Parenting a dog comes with a lot of responsibility. You provide your pup with healthy food and treats. You ensure that she gets plenty of belly rubs and butt scratches. You share your couch and your bed with her. And you keep her as safe as possible with regular vaccinations and a protected play area. If you own or rent a house, getting a fence is often an essential step to giving your fur baby a safe place to relieve herself, play fetch, and do zoomies on a sunny day.
But choosing a fence is no walk in the park. If you’ve done a few Google searches, you know there are endless options for fencing. But don’t worry – knowledge is power, and this article is chock-full of information to help you make an educated decision about a terrific fence for the safety, health, and happiness of your dog.
Meet Your New Best Friend, Extreme Dog Fence [Click Here For reviews about other in-ground fences please read this]
The company Extreme Dog Fence makes precisely one thing: the Extreme Dog Fence. This wired invisible fence system comes with a few customizable options to ensure you and your dog both get the features you need for your lifestyle and your property.
Extreme Dog Fence Pro-Grade
The Extreme Dog Fence Pro-Grade varies from the standard kit in a few ways. For starters, the Pro-Grade kit comes with a 10-year warranty to give you extra confidence that your investment is protected. The fence wire has thicker insulation than the standard package – 45 ml instead of 15ml. Additional insulation helps preserve the cable against harsh weather and extreme temperatures.
Unlike the standard package, the Extreme Dog Fence Pro-Grade system includes some pre-twisted wire to connect your fence to your transmitter. Your dog can cross any section of twisted wire without getting shocked, so you can run the twisted wire wherever you want. (With the standard package, you twist the included wire together yourself.)
The Pro-Grade system includes 500 feet of 20-gauge wire, 50 feet of twisted wire, a transmitter, one collar with receiver and contact points, and 50 training flags.
Just like the standard Extreme Dog Fence kit, the Pro-Grade kit includes a transmitter that can support fencing around up to 25 acres of fenced property. As previously mentioned, an invisible fence works by sending radio signals from your fence system to your dog’s collar. But what happens if there are other radio systems nearby?
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What if your neighbor has an invisible fence, too? Fortunately, the Extreme Dog Fence Pro-Grade system gives you the option of multiple frequency settings on your transmitter. That way, you can guarantee that you aren’t using the same radio frequency as your neighbor and disrupting each other’s fence signals.
Each collar runs off a 6-volt battery that powers your dog’s receiver for 3-4 months. About one week before the battery dies, a low-battery light begins blinking on the collar to remind you to replace the battery. You can order extra batteries from the Extreme Dog Fence company, so you always have enough power for the collar.
Since the receiver only weighs 1.1 ounces, the collar is suitable for any dog who weighs eight or more pounds. And the collar is completely waterproof – if your dog goes for a swim with the collar on, the receiver isn’t damaged. And of course, your dog can play in the rain or your sprinkler system without worry, too.
Extreme Dog Fence Max-Grade
The Extreme Dog Fence Max-Grade is the most elite invisible fence system offered by the Extreme Dog Fence company. The Max-Grade system comes with a 10-year warranty like the Pro-Grade system, ensuring that the invisible fence keeps protecting your yard for years to come. The insulation around the Max-Grade system’s wiring is the company’s most impressive offering: a full 60ml of insulation. This wire can stand up to the most extreme weather conditions that you and your dog will encounter.
Like the Extreme Dog Fence Pro-Grade package, the Extreme Dog Fence Max-Grade system includes some pre-twisted wire to connect your fence to your transmitter. This cable allows you to run wiring across your yard without shocking your dog when he crosses it, giving you greater flexibility when choosing where to plug in your transmitter. Additionally, the wires in the Pro-Grade kit are 14-gauge instead of the 20-guage wire that comes with the other fence systems.
The Max-Grade system includes 500 feet of 14-gauge wire, 50 feet of twisted wire, a transmitter, one collar with receiver and contact points, and 50 training flags.
