Outdoor Hidden Fence FAQs
General Questions
- What is a hidden fence?
A hidden fence is an underground pet fencing system that uses a radio signal to keep your dog in a designated containment area, such as a yard; or out of an area, such as a swimming pool, patio, or garden. Hidden fences can also be used to create Indoor Pet Fences that work inside your home to keep your pet off a couch, out of a room or away from a kitchen counter.
Hidden fences are often mistakenly referred to generically as “invisible fences.” Invisible Fence® is a brand name and Registered Trademark of the Invisible Fence Company.
- How do hidden dog fences work?
Hidden fences are created by burying a ‘boundary wire’ a few inches underground around your property. The buried wire carries a harmless, low level radio signal from a transmitter installed in your house or garage. Your pet wears a lightweight, waterproof receiver collar that recognizes the radio signal. As your pet approaches the buried wire, the receiver collar emits a warning signal (audible or vibration). If your pet travels further, he will receive a mild electrical stimulation (also called a “correction”) from the receiver collar. Through a training program, your pet learns to recognize his fence boundaries and learns to stop at the warning signal. Although there are differences in some of the product features, this is how all hidden fences work (DogWatch®, Invisible Fence®, and other radio fence brands.)
With an indoor system, the hidden wire runs around your couch, under the lip of the counter, around the trash or across a doorway or wherever you need to create either a containment area or an “off-limits” area. We also have “wireless” indoor units that do not require placement of a boundary wire. Contact your local DogWatch Dealer to discuss your options.
- How much do hidden fences cost?
The cost of a DogWatch Hidden Fence varies based on which system is right for you, the number of pets you have, the size of the property, your specific installation requirements (i.e. driveway cuts, hand digging, water installation, garden loops), and other factors. Contact your local Dealer or fill out our Quote Request Form to get a free customized estimate for your property.
Additional points to consider if you are comparing prices of pet fences:
Traditional Fencing
- DogWatch Hidden Fences cost much less than traditional wood, vinyl, or metal fencing. In addition to costing less, hidden fences provide more flexibility and more secure containment than traditional fences. For example, you can contain your dog in your yard, but keep him out of a pool area, garden, or driveway gate. Plus, your dog cannot jump over, chew through or dig under a hidden fence.
DIY Invisible Fencing
- Do-it-yourself invisible fence systems are often less expensive than DogWatch Hidden Fences at face value. However, the benefits of professional installation – including higher quality wire, more built-in safety features, longer battery life, in-person training for you and your dog, and post-installation support for wire breaks and adjustments – usually offset the initial “savings.” Plus, a faster, more thorough installation means that training can start right away, and you are one step closer to unleashing your pet! Learn more about the benefits of professionally installed underground pet fencing.
GPS Pet Fencing
- Many popular GPS pet fence collars are less expensive than DogWatch Hidden Fences at face value. However, it is important to consider the reliability of a GPS fence compared to an underground wired fence. DogWatch’s patented SafeLink signal offers precise, consistent boundaries. GPS-based wireless fences, in contrast, are prone to shifting and thus less secure for your pet. Learn more about how DogWatch Hidden Fences compare to GPS fence collars.
Other “Invisible” Fence Brands
- DogWatch has the only hidden fence receiver collar with a two-year battery life — an average of eight times longer than the other brands, including the Invisible Fence® brand. Our long battery life helps keep your pet safe, costs a fraction of what you pay for other pet containment systems, and is good for the environment. Compare battery usage.
- In addition to low battery replacement costs, you also save with DogWatch because you do not need a service call from a Dealer to replace the receiver batteries or change the settings. Learn more about how DogWatch® compares to Invisible Fence® and other brands.
- How do I purchase a DogWatch Hidden Fence system?
DogWatch Hidden Fences are sold exclusively by our network of authorized DogWatch Dealers. Find for your local DogWatch Dealer by searching with your zip code, state or country, or request a free quote right here on our website. Our Dealers look forward to working with you and your pet!
If you are an existing customer looking for a new receiver collar, collar strap, battery, indoor boundary, or other DogWatch product, contact your local DogWatch Dealer or visit our online store (if you are in the United States).
- Where are DogWatch Dealers located?
DogWatch Hidden Fence Systems Dealers are located throughout the continental United States, Alaska, and in many other countries around the world. Check our Dealer Locator to find an authorized DogWatch Dealer near you.
- Is there a warranty or guarantee on a DogWatch Hidden Fence?
We offer a limited lifetime equipment warranty on our outdoor DogWatch Hidden Fence systems installed by an authorized Dealer. (Read full Warranty here.) There is also a limited 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the system.
- How is DogWatch® different from Invisible Fence® and other brands?
The DogWatch® Hidden Fence brand is often confused with the Invisible Fence® brand and may be mistakenly referred to generically as an “invisible fence.” DogWatch is not affiliated with the Invisible Fence® company.
