KD661 Wireless 1/2/3 Dog Fence No-Wire Pet Containment System Rechargeable & Waterproof
Why Is It Here?
This is an affordable easy to use dog fence for people who don’t want to mess around with burying wires in their yard.
About The Brand
With this product, it’s difficult to determine exactly who the manufacturer is. At first glance, it seems like KD661 is the brand however, this is probably just the model number. Upon further investigation, you’ll find that a company called Transtar manufacturers a newer model of the KD661 Wireless Dog Fence with the model number KD661c. This makes it seem like Transtar would have also manufactured the KD661 however, their website does not mention this exact model. With all that being said I think it’s a relatively safe bet that they did manufacture it.
Transtar was founded in 1986 and claims to be the largest specialty pet retailer in the United States. Their headquarters is in Southern California but most of the products are manufactured overseas. The company offers some limited warranties for its products and has 24-hour customer service.
Specifications
Age of the dog:
This product does not directly state an age that would be appropriate to start using it to train your dog. However, with the most static correction, you want to wait until the dog is at least 6 months old and understands basic obedience commands. A dog that knows basic commands will be much easier to train.
Weight:
This product is advertised for dogs of any size. With that being said if your dog is 15 lbs or smaller you may want to be cautious using this product.
Neck Size:
The receiver collar will fit a dog with a neck thickness as small as 8 inches and as large as 21 inches (20.32 cm – 53.34cm). If your dog has a smaller neck you may want to cut off any excess length.
Safety Features:
This product has several safety features. To start the receiver collar is water-resistant making it safe to use in the rain, however, it is not submersible. If you have a pool that your dog frequently uses this may not be the product for you. The instruction manual also states that this product has protection against false corrections and that the receiver collar can only be activated by the transmitter it is synced to. Finally, the KD661 Dog Fence receiver has a built-in fail-safe that protects your dog from receiving correction during a power outage.
Portability & Set-Up:
One of the biggest benefits of this product is that it takes only minutes to set up. Once the receiver collar has been charged simply plug the transmitter into any standard 110-volt outlet and turn both the transmitter and the receiver collar on. There are red LED indicator lights that illuminate when the components are on. The transmitter can reliably function through walls and other obstruction so you can even set it up in a closet or a garage.
Next, you will need to set up the “Safety Zone”. The “Safety Zone” is the area that the dog is permitted to roam. Use the LED test light and the adjustable buttons on the transmitter to tailor the “Safety Zone” to the desired size. Never adjust the range of the receiver while your pet is wearing it. Once the “Safety Zone” is set make the boundary with the provided training flags.
Finally, you must fit the receiver collar to your dog’s neck directly below their chin. The receiver should fit relatively tight but loose enough for you to fit a finger in between the contact points and your dog’s neck. Remember the contact points have to touch your dog’s skin for correction to be received. If your dog has long or thick fur it may be helpful the trim the area where the receiver is being placed. You can also try using the longer contact points that are included with your purchase. Once the receiver collar is fitted to your dog the system is ready to be used.
Another great thing about this system is that you can bring it with you easily. This is not the case for fences that use underground wires. All you need to use this system on the go is a place to plug in the transmitter.
Batteries and Power Outlets:
If your not a fan of endlessly refilling batteries than the KD661 Wireless Dog Fence is a great option. The transmitter is powered via a wall outlet and the receiver collar is rechargeable. You’ll have no need for batteries with this system.
System Range:
The transmitter has a maximum range of 150 meters and a minimum range of 20 meters. With an additional transmitter, you can increase the range of the “Safe Zone” beyond 150 meters. The transmitters will create intersecting circles allowing your pet to access more area. The transmitter uses a 433Hz radio signal that the company says will not diminish indoors.
Correction Features:
The main correction feature of this product is static stimulation. The receiver collar is in constant contact with the transmitter. When the dog wonders beyond the permitted “Safe Zone” the dog will feel the stimulation. The dog will also hear a warning beep as it approaches the edge of the boundary before it receives static stimulation. If the dog does not return to the “Safe Zone” after the initial stimulation it will continue to feel the sensation until they do return to the “Safe Zone”.
This system also features a speed detector that will prevent your dog from running through the boundary. The faster the dog is moving the earlier it will feel the stimulation and at a higher intensity.
Check Carefully because….
- Before using the KD661 Wireless Dog Fence it’s important to remember that dogs have unique temperaments that may cause them to react differently to the stimulation. It is recommended that if your dog is prone to aggressive behavior or has a history of aggressive behavior you should consult with a certified animal behaviorist before using this product.
- Remember that this product is designed to be used for dogs only and should not be used on any other type of animal such as a cat. You should also note that this dog fence should not be used with young puppies or dogs younger than 6 months.
- Another thing to be careful of with this product is that there is no way to adjust the intensity of the static correction. If you have a small dog this can be concerning because the intensity of the correction may be too much for your pet and you won’t be able to turn it down.
