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November 16, 2024

Do Electronic Fences Work for Big Dogs? What You Need to Know.

English Mastiff standing in yard with DogWatch flags in the background

Do Electronic Fences Work for Big Dogs? What You Need to Know About DogWatch Hidden Fences.

If you’re a big dog owner, you know they come with big personalities and sometimes even bigger challenges—especially when it comes to keeping them safe and contained. Big dogs are often strong, energetic, and sometimes stubborn, so finding the right containment solution is crucial. DogWatch Hidden Fences are designed to meet the unique needs of large breeds while ensuring their safety and comfort. Here’s everything you need to know about how DogWatch works for big dogs.

Why Big Dogs Need a Reliable Containment System

Large breeds are often natural explorers. Many can jump over, dig under, or push through traditional fences. An electronic fence, like DogWatch, provides an boundary that even the most determined dogs can’t outsmart when properly trained.

How Do DogWatch Hidden Fences Work for Big Dogs?

DogWatch systems create an boundary customized to your property. The system uses a transmitter and a hidden wire to define the containment area. Your dog wears a special collar that:

  1. Alerts them with an audible tone or vibration as they approach the boundary.
  2. Delivers a gentle, adjustable static correction if they continue.

DogWatch’s technology is designed to provide clear communication, helping your big dog learn and respect the boundaries.

Key Features That Make DogWatch Ideal for Big Dogs

  1. Adjustable Correction Levels
    Big dogs often require a stronger correction than smaller breeds due to their size and temperament. DogWatch collars offer multiple levels of correction that can be tailored to your dog’s needs, ensuring the right balance of effectiveness and comfort.
  2. Durable Collars
    DogWatch collars are built to handle the wear and tear of active large dogs. They’re lightweight but tough enough to withstand rough play and outdoor adventures.
  3. Wide Range of Coverage
    Whether you have a small yard or acres of land, DogWatch systems can handle it. The customizable boundary ensures your big dog has plenty of space to roam safely.
  4. Long Battery Life
    DogWatch collars feature long-lasting batteries, so you don’t have to worry about frequent replacements. For added convenience, DogWatch of Litchfield County also offers auto-ship battery plans to keep your system running smoothly.
  5. Safe and Reliable Technology
    DogWatch systems are designed with your pet’s safety in mind. The correction is gentle, humane, and only activated when needed.

Training Is the Key to Success

The effectiveness of any electronic fence comes down to training, and this is especially true for big dogs. DogWatch of Litchfield County provides detailed training protocols to help your dog understand the boundaries. Professional trainers are also available to assist if needed.

Big dogs may be more independent or stubborn, but with consistent training and positive reinforcement, they can quickly learn to stay within the boundaries. DogWatch’s tone and vibration warnings are excellent tools to teach big dogs before a correction is even necessary.

Two Great Pyrenees dogs standing in snow on a farm property

Why DogWatch Stands Out for Big Dogs

  • Proven Reliability: DogWatch has been a trusted name in pet containment for over 30 years.
  • Customizable for Every Dog: From Great Danes to St. Bernard’s, DogWatch systems are tailored to meet the needs of all breeds.
  • Extended Warranty: DogWatch products come with industry-leading warranties, giving you peace of mind.
  • Expert Support: DogWatch dealers, like DogWatch of Litchfield County , offer personalized
  • guidance and support for installation, training, and maintenance.

Common Questions About Big Dogs and Electronic Fences

  • Can a big dog break through the boundary?
    With proper training and the right correction level, most big dogs quickly learn to respect the boundary and stay safely contained.
  • Will the correction hurt my dog?
  • No. DogWatch systems deliver a safe, gentle correction that gets your dog’s attention without causing harm
  • What if my dog ignores the boundary? DogWatch collars include adjustable settings to accommodate even the most determined dogs. Training reinforces the boundary rules.

Two Great Dane dogs with owners in Montana

Conclusion

DogWatch Hidden Fences are an excellent solution for keeping big dogs safe and contained. With customizable settings, durable equipment, and a focus on training, DogWatch ensures that your large breed has the freedom to play while staying securely within their designated area.

If you’re ready to provide your big dog with a safe and reliable containment solution, contact DogWatch of Litchfield County  today to learn more or schedule a consultation. Your big dog deserves the best—and DogWatch delivers.

