- What is SkyShepherd?
SkyShepherd is a containment collar your dog wears. It has a GPS receiver and a smart processor. It lets you make a boundary in seconds in the SkyShepherd mobile app and then activate the boundary on the collar to contain your dog.
- How does my dog learn where the GPS fence boundary is?
The SkyShepherd GPS fence features a unique patented “Shepherding” training technology. Shepherding™ is a patented way of guiding dogs with the right amount and type of feedback. With SkyShepherd, feedback changes dynamically according to what your dog is doing and where it is in relation to the boundary, and even what direction it’s heading. Shepherding incorporates positive reinforcement to encourage your dog to be where it should be. SkyShepherd automatically provides the right amount and type of feedback for your dog’s level of excitement and location relative to its boundary.
- What happens if my dog goes out of its boundary?
SkyShepherd is designed to keep your dog in your boundary. When coupled with training from our experience DogWatch Dealers, dogs using SkyShepherd rarely leave the containment area. In the rare instance that a pet does leave the boundary, SkyShepherd’s unique Shepherding technology will start guiding your dog back home. If your dog breaks through its boundary, it may be because its adrenaline was very high at the time. Eventually your dog’s excitement will lower to the point where your dog register’s SkyShepherd’s feedback again, and that’s when Shepherding helps to guide it back. This is a feature exclusive to SkyShepherd.
- Will the stimulation from the SkyShepherd collar hurt my dog?
SkyShepherd does not harm your dog. For a number of reasons, dogs feel stimuli differently than humans. SkyShepherd developers took all of these factors into consideration when optimizing the exact level of feedback necessary to guide dogs using e-stimulation. SkyShepherd’s patented surface contact grid allows for low levels of power to be effective. Also, consider that SkyShepherd uses progressive zones of feedback that guide your dog back to Safe Zone and allow it a chance to turn around before experiencing static stimuli. The static stimuli used are effective yet harmless.
- When can I begin training my dog with the SkyShepherd GPS dog fence collar?
All dogs are different. Even within the same breed some dogs may mature earlier than others. When your DogWatch Dealer meets with you and your pet, he or she will evaluate your dog and make a recommendation as to when training should begin.
- Is there any place where the SkyShepherd GPS fence can’t be set up?
The SkyShepherd GPS fence is best suited to properties of one acre or more due to the space required for the alert zones to guide a dog and the practicalities of GPS accuracy.
Also, SkyShepherd will not contain a swimming dog, because GPS signals bounce off of water surfaces; it’s best not to create a boundary over water. We also recommend having at least 50 feet between your boundary perimeter lines and any sheer, tall structure, like a vertical face of a two-story house.
Lastly, like all GPS based systems, densely covered areas of your yard will have a detrimental effect on location accuracy. This means of course inside your house, under covered structures, etc., but also if you have a lot of mature trees that form a canopy over sections of your yard. Additionally, high-tension power lines immediately nearby may cause interference with GPS.
Unsure if the SkyShepherd GPS fence is right for you? Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
- What comes with the SkyShepherd GPS dog fence collar when I purchase it from a DogWatch Dealer?
The SkyShepherd GPS dog fence systems includes the SkyShepherd GPS collar itself (a small plastic component that houses the GPS components, various processors, and the feedback delivery contact grid), a collar strap to attach the unit to your dog’s neck, charging accessories, a Yard Monitor unit with attachable antenna, and product literature. This all comes inside a stylish and durable carry-case. The whole package can easily be carried in one hand.
In addition to the product itself, a SkyShepherd GPS dog fence purchased from a DogWatch Dealer comes with expert set up assistance and training for you and your dog from an experienced pet containment professional. To learn more about these training and support services, please contact us.