At DogWatch, we utilize exclusive safety and convenience features that make DogWatch the best in the pet containment industry. Some of the differences include:
- DogWatch is the only hidden dog fence system that uses an FM radio frequency. Other pet containment systems such as Invisible Fence®, use an AM radio frequency which is more susceptible to unsecure radio signals. This can cause false corrections, even when your pet is not near the underground fence. Note: ALL hidden fences use digital modulation (DM). Digital Modulation applies to both FM and AM signals; it is not a separate type of signal.
- DogWatch has the only hidden fence receiver collar with a two-year battery life — an average of eight times longer than the other brands, including the Invisible Fence® brand. When the battery runs out, guess who else runs out? Our long battery life helps keep your pet safe, costs a fraction of what you pay for other pet containment systems, and is good for the environment.
- In addition to low battery replacement costs compared to Invisible Fence® and other brands, you also save with DogWatch because you do not need a service call from a Dealer to replace the receiver batteries or change the settings.
- All DogWatch receiver collars have a status light that is easy to view. It lets you know if the receiver is operating properly, indicates what training level you are using, and when the battery power is low. It will also indicate if your pet has been testing the boundary!
- DogWatch receiver collars can be set to audible (or vibration) only to gently introduce the dog to the system during training.
- Whether your pet is very timid or highly energetic, DogWatch receiver collars have a training level that is right for your pet. The settings are easy to understand and easy to adjust – – no need for a service call if you need to make an adjustment.
- All DogWatch Dealerships are locally owned and operated, making DogWatch the only truly local option. This local ownership means our Dealers are deeply invested in delivering exceptional service and long-term support. Happy dogs and satisfied customers are their best source of referrals!
Click here to learn more about the differences between DogWatch Hidden Fences and Invisible Fence Brand.
Invisible Fence® is a registered trademark of Radio Systems, Inc.
- Are there other benefits to the DogWatch Hidden Fence?
DogWatch receiver collars have several exclusive safety features, including:
- FastReact®, a feature that helps ensure your pet responds to the hidden dog fence while still INSIDE the containment area, not while he is traveling over it. In fact, DogWatch has the fastest reaction time in the pet containment industry!
- Our ProFence and SmartFence receivers have our exclusive AutoMemory® feature, which automatically adjusts the training level for your dog if he “challenges” his boundary.
- TattleTale™ is another patented safety feature exclusive to DogWatch. If your pet challenges his boundary, the status light on the receiver double flashes, an indication that you may need to adjust the fence settings.
- Our Pet Friendly™ audible-only setting allows you to train your dog using an audible “beep” tone before you introduce him to the correction setting. (Also available as a vibration alert.) After training, most dogs respond to the warning alert and do not test the boundary.
In addition to our receiver safety features, our DogWatch transmitters have a wire-break alert so you will know if your boundary wire has been compromised.
Your DogWatch Hidden Fence includes a 30-day money back guarantee on all equipment and a limited lifetime warranty when installed by an authorized DogWatch Dealer.
All authorized DogWatch Dealers provide you with superior technology and products to keep your pet safe and contained.
Additionally, your DogWatch Dealer is a local independent businessperson. Because DogWatch Dealers own their business, they have a vested interest in making sure their customers are happy.
Installation Questions
- What size area will the hidden fence cover? What kinds of areas will it cover?
DogWatch offers hidden fence models that can cover properties up to 200 acres. The outdoor systems can be installed in all kinds of terrains, including across streams or to create containment areas in lakes, etc. You can contain your dog in or out of most anywhere, including interior features of your home such as couches, dining rooms, and counter tops. Contact your local DogWatch Dealer for a free consultation and estimate.
- What if I move?
You can take the DogWatch system with you! You may need to have new wire installed at your new house, but your DogWatch Dealer can use your existing equipment to create your new hidden fence.
- I purchased a home that already has DogWatch Hidden Fence installed. How do I use it?
Great news – you are only one step away from enjoying the freedom and safety of a DogWatch Hidden Fence! Contact your local DogWatch Dealer, and they will be happy to assist you with locating and flagging the buried wire perimeter and making any necessary adjustments. They can also help you train your dog to their new boundaries. Click here to find your local DogWatch Dealer.
- What if my house loses electrical power?
If you experience frequent power losses, your DogWatch Dealer can add a DogWatch PowerPak™. This auxiliary power supply provides hours of power to your electronic fence until your household electrical service can be restored.
- Are hidden fence systems safe during a lightning storm?
All DogWatch hidden fences include both an internal lightning surge protector in the transmitter as well as an external surge protector.
- Is my dog’s hidden fence receiver collar waterproof?
Yes! All DogWatch Hidden Fence receiver collars are tested to withstand the harsh outdoor elements of rain, sleet, and snow, as well as rigorous play. Because dogs will be dogs!
