PetSafe PIG00-14582 Basic In-Ground Radio (Wireless) Pet Fence Review

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Product Name:

PetSafe Basic In-Ground Dog and Cat Fence PIG00-14582 – Underground Electric Pet Fence by PetSafe

Typical fencing for animals can be hard to maintain, thin bars won’t hold your big strong dog for long, they can rust all over the place, and become unstable without proper fence care, all of these parts plus many others can drive anyone crazy.

Not to mention that you need a big yard in the first place, the dog may be an expert digger and get out quite often with a normal fence, or some people can’t afford to repair, replace or purchase a fence.

Some huge issues have come into play with dogs, if you’re experiencing any of these things there is another option you can consider: installing an in-ground fence.

That way the chances that your crazy critter, feline or canine, in terms of digging and jumping over fences goes down by just a percent, and it may just be the percent you need to protect your dog from running away.

An in-ground fence provides a wireless, large, open space for your dog to play without worry or huge clean-up, but what does this entail? Why should you consider a wireless fence? What size dogs can use the in-ground wireless fence? All of these questions and more answered in this product review.

Why Is This Product Here?

This product is a good alternative to traditional fencing that makes the yard have an invisible fence that protects your dog from getting out. It also allows for a smooth installment: from installment time from reviewers has ranged from half an hour for a small yard to five hours for a large yard. Even with the five hour installation period, that specific customer had reported that the entire process with a bit of help from another person went smooth and “had no hitches.” They used a lawn edger to make a trench in their large yard, .5 acres, and since the product did not come initially with the amount they required, they purchased an extra roll of wire; they needed about 100’ more than what was provided.

Specifications:

Not everybody needs a wireless fence, some places will not allow it for example, so before considering purchasing this in-ground fence for your dog,

Be sure to take things into consideration:

Age of the dog: Depending on the age of the dog, the fence may or may not be effective. Puppies, especially very young ones , for example, are not very receptive to learning and understanding the sound and shock mechanism that make the fence function and be “invisible.” You don’t want to put any stress on the pup when it is not needed and they do not understand the concept of being trained through sounds or even shocks.
Weight: How much does your dog weigh? Make sure you know this information before purchasing any invisible fence for your fencing option. Normal fences will hold up no problem for most any size dog, unless they know how to dig under, and then you have problems. So you turn to an invisible fence option, most of these fences, however, have a certain recommended weight limit. Shihtzuexpert.com said that the weight limit most fences recommend is 8 pounds, but always be sure to check for a manufacturer’s recommendation, if one is available.

This particular in-ground fence manufacturer recommends the product to be used on dogs who are eight pounds and up, but if you have a lighter dog than that, this same brand sells another option of the invisible fence for a higher price for your lighter dog’s needs. The adjustable collar that comes with this product that connects to the in-ground fence is able to fit neck sizes from 6-26 inches, so if your dog has a smaller or larger neck than what is provided with the collar, separate collars can be purchased that work with these systems from PetSafe.

Safety mechanisms: You don’t want your dog being obnoxiously blasted with a noise to signify that they are crossing the fence, it can damage their hearing. Nor do you want your poor pup being shocked too hard from the voltage. Both of these are typical ways in-ground fences function to keep the dog inside the fence, and with this product, not only can you control the function that helps your dog stay inside the fence, but the rechargeable collar is battery operated and a flashing light is indicated on the collar when the battery needs replaced. It is also waterproof, so no rain or sweat will prevent the system from working properly.

Number of dogs: The unlimited number of dogs that are able to be hooked up to this system are one of the benefits, and the system performs just the same with each of them. If you have multiple dogs, though, you will need to purchase a separate collar for each of them. Depending how each dog are trained to work with it, you’ll notice some dogs prefer audio cues and others shock and if your pup has a problem with either of these, you do not want to purchase any in-ground fencing mechanisms.

Check carefully because…

With most invisible fences come with the risk of improper installment. People have reported the functions that the fence guarantees, such as properly keeping the dog inside the yard, does not function.One reviewer gave the product a one star after explaining their story of their walking over the fence occasionally and not being shocked or sounded at. They claimed setting up the mechanism to trigger the cues for the dog is “frustrating” when they see that their dog can go straight over all of their money spent on the product and the hardwork on the installation.

