Canadapets - Radio FenceŽ Outdoor FAQ's

Training Questions asked by our customers
( Technical questions below )

Q - How old does a dog have to be before starting training?
A - This is somewhat breed dependent, but most breeds should be on average 6 months of age or as soon as they fully understand the basic commands of sit, stay, come etc..

Q - Does the correction cause pain or harm to my dog?
A - Absolutely not. The correction is safe, painless and humane.

Q - Is this really a humane way to train a dog?
A - Absolutely. These products are endorsed by The Humane Society of the United States, the SPCA and many veterinarians throughout North America.

Q - Can I use this system to train my dog to stop jumping over or digging under wood or metal fences?
A - Yes. In fact approximately 40% of those buying a Radio Fence already own an existing physical fence.

Q - Once a dog is trained to the system what is the best way to take the dog out of the boundary?
A - Create what is called an "exit gate" and take the dog out only through this gate.

Q - Once a dog is trained to the system how does the owner create an "exit gate" concept?
A - Place a long leash on the dog. Turn the system off. Remove the dog's collar. Put the dog on the "sit" and "stay" command near the area that will become the "gate". Owner walks out of yard and asks dog to "come".

Q - If a dog is running through the system at only one spot in the yard, how is this corrected?
A - Set him up at this location. For example, have him on a long leash and then have someone else walk by that spot or walk their dog by that spot. When the dog attempts to leave - pull him back with the leash and then redirect him to the "sit" and "stay" commands. For extra stubborn and hard to train dogs we also offer a Stubborn Dog Collar with a stronger correction or the new Deluxe Ultralight collar with 5 levels of correction.

Q - Can an owner use the Radio Fence to train other dogs from coming into the owner's yard?
A - Only if the other dogs are wearing a receiver collar.

Q - What is the dummy collar effect?
A - This is a procedure where the collar is eliminated as a factor in learning. In other words, the dog wears the collar without it being activated for 3-5 days. This way the dog does not learn that the collar causes the correction, but rather getting to close to the yard boundary.

Q - How long should an owner take to create the dummy collar effect?
A - On the average, it will take at least 3 days and as long as 7 days.

Q - The first time the dog receives the correction should he be on or off a leash?
A - On the leash. This way the owner can easily redirect the dog to the appropriate behavior.

Q - What is the purpose of having the dog on a leash the first time he receives the correction?
A - So in the event that the dog becomes confused, the owner can easily direct him to the appropriate behavior.

Q - How long should the owner leave the flags up?
A - The flags should remain for at least 2 weeks, but in some cases as long as 30 days.

Q - What is meant by the "safe zone"?
A - The area where the dog can roam freely without getting a correction.

Technical Questions asked by our customers

Q - What is the difference between the Economy and the Deluxe systems?
A. The Economy Fence is a basic reliable Radio Fence. The system is designed for city lots and smaller acreages and for smaller breeds that are easy to train. It comes with a very mild correction collar with no additional features. This is typically the system you will find in most retail pet stores.
The Deluxe Fence will enclose up to 25 acres of property and has a 5 level programmable collar with three different features: Beep Only for inital training and very small or timid breeds. Anti-Linger mode to stop the dog lingering in the warning zone or "looking for a way out" so-to-speak & Progressive Correction - if your dog tries to run through the boundary, the correction level increases until he turns back to eliminate any chance of run-through and KEEP your dog on your property.

Q - Which model will work best for me?
A. If you have a small breed ( 15 lbs or less ) that is easy to train and a small yard with mild weather, the Economy Fence will work fine. If you would prefer more options on your system and for a medium or larger breed, the Deluxe Fence is the way to go. Both systems will work fine for most users, as long as you choose the correct collar for your dog. The Deluxe system is more popular and has far more options as well as being capable of enclosing a larger boundary area.

Q - How do I keep the signal out of the back yard?
A. On your layout of the wire you will need to do a double loop in the front yard, this is where you run a wire twice in the front yard, this way there is no wire in the back.

Q - How do I twist one wire together to cancel the signal?
A. In order to cancel the signal you MUST close your continuos loop, then twist the two ends of the wire together. It must be twisted 8 to 10 twists per foot. This is best achieved by using a drill or cordless screwdriver.

Q - Can I use a different size other than the 20-gauge wire for the boundary?
A. Yes, you can use a stranded or solid copper wire ( insulated ) that is an 18, 16, or 14 gauge. You should always keep the same gauge wire throughout your system. Changing gauges can create distortions in your signal field.

Q - Can I locate my transmitter inside my metal shed?
A. Yes, but be aware that metal may interfere with the signal. Test before installing.

Q - Why can’t I locate my transmitter on my back-porch?
A. The unit needs to be in a dry environment.

Q - How can I connect more wire together to contain a larger area?
A. Strip the end of the wires, place them together, and screw on a wire nut.

Q - Will other manufacturers fences or collars work with my system?
A. No. They are using a different type of signal.

Q - Is the receiver waterproof?
A. Yes.

Q - Can I run the wire through my Chain Link fence?
A. Yes, but your system may be affected by the metal in the fence. We suggest you try the wire in the fence before permanently installing the wire. There are many installations done each year succesfully through chain link fencing.

Q - Why does the transmitter beep?
There may be a break in the wire or it may not be installed completely.

Q - Why will the loop light not come on?
A. Check for a break in the wire and make sure the wires are connected properly.

Q - Can I run my wire through my house?
A. Yes, but your house wiring and metal pipes may cause the system not to work as well as it can. Also, your dog may receive a correction while in the house.

Q - I cannot hear the receiver?
A. The unit is tightly enclosed for waterproofing reasons - it does not beep loudly. If you wish to hear the unit beep, take the lid off, and test the receiver against the wire. Also check to make sure the battery is good.

Q - How many dogs can I put on the system?
A. As many as you wish, but each dog will need a separate collar.

Q - Will this unit harm my family with Pace Makers?
A. Contact the manufacturer of the pacemaker, and let them know we are using a 10.65KHz signal.

Need more information or would you like to talk to a real person?
Please feel free to E-Mail us or call toll-free 1-888-792-PETS (7387).