As with all Extreme Dog Fence systems, the Pro-Grad’s transmitter works with enough wiring to enclose 25 acres of land. Additionally, the transmitter allows you to choose which frequency you want your fence to use. That way, you can be sure that your fence will function without interruption if other pet parents in your neighborhood are using invisible fences, too.
You can buy disposable batteries from the Extreme Dog Fence company for the included collar. Some pet parents like the idea of having a rechargeable battery for their fur baby’s collar receiver. The issue is that a radio signal drains the battery very quickly – a rechargeable battery in a collar receiver needs to be charged daily.
If you happen to forget about charging it one evening, the collar is useless the next morning. The Extreme Dog Fence company has a specific 6-volt battery for their collar receivers. This particular battery is designed to last 4-6 months before needing to be replaced, meaning you have peace of mind for almost half a year. The collar starts to blink when the battery is running low, giving you plenty of time to replace the battery and assure the invisible fence is always protecting your dog.
The collar is suitable for dogs eight pounds and up. If your dog is smaller than eight pounds, the Extreme Dog Fence company offers a Little Dog fence option. The collar receiver that comes with the standard package is water-resistant, excellent for the occasional puddle or rainstorm. The Max-Grade collar, on the other hand, is fully waterproof, protected against your dog’s planned (or accidental) dips in your pond.
Critical Information To Know Before Buying An Extreme Dog Fence
When you think of an invisible fence, you probably imagine smooth green grass, uninterrupted by a wooden or chainlink fence stretching into the sky. There’s a reason people choose invisible fences for their yards! Their aesthetic appeal is undeniable. A little known fact, however, is that there are two different types of “invisible fence:” a wired fence and a wireless fence.
A wired invisible fence like the Extreme Dog Fence consists of a wire that runs around your property, buried 1-3 inches in the dirt. A receiver on your dog’s collar communicates with the cable and tells your dog when he’s close to the boundary. That way, he knows to stay in your yard where he’s safe.
A wireless invisible fence is produced by a transmitter inside your house. The transmitter emits a radio signal in a circle the size of your choosing. The radio signal is projected around your home and communicates with your dog’s collar to keep him safely on your property.
Why You Should Buy A Wired Fence
A wireless invisible fence is more convenient to set up – just plug in the transmitter, adjust the size of the signal, and you’re done. So why would you choose a wired fence, which requires you to bury a wire around the length of your property?
One reason is that a wired fence is not limited by physical barriers. Your property can have hills, trees, or water features, and a wired invisible fence still excels at protecting your dog. On the other hand, a wireless invisible fence is not so adaptable. Since it’s casting a signal, it needs flat space to maintain that signal with no interruption.
Hills and trees disrupt a wireless fence. If you have a small yard or flat farmland property, a wireless fence will work for you. But if you have any variation in your landscape, you should choose a wired fence like the Extreme Dog Fence.
A second significant difference is flexibility. The shape of a wired invisible fence is only limited by your imagination. Is digging at the base of your storage shed Fido’s favorite guilty pleasure? Do you want to make sure your dog can’t get hurt (or drown) in your pool? Surround these areas with some of the wire from your fence kit, and presto:
Your shed is safe, and your dog can’t fall into your pool. But a wireless invisible fence is limited to a circle shape projected from the transmitter in your house. You can’t use a wireless fence to keep Fido out of specific areas of your property – it’s all or nothing.
Features of the Extreme Dog Fence
Each Extreme Dog Fence kit comes with 20-gauge wire, a transmitter, collar receivers, collar contact points, and 50 training flags. The collar is powered with 9-volt batteries. The included transmitter can maintain up to 25 acres of fenced property, making it an excellent choice for pet parents with large yards or farms (you just need to buy additional wire for that much land).
The Extreme Dog Fence company emphasizes that all of their products are proudly made in America. They offer 24-hour support for any customer with one of their fence kits, meaning you can call with dog training questions or troubleshooting issues on any day of the week.