The line, they report is underground, as it should be, but it is close to their garage and house. This can cause their dog to receive a signal of shock inside of their house because the dog passes the installed line on the outside of the house. Their house is reportedly next to a major road, so the unreliable system caused them great worry for the safety of the dog.

Although, with customer reviews, majority of the critical reviews that can be seen on the product’s page, PetSafe has responded to the complaints. Apologizing for the inconveniences of each one, they suggest a phone number and to at home so they can speak to you about the fence problems when calling. For the case mentioned above, the manufacturers responded claiming that there are a few environmental factors such as large metal fences being too close to the wire or the transmitter or underground utilities that obstruct the correct functioning of the product, such as what the one star customer was describing. Offering to speak with the unhappy customer, this situation has been repeated a few times in the critical review section of the reviews.

Another customer said they were unsatisfied with not only the product but also the customer service. In their review they wrote that their fourth purchase of the in-ground invisible fence, including two different versions, none of them have been functional even with customer support help. They reportedly spent an hour on the phone with tech support “jumping through hoops” and they were only willing to refund the money on the most recent one they purchased (that the purchased 4 months ago) and they were sent a refurbished fence as a replacement for their most recent one.

A different critical reviewer who gave one star for the product claimed that the fence stopped functioning after three months of use, saying that the collar indicated it was fully charged and responded to tests but when the dog went over the fence line it did not function properly and her dog got out. The company replied to the review and

So, with this product, the unreliability of the system and the somewhat negative customer service that has been reported via Reviewers paired against the company providing responses to critical reviews, often identifying the problem and suggesting a solution.
There is no particular way to identify if the fence is functional or will stand long term upon arrival, but be sure to install it and test it out as soon as possible for a refund or being shipped an alternative product from customer support.

The MUST know, TRUE facts:

This company provides many accomodations in terms of what is able to be paired with this fencing. It has multiple options for collar sizes and availability of of extra wiring, both for purchase outside of what is provided with the original kit. This can be harmful and helpful, because if you exactly what you want in terms of measurements for your dog and your yard this package is perfect. The product description gives you the details upfront on how large the wiring is and what size the collar is that comes with it, be sure to check these before you purchase because you may have trouble with customer service if a quick response is not given. Other must know facts include the limited shipping that this product can be released to the continental United States due to legal and federal requirements, so this may or may not hinder your availability to buy this product.

You can easily install this product with “clear instructions” provided, but if you do not succeed customer service might not be as helpful as they would like to portray because seem to not send out service representatives, rather use verbal directions to help guide you and if you’re already lost, this might not be of service. Calling a friend over who is handy with installing electrical items might serve you better, at least to give you a second look over the directions that are confusing you.
Also, the product description claims that the unit is waterproof, but a customer one-star review needed help on clarification of the transmitter unit. Evidently, that piece of the unit needs to be installed indoors to avoid getting wet, installed in a “dry, well-ventilated area.” Be sure to do this in order to secure proper use and avoid breakage to avoid making to this customer’s mistake when using the product for proper use.

Another customer who left a four star review said that their house is close to a road, living with her husky. They needed a way to keep her dog safe but did not trust her regular fence alone, so she purchased the PetSafe product to make sure her dog stayed in. It was a “totally reasonable price” and took “a long weekend afternoon to install,” the customer wrote. Her husky had too thick of fur to be able to properly be shocked, so she had to double the level recommended to start and use the prongs that came with the kit for proper shock value to be administered when the dog crossed the invisible fence. And when it came to the functioning of the in-ground fence, the customer wrote that they doubted that the fence alone would keep in a big dog like their husky. The shocking scared the dog because it seemed like random shocks, but the beeping noise that the collar made, the owner wrote, made the dog figure out that it should stay away from the fence. Either way this points out a case that needs to be thought about when purchasing the in-ground fence for a larger dog for a larger dog: an invisible fence and a physical fence might be needed, especially if you live buy a large road that can be dangerous for dogs.

