Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a DogWatch® Hidden Fence System?
The DogWatch Hidden Fence is a pet containment system that uses an electronic FM radio signal to keep your dog IN a designated containment area, such as a yard; or OUT of an area, such as a swimming pool, patio, or garden. Our hidden fence also works in the interior of your home to keep your pet off a couch or away from a kitchen counter.

How does it work?
A hidden wire, buried underground, carries the harmless FM radio signal around the containment area. Your dog wears a receiver on a collar that emits a mild stimulation, or correction, when he gets too close to the boundary. With an indoor electronic fence, the hidden wire runs around your couch or other containment area and is invisible to the eye.

How does my dog learn where the boundary is?
Your pet is trained by a DogWatch Dealer and learns the containment area through voice commands and visual flags that are set inside the hidden fence. Your dog goes through a training session with you for a few minutes each day for 7 to 10 days. With training, the dog remembers the placement of the flags and is taught to stay within the containment area. During the training period, flags are slowly taken away. If your dog goes to within 5-10 feet of the boundary, he’ll hear a warning sound indicating he’s too close to the hidden fence. If the dog reaches the boundary, he will receive a mild correction.

How is DogWatch different from Invisible Fence® and other brands?
We utilize exclusive safety and convenience features that make us the best in the pet containment industry.

• DogWatch is the only hidden fence system that uses an underground wire and an FM radio frequency. Our patented SafeLink® FM Digital technology is exclusive to DogWatch. By using an FM signal, we provide the best protection to your dog from unintentional stimulation. This can be caused by stray radio signals from such things as garage door openers, televisions, and intercoms. Other pet containment systems, such as Invisible Fence®, run on an AM radio frequency and are more susceptible to picking up stray signals, causing your dog to receive an unwanted correction, even when they’re not near the electric fence. That’s why all police and fire department radios are an FM frequency. The FM radio signal is more secure.


• Most of our receivers have a two-year battery life — eight times longer than the Invisible Fence® brand. This feature keeps your pet safe, as the incident of battery failure is reduced, ensuring your pet is prevented from leaving the containment area.


• Battery maintenance costs are low compared to Invisible Fence®. Your battery savings with DogWatch can be quite significant for two reasons: the extended battery life of a two-year battery. Invisible Fence requires their customers to be on their battery replacement plan.


• Our R7 and R8 pet receivers have a status light that is easy to view and a great convenience feature for our customers. It tells you if the receiver is operating properly, indicates what training level you’re using, and when the battery power is low.


• DogWatch includes a unique feature that allows you to correct your dog with an audible-only reminder when he approaches the electric fence. Invisible Fence® does not offer this pet-friendly™ feature.


• DogWatch features the broadest pet training range in the industry. Whether your pet is very timid or highly energetic, we have a distinct training level that uniquely meets their needs.


• YOU can adjust our patented, programmable receiver to the training level that works best for your pet's personality and size. No need for a service call or any other charges.

Invisible Fence® is a registered trademark of Invisible Fence, Inc.

Are there other benefits to the DogWatch Hidden Fence?

• Our R7 and R8 receivers have our exclusive AutoMemory™ feature. The receiver constantly monitors and automatically adjusts the training level for your dog if he "challenges" his boundary.


• Both receivers feature FastReact™ — the fastest response time in the industry. At .125 of a second, if your pet challenges the electric fence the receiver will react immediately — at the beginning of the avoidance zone — not when he’s half way through. This feature helps ensure your pet responds to the hidden fence while still INSIDE the containment area.


• Our pet-friendly™ audible-only training level that allows you to train your dog using an audible "beep" tone before he feels a correction. Once trained, you can set your receiver to an audible correction only if your dog responds to it.


• Your transmitter constantly monitors your electronic dog fence and lets you know if you have a break in your underground wire.


• Your DogWatch Hidden Fence System has a lifetime equipment warranty when installed by an authorized DogWatch Dealer.


