DogWatch of Central IL

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Frequently Asked Questions 
 
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about DogWatch Hidden Fence products and training. If the answer to your question is not here, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

 

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Q: What is a DogWatch Hidden Fence System?
A: The DogWatch Hidden Fence is a pet containment system that uses digital FM radio signals to keep your dog within a designated boundary in your yard.
Q: Why should I purchase a DogWatch® Hidden Fence System over the Invisible Fence® brand?
A: DogWatch is the only underground fence system that works on an FM radio signal frequency. This FM system, called SafeLink®, is an exclusive patented DogWatch technology that provides your pet with maximum protection from unintentional stimulation caused by stray radio signals. Other pet containment, such as the Invisible Fence® brand run on an AM radio frequency that often picks up stray signals and can cause your dog to receive a correction when not near the hidden boundary. This may cause your dog to become confused and afraid. Only DogWatch's SafeLink system safely ignores AM radio signals.
Q: How does it work?
A: A buried wire carries harmless radio signals around the designated area of your yard. Your dog wears a small receiver on a collar that signals him by emitting a mild stimulation, or correction, when he gets too close to the boundary.
Q: How does my dog learn to use DogWatch?
A: DogWatch of Central Illinois will conduct an initial training session with you and your dog the day your DogWatch system is installed. You will work with your dog daily for several days with the collar set on audible tone only to acquaint them with the new fence system.  Then, your DogWatch trainer will come back for a second training session where your dog is evaluated and we determine the appropriate correction level for your dog that will keep them safely contained in your yard.  Our in-depth training program that takes about 10-15 minutes per day for two weeks. Avoidance training is used to teach your dog to stay on your property.
Q: How does my dog learn where the boundary is?
A: Your dog learns the boundaries through voice commands, visual flags and repetitive training that warn the dog when they approach the fence. With training, the dog remembers the fence and associates it with the audible tone they hear from their receiver collar. During the training period, flags are slowly taken away. If the dog goes your preselected distance from the boundary, he will hear a warning sound that means he is getting close to the edge of the yard. If the dog does not pay attention to the audible tone, he will receive a correction.
Q: Will the system work for more than one dog?
A: Yes. There is no limit to the number of dogs a DogWatch Hidden Fence system can protect at one time.
Q: Will the stimulation from the collar hurt my dog?
A: No. This type of stimulation has been used in dog training for over 40 years. A dog’s skin resistance is about 20 to 25 times greater than of humans. The amount of correction will be adjusted so that a dog receives the appropriate level of stimulation for its size and personality. DogWatch Hidden Fence systems have been tested by a major veterinary college, and are used and recommended by veterinarians and breeders.
Q: Is the system safe during a lightning storm?
A: The DogWatch Hidden Fence system has lightning surge protection in the transmitter and uses an external surge protector. We fully ground all of our systems outside with a ground rod at no extra charge.  In fact, we're so confident of our system, your lifetime warranty includes coverage for lightening strikes and power surges.  Of course, for the safety of your dog, he should be safe in the house during a lightning storm!
Q: How big an area will it cover?
A: DogWatch Hidden Fence system offers models that can cover properties up to 200 acres. Contact us for a free consultation and estimate.
Q: What if my dog gets past the fence – how does the system react?
A: The receiver shuts down automatically after 15 seconds to guard your pet against over-correction. In addition, our receiver offers the fastest reaction time of any dog-containment system on the market if your dog challenges the boundary, thanks to our FastReact feature.  Our systems sense your dog is in the correction zone in only .125 seconds!
Q: Is the DogWatch fence similar to an electric fence?
A: No! The DogWatch Hidden Fence system operates on radio signals. A transmitter (which is plugged in) allows the fence to emit radio signals, which are picked up by the receiver collar worn by the dog when he approaches or reaches the boundary.  There is no electricity transmitted on the wire that is buried in your yard.
Q: Can my dog get out?
A: Hidden fence systems fail for two reasons -- the dog was not fully trained during initial training or the battery in the receiver has failed. It is extremely important that you are fully committed to providing the full 2 week training program for your dog.  If you follow our proven training program, the likelihood of your dog leaving the yard will be very small.  Our 2-year battery life in the R8 receiver and the 6-month battery life in the smaller R7 receiver, minimize your dog's risk of battery failure by giving you the longest battery life of any dog containment systems in the industry.
Q: What if my dog has a history of biting people?
A: This product is not intended for use with dogs that have a history of aggressive behavior.
Q: Are there other benefits to the DogWatch Hidden Fence?
A: Your operation savings are significant with DogWatch!  All settings on our systems can be adjusted by the user, saving costly service calls.  And you'll save money and keep your dog safer with the longest battery life in the industry.

•The DogWatch Performance Series R8 receiver runs on a battery that lasts two years…the longest in the industry. Our batteries are not proprietary -- you can purchase them from your DogWatch dealer or at your local battery retailer.  An R8 receiver battery will cost under $10 for two years, but you can spend $70 per year for batteries for an Invisible Fence® brand receiver.
• Our new Performance Series R7 and R8 Receivers have our exclusive AutoMemory feature. The receiver constantly monitors your dog if he "challenges" his boundary.
• Both the R8 and R7 receivers have the fastest response time in the industry, meaning if your dog challenges the fence he will feel a correction immediately - at the beginning of the avoidance zone, not half way through. 
• The DogWatch Hidden Fence has a unique, patented user-programmable receiver that can be customized - by you - to the training level that's right for your pet's personality and size. No need for a technician service call and related charge.
• The DogWatch receiver includes our pet-friendly™ "audible only" training level that allows you to train your dog using an audible "beep" tone before your dog feels a correction.
• You'll receive a lifetime equipment warranty on your DogWatch Hidden Fence system when it is installed by an authorized DogWatch dealer.
• As an authorized DogWatch dealer, we are trained, dedicated professionals. In addition to providing you and your pet with superior technology and products, we live and work in your community, and are ready to provide you with courteous and prompt customer service.
Q: How much does it cost? What if I move?