What to watch out for with this product: Installation might be difficult for some, so it seems users have had more success with the installation of this product, taken from the customer reviews, with help from another person. Especially for big yards.
Make sure you install the transmitter unit, the piece that triggers the function of the dog collar’s shock or noise value once it crosses the wire, inside in a “well-ventilated area” as to make sure the yard functions properly.

This isn’t clarified in the instructions to some customers, so make sure you don’t make the same mistake. Also, train your dog very well with the fence or you won’t make the proper use out of it. There are three steps shown with visuals on setting up the fence, the first one being “install”, where they direct users to install it over the weekend, the second being “train”, the company suggests that the dog can be trained in 2 weeks to be able to know how to stay away from the fence wire, the third being “play”, your dog will be able to use the fence and play all it wants, without getting out. So, to get the most out of your money you should properly train your dog to get used to the fence rather than just sending them outside, the best way to do that is to take your dog out for a walk around the yard, let them see the difference between the shock/noise that the fence can make and the safe area inside of the fence.

Overall, the size of your pet also depends on the functionality of the invisible fence. Although it is advertised to general cats and dogs, there are two things that should be pointed out:
There is a fence specified for cats made by the same brand although this product we’re reviewing is advertised as a fence for both dogs and cats. So, you’d rather buy that if you have a cat rather than use a fence that’s catered towards mainly dogs.
There are different collars that work with this fence, sold by the same brand, they come in different sizes and have different attachments such as prongs to secure the collar on so look into those if need be for the safety of your pet.

This product can prove very useful and the battery can last for up to two months. It is very convenient for pet owners not having to worry about the fence properly functioning with the collar, simple tests can be done to test the function of the shock and noise and a battery blinks once it needs recharged.

Crucial tips:

Follow the instructions very carefully in terms of installment, read the directions a few times over and make sure to call the customer service line if there are any questions when installing the product. The installation can take quite some time, some people have found that having someone else help them prove beneficial in getting the job done as soon as possible.
Having your dog trained as soon as possible to use the fence also helps get the most use out of the fence, considering the varying life of the unit as a whole, ranging from 3 days to months on end. It does include a one year warranty, though.
If you ever lose the manual to this there is an online manual provided by PetSafe

Benefits and Features (Pros):

Multiple pets can be hooked up to the system
The wire is water resistant and it comes with a surge protector
The product can fit any yard, you can buy more wiring if need be
They provide a payment plan for some retailers, making it easy to purchase if money was the problem

Problems (Cons):

Instructions are not clear to all customers and no mention of physical customer service is available, only talks over the phone
PetSafe has not given a refund in the past to customers who have tried to receive one after four months of having the product. This can be troublesome for those whose fences stop working, and while there is a quality guarantee presented as a selling point on the main product description, it does not say that there is a one year warranty until you scroll down
Pets can accidentally get shocked when they are indoors if they are inline with the transmitter, so that, obviously, is not good

Setting up:

Once purchased, this quick tip guide can walk you through the general installation, meaning what you should be looking out for rather than the specific bolt by bolt method, of your PetSafe in-ground invisible fence, and how to link the collar.

In-ground installation:

Create a plan that can wrap around the entirety of your yard and connect. You can, in addition, cut wiring to be placed around pools, gardens or any other areas you desire. Dig a small trench to be able to place the wire into. Then twist the wire when looping back to your starting point to cancel any shock or noise being triggered by the spot.
Install the transmitter connected to indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will allow signals to be sent to the collar if the dog approaches the wire and then a shock or noise when it crosses over it that should prevent it from escaping if properly trained.
Fit the collar to the correct sizing and find the right correction level, as in level of noise and level of shock being produced for the dog.

Collar set up:

Remove the static control cover with a quarter, it should be on the top of the transmitter box on the collar. To activate the transmitter box, find the two prongs and insert and turn the coin counter-clockwise.
There will be a correction level button once you perform the previous step. Press it and an LCD light will flash and light up. The number of flashes displayed indicates the level of static shocks that will be used when the wire is triggered.