• All authorized DogWatch Dealers provide you with superior technology and products to keep your pet safe and contained. Additionally, your DogWatch Dealer is an independent businessperson, fence installer, and pet trainer who lives and works within your community. He or she is ready to provide you with courteous and prompt customer service. For a Dealer near you, go to Locate a Dealer.

Will the stimulation from the collar hurt my dog?
No. This type of stimulation has been used in dog training for over 40 years. And the amount of correction can be adjusted so that a dog receives the appropriate level of stimulation for its size. DogWatch products are used and recommended by veterinarians.

Will the system work for more than one dog?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of dogs our hidden fencing can protect at one time.

Is the system safe during a lightning storm?
The DogWatch Hidden Fence System has both an internal lightning surge protector in the transmitter as well as an external surge protector.

What if my house loses electrical power?
If you experience frequent power loss, your Dealer can add a DogWatch PowerPakTM. This auxiliary power supply provides hours of power to your electronic fence until your household electrical service can be restored.

How much does it cost?
DogWatch Hidden Fencing can cost much less than traditional fencing and do far more. For example, you can contain your dog IN your yard, but keep him OUT of a pool area, garden or driveway gate. Contact your local Dealer for an estimate on your individual property. Our systems are in small urban yards and 200 acre orchards.

What if I move?
Once you buy the system, you can expand it or take it with you when you move.

How big an area will the system cover? What kinds of areas will it cover?
DogWatch offers models that can cover properties up to 200 acres. You can contain your dog in or out of most anywhere, including interior features of your home such as couches, dining rooms, and counter tops. Contact your local DogWatch Dealer for a free consultation and estimate.

How does my dog learn to use it?
Typically, your Dealer will conduct initial training with you and your dog. DogWatch has developed an in-depth pet training program that takes about 10-15 minutes per day for two weeks.

Does it keep other dogs out?
The DogWatch Hidden Fence system is designed to keep your dog at home and out of trouble. It will only keep other dogs out if they are wearing DogWatch receiver.

How old does my dog have to be before training begins?
As a general guideline, your pet should be at least 5 to 6 months old. However, some dogs may mature earlier than others because of breed, size or disposition. If your pet can follow the three basic commands of come, sit, and stay; he may be ready for an electronic dog fence. When your DogWatch Dealer meets with you and your pet, he or she will evaluate your dog and make a recommendation as to when training should begin.

Will a DogWatch system work with any dog?
Our systems work with all breeds, ages, and sizes of dogs. However, this type of product is not intended for use with dogs that have a history of aggressive behavior.

Can my dog get out of the containment area?
If the initial training was done properly, this will rarely happen. If your dog does get out, check to make sure the collar is on securely. On our new receivers, check the status light. You may also increase the range of the signal to keep the dog further from the hidden fence or increase the correction level. Perhaps due to recent landscaping, there is a break in your underground wire that is invisible to your eye. Your Dealer is also available to support you. There are many ways to adjust your DogWatch System. Call your Dealer or DogWatch Customer Service if you need help.

Is there a guarantee on the DogWatch System?
We offer a lifetime equipment warranty on our outdoor systems installed by an authorized Dealer. There is also a limited 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the system.

What else does DogWatch Hidden Fence Systems do?
We do one thing: design, manufacture and install pet containment systems that keep your pet safe, indoors or out. We sell our products through Authorized Dealers only.

Where are your Dealers located?
DogWatch Hidden Fence Systems Dealers are located throughout the continental United States, Alaska, and in 17 countries including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, Israel, Italy, The Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. To find a Dealer near you, go to Locate a Dealer.

What else do I need to know about DogWatch?
We’ve been surrounding pets with freedom since 1990 and have successfully contained over 300,000 pets. We’re a privately-owned, people-oriented company that takes pride in our quality customer service. Our engineers constantly research and develop new ways to make our products the safest for your pet and the easiest for you to use in your home. We strive to create the best pet containment products in the industry.