone area.
Adjusting the Collar
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The pet owner may choose the method of warning best suited for his pet. A beep or an electronic shock, or both, are options. When the pet nears the warning zone, the collar will respond accordingly.
Training
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In order to provide a safe barrier, the pet should receive training that introduces it to the location of the buried cable and the result of approaching the perimeter of the yard.
The PetSafe Company recommends training your dog every day for at least two weeks. During this period, place flags or boundary markers, approximately 10 feet apart around the perimeter of the yard, at the entrance to the warning zone. During the training sessions, the owner will keep the dog on a regular leash, while holding the collar in the other hand. The owner will walk the dog to a boundary flag and issue a stern command of "No!" when the collar sensor beeps. The owner will then lead his dog back to the center of the yard and play with him. The dog will gradually begin to associate the boundary flags with the undesirable noise.
After repeating the procedure a few times, the owner will allow the dog to approach the warning zone on his own to experience the noise when he gets too close to the buried fence. During the initial training, always use an additional form of security for the dog, such as a leash. Only after the dog consistently recognizes the location of the warning zone should you remove the leash.
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