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Category: Training

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

July 26, 2024

Can Hounds Be Trained to Use an Electronic Dog Fence?

Hounds are famous for two things: their noses and their speed. 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’s Experience with Beagles and DogWatch

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 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 DogWatch® Dealers themselves!

Training Insights from Billy White

Lisa’s son Billy White, 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 the 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.

Real-Life Examples of Hounds with DogWatch

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, allowing them the freedom to use their beagle noses to explore and exercise while staying in the yard. Here’s a picture of Gus and Peppy hanging out and having fun in their yard!

But what about the bigger hounds? We spoke with DogWatch of Tampa customer Richard Jackson, whose Bluetick Coonhound Maggie 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.”

Conclusion

Training hounds to use an electronic dog fence is not only possible but has been successfully done by DogWatch® Dealers for over 30 years. With the right training and tools, hounds can enjoy the freedom to explore, sniff, and play safely within their boundaries. Whether you have a small beagle or a large Bluetick Coonhound, the DogWatch® Hidden Fence can help keep your furry friend safe and happy.

Schedule a free estimate in Connecticut at DogWatchEstimate.com

4o

September 13, 2023

School is Back in Session

Now that we’re all adults, let’s be honest with each other; going back to school totally sucks. Once August rears its humid, frizzy head, students and teachers alike feel that unrelenting tightness begin to expand in their chests. Our big box friends do their best to encourage excitement over existential dread for the season, to no avail. Target, for one, is supposed to be a safe haven for overworked parents in desperate need of a Starbucks run and a twenty-sixth throw pillow for the living room sofa. It’s supposed to be one of the only remaining brick and mortar toy stores for children to eagerly explore, and subsequently throw a massive tantrum next to an overpriced Lego set and a cardboard cutout of whoever took on the role of Batman this year. But the very second Labor Day is even a whisper of a thought, these stores turn into a living hell for both parents and students. Regardless of the number of banners displaying children quite literally jumping for joy at the thought of sitting at a desk all day and “finally getting the hang of algebra,” these campaigns are fooling no one. The kids are certainly not looking forward to returning to prison–I mean school–and the parents are definitely not looking forward to shelling out the endless amounts of money required to do so.

  At Dogwatch of Litchfield County, we will be completely transparent about the reality of our products and training process. The pricing is straightforward and on our website. Our team is friendly, honest, and always takes into account your specific needs and desires for your pets. At the end of the day, we are all dog people, which is never a negative quality! When you install a Dogwatch hidden fence, you will have one less thing to worry about this busy school year. With all the time you’ll save not walking your dog, or better yet not losing your dog, you’ll be able to finally finish that summer romance novel you began way back in June. The one you swore you’d complete on your beach vacation, which actually just turned you into a combination camp counselor and lifeguard. With the addition of a hidden fence, perhaps you and your dog can finally enjoy a beautiful and peaceful afternoon in your yard together. For parents, September is the gift that keeps on giving. After all, it’s actually still summer until the 23rd 😉

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