The transmitter allows you to control the “boundary zone,” the area just inside the buried wire. As your dog approaches the wire, she receives a warning tone telling her that she’s close to your fence. You can decide how soon she gets this warning, anywhere from within a couple inches to 32 feet away from your buried wire. With this feature, you can control how close your dog is allowed to get to the edge of your property (and the busy road beyond).
The basic kit comes with 500 feet of wire and supports one dog collar. You can adjust your Extreme Dog Fence kit to include more fencing (1000-2500 feet) or support more dogs (up to 5) or both, for big yards and big dog families.
Helpful Tips for the Extreme Dog Fence
The 9-volt battery in your dog’s collar will last about 4 months. Check for a low-battery signal and keep some 9-volt batteries on hand to make sure your dog’s collar is always ready to go.
It’s essential to take your pup’s receiver collar off when the two of you go for walks together – he doesn’t need to get shocked when he’s leaving the yard for a walk with you. Dog trainers suggest starting all of your walks from one particular location on your property, like your mailbox. This helps reinforce your dog’s understanding that he’s supposed to stay in the yard unless he’s leaving with you, wearing a leash, and standing by the mailbox.
Pros of the Extreme Dog Fence
Pro: You don’t need special skills to use the Extreme Dog Fence
You don’t need a degree in IT or experience with landscaping to install and use the Extreme Dog Fence. Decide where you want the fence to go, push the wire a few inches into the ground, and teach your dog where the new border is. Anyone can do it! And don’t forget, the Extreme Dog Fence company’s customer service line is available 24/7 if you run into any hiccups.
Pro: The Extreme Dog Fence costs less than a traditional fence
Maybe you thought about getting a wooden or chainlink fence for your dog – until you saw the price tag. Between labor and material, a conventional fence can set you back thousands of dollars. Luckily for your bank account, each Extreme Dog Fence costs far less and can be installed entirely by any pet parent willing to put in several hours of time and energy.
Pro: Your dog is better trained
It’s a widely-recognized truth that the happiest dog is a well-trained dog. Our canine best friends don’t enjoy surprises – they like knowing what to expect from the crack of dawn until the moment they crawl under your covers with you at night. They feel secure and confident if they know what makes you happy and what makes you put them in time-out. Your dog has to learn how to use the Extreme Dog Fence, and that means he’s a little better trained than he was before you got him the fence – and thus, he’s a little happier.
Invisible Fences: Humane or Cruel?
Once you get your pup an invisible fence, she wears a collar with a radio receiver and metal prongs that touch her skin under her fur. Any time she tries to cross the fence, she’s shocked by the prongs. Is that cruel to your dog? Many people worry that it is. But there’s no reason to fear. For starters, the collar isn’t an inconvenience to your dog. She gets used to it like she would any collar or harness that you bought her. The receiver only weighs a few ounces, and the metal prongs are not sharp or irritating. And you’re advised to take the fence collar off at least once a day to give your dog a break for good behavior.
If you’re worried that the shock is hurting your dog, it’s helpful to understand that he’s only receiving a static shock. You get the same kind of shock in the winter when you touch metal objects. Is it painful? Not really. You notice it, but you don’t feel tortured. To put your mind at ease, you can test the collar prongs on your own arm to see what your dog is feeling. Furthermore, you can adjust the level of shock so that the collar gets your dog’s attention (and keeps him safely in your yard) without causing him any unnecessary discomfort.
Remember that your dog isn’t surprised or scared by the shock. As you train her, she learns where the fence is and that a shock means she’s disobeying the rules. Many dogs with invisible fences never try to cross the fence after training and, therefore, are never shocked at all! Don’t worry about hurting your dog – an invisible fence is a civilized way to keep her safe and happy in your yard.
Cons of the Extreme Dog Fence
Con: It takes time to train your dog
No training is involved with a wooden or chainlink fence. Simply turn your dog loose in a backyard with a traditional fence, and he quickly understands the rules: The fence is the end of his play area. Invisible fences, on the other hand, are invisible. Since your dog can’t see them, he doesn’t intuitively understand that he should stay in your yard instead of chasing a car down the street. You have to invest some and energy teaching your pup about the invisible fence.