- It’s also important to note that this system is subject to malfunction when in close proximity to lightning. During a lightning storm, you should unplug the transmitter and remove the receiver collar from your pet. If you live in an area where lighting storms are very frequent this may not be the wireless dog fence for you.
- You should also be aware that other radio devices on the same frequency may be affected by the system or cause it to malfunction. For example garage door opens may use a very similar signaling system.
- Remember that this system is not to be used as a toy and should be kept out of reach of children. This collar should only be used under close supervision by a responsible member of your family.
The MUST Know, True Facts about
While the KD661 1/2/3 Wireless Dog Fence is an easy to use and effective tool to keep your dog contained you should know that there is a newer model of this product. The newer model is the KD661-c pet fence. Both models have similar features and serve the same main purposes however if you buy the KD661 and then want to expand the range with a KD661-c you may run into compatibility issues because it’s unclear whether you can use the two products together.
What to watch out for with this product
The KD661 Wireless Dog Fence is a great product that can offer you peace of mind that your dog is not getting out of the yard however, there are a few flaws that customers have pointed out. The main issue is that the range of the transmitter is not as reliable as advertised. Customers reported that after a few days the single would only go as far as a few meters. This is a concerning issue because it’s important that your pet is not receiving unwarranted correction when within the “Safe Zone”. The company recommends that you buy an additional transmitter to boost the signal range but it’s unclear if this would help if the system is malfunctioning.
Another complaint customers had was that it was very hard or impossible to reach customer service about issues with the product. This may be because it’s hard to identify exactly what company manufacturers this product. If you are concerned about reaching customer service for help you may want to consider buying the KD661-c model directly from Transtar. This way you can be certain who you should contact for assistance.
Crucial Tips
Before you begin using this product there are few key tips from the instruction manual that you may want to know about.
- It’s advised that you keep the transmitter at least 5 meters away from any appliance or utility boxes. This will ensure that the signal does not disturb anything in your home.
- If the battery on the receiver collar is low the system may experience intermittent operation. You should not use the collar when the battery is low. The power light on the receiver will flash when the battery is low.
- You should not leave the collar on your pet for longer than 10 hours at a time. Wearing the collar for long periods of time may cause your dog to develop skin irritation near the contact point. Periodically check your dog’s neck for any irritation.
- Before putting the receiver collar on your dog’s neck use the test light tool to check if the collar is working properly. You should take any other metal pieces off your dog’s neck when the receiver collar is on.
- To persevere battery and prevent any unwarranted corrections it’s recommended that you take the collar off of your pet when it is in the house. Even though the receiver can pick up signals from the transmitter through walls you don’t want to risk something in your home interrupting the signal.
- The final tip is that you should not submerge the receiver in water or dismantle the system in any way as this may void the limited warranty.
Benefits and Features (Pros)
The KD661 1/2/3 Wireless Dog Fence is a safe and simple form of pet containment that follows the same principals as an underground wire system without the hassle. Once plugged in it only takes minutes to set up the circular “Safe Zone”. The great thing about the “Safe Zone” is that it’s completely customizable. There are 100 levels for you to use to adjust the size of the area. Once set up you can link an unlimited number of pets to the transmitter which is a great feature if you have multiple pets.
The receiver its self is water-resistant and rechargeable. The receiver also has an auto-sleep function that will help save battery. If the vibration sensor within the receiver does not detect motion for 2-3 minutes it will shut the receiver off until it feels vibration again. To promote long battery life you should store the receiver in a vibration-free environment. When the receiver is low on battery the red indicator light will flash and the receiver will beep. This is important because the receiver should not be used on a low battery.
This dog fence also features a layered approach to correction that is designed to keep your pet from ever leaving the permitted area. As your dog nears the edge of the “Safety Zone” the dog will first hear a warning beep from the receiver. As the dog exits the “Safety Zone” the receiver will give the first static correction. Static correction is meant to startle the dog and is completely safe. If the dog does not return to the “Safety Zone” they will continue to feel the static correction. To prevent your dog from running through the fence the receiver collar has a speed detection feature. If the receiver detects that your dog is running toward the edge of the “Safety Zone” the collar will begin beeping and deliver static stimulation slightly earlier. The system also comes with 50 orange warning flags that will serve as a visual indication of where the fence ends.
This product also has several safety features to keep the system work properly. The user manual indicates the receiver has protection against false singles not related to the transmitter. The user manual also states that the receiver has a fail-safe system for power outages. Meaning that in the case of a power outage or if the transmitter mistakenly unplugged the receiver will automatically power down as opposed to issuing an unwarranted static correction because it lost the signal.
Problems (Cons)
KD661 Wireless Dog Fence is a convenient and effective product however, there are a few areas where it lacks. The first is that the only setting on this device that you can adjust is the width of the “Safety Zone”. There is no way to adjust the intensity of the static correction. This can be problematic because not all dogs will react to the stimulation the same way. If your dog is particularly sensitive or is small the intensity of the static correction may cause them too much discomfort or give them anxiety about going at all close to the edge of the “Safety Zone”. On the other hand, if you have a particularly large or stubborn dog the static correction may be too weak to affect them. If this product really wanted to serve any and all dogs it would have a way to adjust the static correction intensity.