- Can a DogWatch Hidden Fence be installed through water?
Yes. DogWatch Dealers can extend the boundary wire into water. If the dog swims close to the boundary, the receiver collar will alert him and he will retreat, just like he would if he approached the boundary in his yard. Plus, all DogWatch Hidden Fence receivers are waterproof. This allows a dog to swim without damaging the receiver or negating the fence system’s radio signal. Click here to learn more about waterfront installations.
- Can a DogWatch Hidden Fence be installed across a driveway?
Yes. If your hidden fence boundary crosses your driveway or walkway, your DogWatch installer will use a saw to cut a thin trench for the wire. They will then lay the wire and seal the driveway or walkway for a neat, clean finish and to protect the wire from the elements.
- Do DogWatch Hidden Fences work indoors, too?
Yes. We created two versatile DogWatch Indoor Pet Fence systems to work wherever you need them to protect and contain your pet indoors. Plus, you can use the same collar with both the indoor fence and the outdoor fence, so it is a great way to expand the value of your outdoor pet containment system. Click here to explore our Indoor Pet Fences.
Training Questions
- How does my dog learn where the hidden fence boundary is?
Your Dealer will initiate the training and provide instructions and support so you can complete and reinforce the training. After the initial training, your dog goes through a training session with you for a few minutes each day for about two weeks. Your Dealer will develop a plan to meet the specific training needs of your pet(s).
The training includes teaching your pet to recognize the containment area boundaries through a combination of voice commands, audible warning signals from the receiver collar and visual flags that are set in the yard where the pet hears the warning alert. With training, the dog remembers the placement of the flags and associates the flags with the warning signal. As your pet learns, the flags are slowly taken away. Your pet also learns that if he continues beyond the flags and warning alert, he will receive a correction (a mild electrical stimulation from the collar). After training, most dogs do not cross the hidden boundary; they usually stop before the warning signal to avoid the correction.
- Will the stimulation from a hidden dog fence collar hurt my dog?
The “stimulation” from the collar is a sensation similar to the static shock you receive after walking across a carpet in your socks. It is a brief, unpleasant sensation designed to deter a pet from leaving the boundary. After training, most dogs do not cross the hidden boundary and thus do not receive a correction.
The electronic stimulation will not “burn” your pet. In rare instances, prolonged or improper use of an electronic collar has resulted in a pet developing pressure sores on their necks. This situation is easily avoided by ensuring that the collar fits properly and is removed regularly. DogWatch strongly recommends removing your dog’s receiver collar daily when not in use.
- Can my dog get out of the hidden fence containment area?
Our hidden fences come with professional installation and PetFriendly™ training from our experienced DogWatch Dealers. If the initial training was done properly, your dog should not leave the containment area.
In the rare event that a dog does get out, it can often be attributed to one of three factors:
- Collar Fit: the pet is not wearing their receiver collar, or the pet’s collar strap does not fit correctly.
- Dead Battery: the receiver collar’s battery has run out. Luckily, DogWatch Hidden Fence receivers have the longest battery life in the industry, which maximizes your pet’s safety!
- Wire Break: the signal is interrupted due to a break in the underground wire. If this happens, your local DogWatch Dealer is available to support you and get you back up and running ASAP!
- If my dog leaves the yard and then comes back, will he or she receive a correction when crossing back into the yard?
Our DogWatch Hidden Fences systems include PetFriendly™ training from one of our experienced DogWatch Dealers. As a result, dogs using our hidden fences rarely leave the containment area.
In the rare instance that a pet does leave the containment area, the ProFenceX includes our WelcomeHome™ technology. The WelcomeHome technology allows a pet to return to their yard without a correction.
- Will a DogWatch hidden fence system work with any dog?
Our hidden fence systems work with all breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs. This includes hounds, hunting dogs, terriers, huskies, herding dogs, pit bulls, big breeds, deaf dogs, and many more. However, this type of product is not intended for dogs that have a history of aggressive behavior.
- Will the DogWatch hidden fence work for more than one dog?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of dogs (or cats) our hidden pet fencing can protect at one time.
- How old does my dog have to be before training begins?
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.
- Will DogWatch work for my cat?
Yes! Both the Outdoor Hidden Fences and Indoor Pet Fences work very well for cats. Click here to learn more about hidden fences for cats.
We have also trained pet pigs, goats, sheep, horses, and other animals on the DogWatch system.
- How will my neighbors know that my DogWatch Hidden Fence is working?
Your DogWatch Dealer will provide you with a temporary yard sign during your hidden fence training. They can also provide you with more permanent metal sign to be placed on your mailbox or elsewhere in your yard to inform neighbors or passersby that your pet is safely contained by a DogWatch Hidden Fence system.