Con: The Extreme Dog Fence doesn’t keep other animals out of your yard
Does your neighbor across the street have a beagle who digs under his fence and trots over to dig up your flowers? A fence made of wood or chainlink would keep that little troublemaker off your property (and away from your own dog). But an invisible fence doesn’t work on other dogs – only yours. Keep this in mind if your neighborhood has a plethora of stray animals who like to poop on your grass.
Con: The Extreme Dog Fence doesn’t work for all dogs
The Extreme Dog Fence collar receiver is not meant for dogs under eight pounds. Tiny dogs need to find themselves a different invisible fence. And, as previously mentioned, the base kit supports only one dog. You can get an Extreme Dog Fence for two, three, four, or five dogs, but each additional dog raises the total price of the kit you’re buying. If you have more than 1-2 dogs, you might want to shop around and compare prices.
Con: The Extreme Dog Fence isn’t portable
Earlier, we talked about the difference between wired and wireless invisible fences. It’s worth noting that a wireless invisible fence is portable – you can plug it in at your lakeside cabin, your RV, or your mom’s house. If you travel often, you might want a fence that’s nomadic, too. The Extreme Dog Fence stays buried in your yard after you assemble it and can’t go camping with you. This might be a deal-breaker if you and your pup have serious wanderlust.
How To Set Up The Extreme Dog Fence
We said that you don’t need any landscaping experience to set up the fence, and we were telling the truth! It’s easy to get your Extreme Dog Fence up and running. Follow these steps for a successful installation.
Step 1
Decide which area(s) of your property you want to fence off. Your whole property? Just the front yard? Do you have a lake or garden that you don’t want Fido getting into? Draw your property on some spare paper and plan out your fence before you lay down any wire. Also decide where you’ll plug your transmitter, which connects to the two ends of your cable and needs a standard outlet in a dry location. Don’t forget to buy the extra cable for large yards or rural farmhouses!
Step 2
Start at the location where you plan to plug in your transmitter. Unspool your wire as you move, and walk from the outlet to the edge of your property. Then walk around the areas that you decided to enclose, still unspooling the wire. (Don’t forget to cut sections for the pond or garden!) The cable should be laid at gentle angles rather than sharp turns, which might interfere with the wire’s signal.
Step 3
Walk back to the transmitter along the first length of wire that you laid down. Twist together the cables that reach from your transmitter to the edge of your property. Any twisted portion of wire won’t shock your dog, which means he can run between the transmitter and the end of your yard without getting zapped. Then connect the wires to your transmitter at the appropriately labeled points. With your dog’s receiver collar in hand, walk around the fenced-in area – if the collar beeps, your fence is working!
Step 4
Good news, you’re ready to bury the wire! Use a spade, shovel, or motorized lawn edger (you can rent one at Lowe’s or Home Depot) to make a groove in the ground 1-3 inches deep. Next, push the wire into the groove you just created. Pat the dirt back, or walk over the groove to replace the soil. Then set up the included training flags along the buried wire.
Step 5
On the transmitter, choose the boundary zone and set your dog’s collar to tone-only (you’ll use this for training your dog in the next section). If you have any issues with setup, the Extreme Dog Fence company is happy to help you.
And that’s it! Your Extreme Dog Fence is set up and ready to go. Now, on to the next phase: training your dog.
How To Train Your Dog
Teaching your dog about an invisible fence might seem like a Herculean task. But with a lot of patience and dog treats, you can train your dog to stay in your yard.
Until your dog is thoroughly trained, she should only wear the receiver collar during training time – that gives her time to get used to the collar. Stock up on your pup’s favorite treats for training sessions, and bring along a standard leash and collar, so your dog doesn’t try to run away during training. Don’t forget to have fun! Spend some time playing fetch or letting your dog run zoomies in your yard – keeping your yard associated with happy memories makes training go faster.