 

 

 

DogWatch flag closeup with dog in background

 

*Hidden fences are often mistakenly referred to generically as “invisible fences.” Invisible Fence® and Invisible Fencing® are Brand names, products and registered trademarks of Invisible Fence, Inc. 

Dogwatch of Litchfield County 

November 8, 2024

Can Hounds Be Trained to Use an Electronic Dog Fence?

Can Hounds Be Trained to Use an Electronic Dog Fence?

Hounds are famous for two things: their noses and their speed. And anyone who has ever lived with a beagle, bloodhound, greyhound, dachshund or other hound dog knows just how fast and determined they can be when chasing prey (or the neighbor’s cat).

DogWatch® Hidden Fence Dealers are often asked: “Can an electronic dog fence REALLY work for a hound?” The answer is yes! For over 30 years, DogWatch® Dealers have been training hounds and hound mixes to stay in their yards with our hidden fences. We reached out to our Dealers and customers to learn more about the process of training hounds, their unique personalities and how adding an underground electronic fence to their property helped their pups stay safe and do what hounds love to do – sniff, run and play!

Lisa White, co-owner of DogWatch of St. Louis, has had beagles as part of her family for most of her life. She invested in a DogWatch® Hidden Fence for her family’s beagle, Bogey, back in 1995, because her family lived in an area where physical fences were not allowed. “Growing up in the same area with two beagles as a child, I knew the wandering, hunting instinct and strength of the beagle nose to follow a scent and roam – sometimes very far from home. One of my childhood beagles wandered often and was hit by a car (and fortunately survived). I worried about her, so I was pleased to learn about hidden fences.”

The previous DogWatch® Dealer in the St. Louis area trained Bogey to the DogWatch® Hidden Fence system when he was 4 months old, and Bogey picked it up right away. “He loved the freedom to explore his (relatively small) yard, roam and sniff and still run after bunnies and squirrels, but now he magically stopped at his property boundary,” says Lisa. The Whites adopted Sampras (below, with Bogey) a few years later, and he also took to the fence like a charm. Lisa trusted the DogWatch® Hidden Fence so much for the freedom and safety of her beagles that she and her family decided to become a DogWatch® Dealers themselves!

Beagles Bogey and Sampras, August 1999

Lisa’s son Billy White, who is the head trainer at DogWatch® of St. Louis, has worked with numerous beagles, dachshunds, basset hounds, Afghan hounds, plot hounds, greyhounds and more over the years. “Scent hounds generally take to fence very well: they love the freedom of exploring their yard off leash and tend to enjoy running and sniffing outdoors. When they can do this, they tend to be calmer inside.” Billy, like all DogWatch Dealers, uses both the visual flags and the audible signal of the collar to reinforce training. “We have found that, in general, hounds pay more attention to the audible training than the visual,” he says.

Lisa currently has two Beagles, Winnie and Peppy, and a grand-dog Gus. (Breaking from tradition, Gus is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.) Her dogs have a pet door and a SmartFence so they have great freedom to use their beagle noses to explore and exercise and still stay in the yard. Here’s a picture of Gus and Peppy hanging out and having fun in their yard!

Gus the Cavalier and Peppy the Beagle

 

But what about the bigger hounds? We spoke with DogWatch of Tampa customer Richard Jackson, whose Bluetick Coonhound Maggie (below right) uses a DogWatch® Hidden Fence. “Bluetick hounds have noses stronger than most other breeds and it is exceeded only by their desire to hunt and that means roaming,” says Richard. “With her DogWatch® receiver and my hidden fence, I know she is safe to traverse my Florida farm property without fear of wandering. I know she is safe, even when I am not there. I rely on DogWatch products for all 4 of my canine herd!”

“People always tell me you can’t train hound dogs on an underground fence,” says Michael B. Shaffer, a DogWatch of Northeast Indiana customer. “I have trained four rescued hounds, and apart from an isolated incident that is very unusual, they have full access to our yard, much to the amazement of the neighborhood!” Michael, who shared the photo at the bottom left of his two rescue hounds, adds, “Thank you, DogWatch for a great product and great company.”

two hound mixes and Bluetick coonhound

Visit DogWatch of Litchfield County online Here for a free quote.

