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Everything You Need to Know About Custom Wireless Dog Fences

If you’ve started researching custom wireless dog fences, you may have many questions on your mind. As a longtime dog owner and professional dog trainer, I’ve helped countless clients set up effective wireless containment systems. In this article, I’ll answer the most common questions people have about custom dog fences.

What is a custom wireless dog fence?

A custom wireless dog fence, also called an invisible fence, uses a buried wire to create an invisible barrier around your property. When your dog crosses the boundary line, it receives a gentle correction from a collar it wears. The fence is “custom” because you can define the exact shape and size of the contained area based on your yard layout. This allows the system to fit any property.

How does a wireless dog fence work?

The system has three main components:

  1. Underground wire: You bury a wire that defines the boundary of your dog’s allowed area. It can be in any shape.
  2. Receiver collar: Your dog wears a waterproof collar with a receiver. When it gets close to the buried wire, the receiver detects the boundary signal.
  3. Transmitter: A home base unit plugged into an outlet transmits the signal through the buried wire. It controls the system.

When your dog crosses the wire, the collar delivers a harmless correction – usually a small static shock or vibration. This teaches dogs to respect the perimeter without causing harm. Repeated exposure trains them to avoid the boundary area.

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How accurate are wireless dog fences?

With proper installation, most custom wireless fences provide 95-99% containment effectiveness. However, there are some key factors:

  • The type of collar matters. Newer virtual fence collars that use GPS, WiFi, or cellular are quite exact. But basic static correction collars have a radius of about 10-15 feet from the wire.
  • The way you bury the wire impacts accuracy. Following installation guidelines is crucial for a clear containment signal. Kinks or overlaps in the wire reduce the correction range.
  • Training is important. Some dogs catch on faster than others. It may take consistent positive reinforcement over 2-4 weeks for full reliability. Distractions outside make learning take longer for some dogs too.

Using the right equipment, precise installation, and consistent training gives you the best odds of a highly effective custom wireless fence for your property.

What sizes of yards can wireless fences cover?

Most wireless fencing systems support yard sizes ranging from 1/4 acre to 10 acres or more. However, larger areas require more wire to be buried. And larger expanses mean the correction signal strength weakens over greater distances. As a general rule:

  • 1/4 to 1 acre yards work well for basic systems
  • 1 to 3 acres is the ideal range for mid-tier systems
  • Above 3 acres may need a booster antenna or professional-grade system

It also depends a lot on your dog’s sensitivity level, distractions near the boundary, and terrain features like hills or woods. Working with an expert can help ensure you select a system suited to your property size.

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How much does a custom wireless fence cost?

Custom wireless dog fence systems range widely in price depending on size and options:

  • Basic 1-acre systems start around $400-600 for the kit plus wire
  • Mid-range 3-acre fences run $800-1200 on average
  • Larger professional-grade ones for 5+ acres may be $1500-3000

You can sometimes find packages with everything except the burying labor for $1000-2000. Installation adds $100-300 for most yards depending on complexity. Collar replacement after 2-3 years runs $50-150 as well. Overall, many owners spend $1000-3000 all in for a quality long-term fence.

Are there any disadvantages to wireless fences?

While wireless fences offer flexibility, there are some potential downsides:

  1. Dogs can leap or dig out if motivated. So the border needs to go a foot or two underground to prevent escapes.
  2. Heavy rain, snowfall, or lawn equipment can sometimes disrupt the signal until the ground dries or you re-level it.
  3. Some very small or very large/energetic dogs may not be properly contained depending on their collar size and energy levels.
  4. The system only works if the collar is worn by your dog. It provides no barrier if the collar comes off for any reason during fence training.

With care and diligence in installation plus training, you can avoid many of these downsides. But they’re factors to consider versus a physical fence.

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How do I choose the best wireless fence brand?