Another drawback to this dog fence is that the transmitter will only form a “Safety Zone” that is circular. This is can be inconvenient if you have an irregularly shaped yard or have a very specific zone that you want the dog to stay in. It can also make it difficult for you to set up the safety zone in both the front and back yards. This is not a problem with underground wire fences because you can manipulate them into any shape you want.
Lastly, the receiver collar is not submersible. This will be an issue if you have a pool in your yard that your dog frequently uses. If you have any standing water in your yard it’s probably not advisable to use this product.
Conclusions
If you’re like most pet owners you worry about your dog running out of the yard, whether it be after the mailman or a squirrel it can be a constant concern. With the KD661 Wireless Dog Fence, you won’t have to worry about that anymore. It’s fast and easy to set up and the best part is that it’s easy to take with you. The system uses warning sounds, and static correction to keep your dog within the containment zone as well as a speed detection system to keep your dog from running through the fence. You also won’t have to worry about making any additional purchases because this product comes with 50 boundaries flags, a test light tool, and up to 3 rechargeable receiver collars.
Though you can’t change the shape of the “Safe Zone” or adjust the intensity of the static correction this product is safe and human and should work for most pets. If you’re looking for a simple hassle-free method of ensuring your dog stays safe and sound in your yard the KD661 Wireless Dog Fence is a great option.
What to consider BEFORE buying a Wireless Dog Fence
Before you jump into buying a dog fence of any kind you should consider a few things about your lifestyle and your dog. First, ask yourself if it is even necessary. If you have a well-trained dog and closed back yard you might not even need one. Also, consider your dog’s temperament. If a dog is prone to aggressive behavior or is considered nervous static correction may not be good to use with the dog.
There are also question about wireless dog fence specifically you should ask. Consider whether your yard is densely vegetated or if there are other factors that may disrupt the transmitter signal. This could lead to an unwarranted correction or cause problems with the system’s range. You should also make sure that you can make a circular containment area work for your yard because you won’t be able to change the shape of it.
Advantages and disadvantages of a Wireless Dog Fence
The biggest advantage of a wireless dog fence is that you don’t have to mess around with setting up any underground wires. You still get the peace of mind that your pet is safely contained in the yard without all the hassle. All you have to do it plug it in and adjust the size of the “ Safe Zone” it’s that simple.
However, this same benefit can also serve as a slight disadvantage. See underground wire dog fences only really kick into action when the collar is detected near the boundary that means when the dog is in the house or comfortable within the containment zone there is really no chance for malfunction but, this isn’t the case for a wireless system. A wireless receiver is constantly “listening” for the signal from the transmitter. With a continuous system like this, there is a lot more room for malfunction and the chance that something will inadvertently disrupt the signal.
How Wireless Dog Fences work
As mentioned previously wireless dog fences consist of a transmitter and a receiver that communicate via radio waves (Sometimes over a large area). The transmitter will be set up to send it’s signal a certain distance. The area that the transmitter signal reaches is considered the “Safe Zone”. This is where the dog is free to roam and play. As the dog is moving around the receiver worn around the dog’s neck will be “listening” for that signal from the transmitter. As soon as the dog ventures beyond the range of the transmitter the receiver will no longer hear the signal and use some form of correction to tell the dog that it is beyond the containment area.
Tips and Tricks for Training a Dog With a Wireless Dog Fence
- When you first start using a wireless dog fence try letting your dog get used to the collar without any correction. This way the dog won’t associate the collar with the static correction.
- It’s important that when you first begin training that you do so with a leash. This way when the dog steps beyond the containment zone you can easily pull them back and stop the correction. If you don’t show the dog how to stop the stimulation they will not know what to do.
- While training, remember to pay close attention to your dog’s needs. If the dog is becoming overwhelmed or losing interest be sure to stop training. You should also try to keep training fun and light, it should not feel like work for you or the dog.
Are Wireless Dog Fences Safe To Use
For some people the thought of using static stimulation on their pet is unsettling. They don’t like the idea of intentionally “hurting” the dog. It’s important that you don’t think about the stimulation as painful or as a punishment. The stimulation is very similar to rubbing your feet on a carpet and then touching a metal doorknob or firmly flicking your dog in the neck. Neither of these examples would hurt the dog it’s simply a means of startling the dog and getting their attention. Static stimulation has been used in dog training for over 20 years and is completely safe for your dog. If you are really worried about the intensity of this stimulation it is safe to try on yourself. Some trainers recommend this so that you understand exactly what your dog is experiencing.
Possible Alternatives
If you don’t think a wireless dog fence is for you the first alternative to consider would be an underground wire fence. This can be more time consuming to install but gives you move flexibility in the size and shape of the containment area. If your still not sold on using static correction there are other alternatives out there. For instance, you can use a nonelectric friendly fence around your yard that is nearly invisible to the eye and will keep your pet contained without stimulation. It’s also possible to simply train your dog to stay in the yard. This takes patience and persistence but it is possible.