DogwatchLitchfieldCounty.com

Litchfield County – Fairfield County – Connecticut -CT

August 28, 2024

Save on Shipping: Use Coupon Code FREESHIP at Checkout

 Save on Shipping: Use Code FREESHIP at Checkout

At DogWatch of Litchfield County , we believe that keeping your pets safe should be as easy and affordable as possible. That’s why we’re excited to offer a special deal to our valued customers: *free shipping on your next purchase! Simply use the code FREESHIP at checkout and enjoy the convenience of having your products delivered right to your door without any additional shipping costs.

Why Use FREESHIP?

  • No Additional Costs: Save on shipping fees and get more value from your purchase.
  • Convenience: Have your DogWatch products delivered directly to you, saving you time and hassle.
  • Easy to Use: Applying the code is simple—just enter FREESHIP at checkout.

How It Works:

  1. Shop: Browse our selection of DogWatch products, including collars, batteries, and indoor hidden fence systems.
  2. Add to Cart: Select the items you need and add them to your shopping cart.
  3. Checkout: When you’re ready to complete your purchase, enter the code FREESHIP in the designated promo code field.
  4. Enjoy Free Shipping: Watch as your shipping fees are waived, and look forward to receiving your order with no extra cost.

Conclusion: Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save on shipping and make your pet’s safety even more affordable. Use the code FREESHIP at checkout and enjoy the benefits of free shipping on your DogWatch purchase. If you have any questions or need assistance, our customer service team is here to help at 860-799-7287. Happy shopping!

visit our Store Here

Expires 11-01-2024

*Most products-Subscription plans not included

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July 26, 2024

Lightning Protection: The Dangers And How DogWatch® Keeps You Safe

Lightning Protection: The Dangers And How DogWatch® Keeps You Safe

Summertime and early fall bring an increase in thunderstorms and the heart of hurricane season. Hidden Fence owners might worry about their systems during inclement weather and what happens if the fence loses connection. DogWatch® Hidden Fences address these concerns with a robust design.

Understanding Electrical Surges

During thunderstorms, while we stay safe indoors, our electrical appliances are at risk. Most appliances operate on around 120 volts and can handle up to 170 volts. However, a lightning bolt can deliver 100 million to 1 billion volts, potentially entering through TV cables, satellite dishes, phone lines, or electrical service lines. Unlike other appliances, a Hidden Fence can’t be unplugged for safety reasons, necessitating DogWatch’s internal and external surge protection.

Internal and External Surge Protection

DogWatch®  Hidden Fence systems are shielded from both internal and external surges.

  • Internal Surge Protection: The first defense is a surge protection device on the internal transmitter. This device diverts surges through your home’s wiring into the ground, protecting the hidden fence system.
  • External Surge Protection: For external surges, the external surge protector and ground rod work together to divert surges and help protect your hidden fence line, help prevent breaks or damage. DogWatch offers a *limited lifetime warranty on all transmitters installed by DogWatch of Litchfield County due to confidence in their surge protection technology.

Why It Matters

Thunderstorm phobia is common among pets due to their fear of loud noises. Thunderstorms can cause pets to seek shelter or bolt from the property. DogWatch’s surge protection  helps prevents breaks in the hidden fence, keeping anxious pets safely within the property. To help pets during thunderstorms, create a safe space, provide background noise, and offer treats.

Checking Your DogWatch Hidden Fence System

To ensure your hidden fence is functioning correctly:

  1. Verify the green Power light on the Transmitter is on.
  2. When your dog is indoors, remove their collar and carry it outside towards the wire boundary to verify the system was not damaged.
  3. Hold the receiver at the dog’s neck height and approach the boundary.
  4. Listen for the audible warning signal in the warning zone. If you don’t hear it, your system might be down. Contact DogWatch of Litchfield County if you live in Litchfield Connecticut .

Conclusion

While DogWatch can’t prevent lightning strikes, they can help to minimize potential damage, and help to keep your property and pets safe. If your Hidden Fence Transmitter or Power Supply is damaged by lightning, it is covered under DogWatch’s *limited Lifetime Warranty. *Deductible may apply. Contact dealer for details.

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