When selecting a brand, consider these key factors:

  • Reviews from third-party sources and real customers
  • Warranty length for parts/repairs on controller and collar
  • Reputation for customer service and post-install support
  • Range of compatible collar styles for different dogs
  • Ease of online troubleshooting guides and manuals

Avoid the lowest-cost unknown brands. Reputable leaders include PetSafe, Invisible Fence, DogWatch, and SportDOG. But read reviews since needs vary by dog and property.

Training tips for a new wireless fence system

Whether from experience or what I’ve learned from master trainers, here are some tips for successful fence training:

  1. Start indoors with basic commands before introducing the collar
  2. Go slowly and use praise/treats more than corrections at first
  3. Supervise outdoor sessions and interrupt unwanted behaviors
  4. Avoid distractions like other animals or people passing by
  5. Give lots of affection after two minutes of good fence behavior
  6. Use consistency and positive reinforcement until it sticks

With patience and these training strategies, most dogs catch on in 2-6 weeks. Reach out if you run into stubborn issues along the way!

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Is a custom wireless fence right for your dog?

In summary, here are the key factors to consider when deciding if this type of fence suits your dog:

  • Is your dog highly motivated to explore the outside world?
  • Will they be distracted by wildlife or passersby near the edge?
  • Are they reasonably trainable with rewards and corrections?
  • Do you have the time for focused training over several weeks?
  • Is your yard layout conducive to an invisible buried barrier?

For most dogs, a custom fence is the flexible solution – if installed properly and with dedicated work on training. I hope this guide gave you a sense of whether it can work for your furry friend!

Let me know if any other questions come up. I’m always happy to help fellow pet owners give their dogs the best quality of home life possible.

FAQ

  1. What is a custom shape wireless dog fence?
    Basically, a custom shape wireless dog fence allows you to set the boundary for your dog in any shape you want instead of being limited to just a circle. The system uses an invisible fence transmitter and collar to keep pets safely in the yard.
  2. How does a custom shape wireless fence work?
    When the dog wearing the collar crosses the boundary line, the collar will give a warning beep or vibration. If the dog continues past the boundary, it will receive a safe static correction from the collar. Once the dog returns inside the boundary, the collar will stop the correction. Over time, dogs learn to respect the invisible line to avoid an unwanted surprise.
  3. Is it difficult to set up a custom shape wireless fence?
    Setting up a custom shape wireless fence kind of takes more effort than a regular circle fence. You’ll need to walk the perimeter with a transmitter and record the boundary. However, most companies provide helpful setup tools and instructions to make the process relatively straightforward. Perhaps with a little patience, even a beginner can get it working successfully.
  4. How much does a custom shape wireless dog fence usually cost?
    Prices for custom shape wireless fences can vary depending on the size of your yard and any extras included. But on average, you can expect to pay somewhere between $400-$800 for a basic setup. The cost may seem hefty but, over the long run, it works out cheaper than a regular fenced yard and gives your dog much more room to run. So in a way, it’s truly a stunning value.
  5. Is a custom shape fence suitable for all dogs?
    Most dogs do fine with a custom shape wireless fence as long as they are properly trained. However, some dogs may have issues. For example, young puppies usually need to be older before using one. Dogs that have severe anxiety when left alone also makes me wonder if they could handle it. But maybe with patience and positive conditioning, even troubled dogs could learn. You know your dog best.
  6. What should I consider before buying?
    There are a few important things to think about. Make sure the size of your yard works for the system’s range. Also, check if your neighbors have fences or objects near the boundary that may confuse your dog. Perhaps go in store and test the collar on your dog first as well. Do your research and only buy from reputable brands. Is that fair?
  7. Are there any downsides to a custom wireless fence?
    Unfortunately, no containment method is completely foolproof or escape-proof. There is a small chance your dog may find a way under or break through the barrier. You’ll also need to keep the collar charged. The setup requires more effort than a regular fence. And you have to watch them whenever outside without the collar on. On the other hand, the freedom it provides tends to outweigh any inconveniences for most pet owners.