You can choose a level by stopping on the correct beep:
One flashes: Level 1: beep only using no static correction methods
Two flashes: Level 2: low static correction will be used
Three flashes: Level 3: medium to low static correction, this can be used for the average dog
Four flashes: Level 4: medium static correction indicated
Five flashes: Level 5: medium to high static correction will be used, recommended for the average energetic dog
Six flashes: Level 6: high static correction for the highest energy dogs
The different levels will be used for different dogs, here are some quick tips on how to choose a level
If your dog is timid, a lower level such as 1 should be used to start off, and during training if there is no response, then consider switching to levels 2 or 3
If your dog is hyperactive, a high level setting might be needed from the get-go to ensure that they will respond to the shocks and save you the extra time in resetting the collar to a higher level
If your dog is relatively in the middle of the two extremes, 3 or 4 might do, but be open to the idea of changing the level because each dog will respond in a different way
Use your finger turn and to choose which level y9u’d wish the collar to shock at. If you turned at the wrong flash, wait five seconds before turning again. It should be completely turned once you find the correct level for your dog’s needs.
Replace the cover and you’re ready to adjust the strap to be put on your dog.

Important accessories for the PetSafe pig00 14582 In-Ground Fence:

Additional collars need to be bought for each of the dogs being hooked up to the transmitter. The “Basic In-Ground Add-a- Collar” from PetSafe can be purchased and will be compatible with this product. This collar is the same one that comes with the initial package.
For dogs that are not easily complying with the shocks, there is a collar that is called the “Stubborn Dog Add-a-Collar” from PetSafe that is compatible and goes up to higher levels of shock.

Compatible Receiver Collars from Petsafe:

UltraLight In-Ground Fence Receiver Collar (PUL-275)
Stubborn Dog In-Ground Fence Receiver Collar (PRF-275-19)
Little Dog In-Ground Fence Receiver Collar (PIG19-11042)
Rechargeable In-Ground Fence Receiver Collar (PIG00-13737)
In-Ground Fence Receiver Collar for Cats (PCF-275-19)

The “Rechargeable Add-on-Collar” from PetSafe is self-explainable: the battery on the collar is rechargeable.
There will be areas that you will need your dog not to be shocked, and PetSafe made the “Twisted Wires & Splice Kits” to allow pre-twisted wires that will not transmit the signal to the collar along with connectors.
Extra wire and flags can be purchased for larger yards, consider buying these if your yard is bigger than five acres all around.

How to get your dog used to the collar and the Electric Fence?

Going on a walk daily, possibly multiple times a day, with your dog on a leash around the entire yard is necessary. Subtle but necessary crossing or getting close to the wire is necessary to get them adjusted to the boundaries being set. As for the collar, it is mostly lightweight and can be used like any collar, but if they seem uncomfortable with the sizing, consider upgrading to the bigger dog collar or the “Stubborn Dog Add-a-Collar” because it is two inches longer.

After realizing the noise and shock is coming from going past a certain area, the dog should be at least accustomed to the new item. Be sure to let them know they are doing a good job with rewards afterwards or during when they stay away from the fence.
Then you should be able to release them off of their leash, but monitored for a few times. Do this until you feel you and your dog are ready for them to roam free around your new invisible fenced-in yard.

Conclusion

In terms of fences, this fence seems easy enough to install with instructions given from the manual and with the help of a very open line of customer support. This in-ground invisible fence can be good for dog owners who have a big dog who is able to get out of a normal fence easily. The adjustable collar it comes with provides the shock value and noise to indicate the dog is crossing the wire, it is useful in acting as a deterrent that lasts for a short amount of time but still gives the dog enough motivation to stay away from the wire.

This product by PetSafe is convenient for dogs who are able to obey and understand the concept of staying away or associating punishment with certain things, but if your dog is stubborn, the shock value can be amped up. This can be troubling for some owners as this might make them worry if the dog is being hurt, but it is most likely not. If signs of hurt start, then be concerned and switch to the sound, and if that does not work, then the product should not be used.

Some people like this product, others don’t, with a reliable brand name and decent customer service, the company should be able to help you with any questions you may have before or after purchasing. Other brands may be more suitable for your dog, but this one gets the job done for most, it seems.