Week 1: Day 1
Make sure the receiver collar is set to tone-only. Put the collar on your pup, grab his leash, and walk to the flags you put along the invisible fence. As you approach the flags, your dog’s collar will sound the warning tone. After a few seconds, lead your dog away from the fence back into your yard, then tell him he’s the best thing since sliced bread! Give him some treats to show him you mean it. Staying at the same few flags, repeat the “approach fence, walk away, eat treats” routine until your dog starts to hesitate when approaching the flags. Good work! He’s learning! Don’t train your pup for more than 10-15 minutes each day, to keep training fun and exciting.
Week 1: Days 2-4
Now that your dog recognizes the warning tone, it’s time to teach her about the static shock system. Use your transmitter to set the collar to level 2. If your dog doesn’t react to level 2 by raising her ears or looking around for the source of the static, try level 3.
Put the collar on your pup, grab the leash again, and return to the same flags where you practiced earlier. After your dog hears the warning sound and feels the shock, lead him away and give him his favorite treat. Repeat for 10-15 minutes, then call it quits for the day. Some dogs catch on quickly, but others need a little more time. Watch your dog for signs that he’s feeling stressed, and take a break if he needs it. You can always come back to training when he’s feeling more confident.
Week 1: Days 5-8
You’re ready for this stage if your dog resists approaching the flags. If not, stay patient and keep practicing until your dog hesitates when you lead him towards the flags.
It’s one thing for your dog to stay away from the flags while she’s on a leash and you’re standing right next to her. But what if you’re on the other side of the yard, or even inside your house? You want your dog to be entirely convinced that she shouldn’t break the rules, no matter how tempting it might be – and you’ll start to work up to that goal in the next few days.
Take your dog to the invisible fence – and this time, bring his favorite toy. Stand by the flags and toss the toy across the flags, away from your yard. Watch your dog’s reaction! He might trot across the fence to get his toy as if he forgot the previous week of training. That’s ok! Try throwing a toy he doesn’t like as much, or a random stick. Build your dog’s resistance slowly until he can withstand the temptation of his favorite toy laying on the other side of the fence.
Of course, if your dog doesn’t dart across the fence after his toy, be sure to reward him immediately. Give lots of treats and praise to this hero among canines! Eventually, work your way up to tossing your dog’s favorite treat across the fence and expecting him to stay put. Practice this at different parts of your fence so your dog understands that all the flags are boundaries he can’t cross.
Week 2: Days 9-15
You’re ready for the next stage of training if your dog can repeatedly resist the “bait” of his favorite treat on the other side of the fence. If she can, now it’s time for leash-less training! Go outside to play in your yard without a leash, and play fetch or tug-of-war – whatever your dog enjoys doing. Then go back inside together. Do this for a few days.
Next, make sure your dog remembers the previous week’s training. Throw one of his favorite treats across the fence line and watch his reaction. If he stays where he is and doesn’t run after the tasty snack, reward him for being such a good dog!
If your dog runs head over heels after the treat like Scooby Doo after a Scooby Snack, go after her and bring her back. (Don’t forget to remove the collar to make sure she doesn’t get zapped on the way back across the fence.) It’s ok if you need to repeat some of your dog’s earlier training at the fence line, maybe with something less tempting than a treat. Hang in there! Your dog will eventually understand how the fence works.
Week 3
You’re ready to start removing the training flags when your dog consistently stays inside the invisible fence, even with a distracting treat or toy just out of reach on the other side. Take out a few flags every day until they’re all gone.
Conclusion
With the Extreme Dog Fence around your property, your dog is safely contained for healthy and productive playtime. Both of you can look forward to spending a lot of sunny days outside together, now that you know he won’t run away or get hit by a car! It might take some time to plan your yard, install the Extreme Dog Fence, and train your dog to use it – but in the end, his freedom and your peace of mind will be well worth it.
