In-Ground Dog Containment Systems

[andersonjk4]

I am considering a containment system for my 3 dogs.  The house I recently moved into sits on just under 2 acres and the previous owner already put the wire all they way around the property.  My question is what is everyone's experience with the various makes and models of in-ground pet containment systems.  I am currently looking at the Petsafe Deluxe, the petsafe/Innotek ultrasmart, or the Sportdog SDF-100A.  I am leaning toward the Sportdog because I have had decent luck with SD products in the past.  But I don't want to pay the premium for the SD system if the way cheaper Petsafe product works just as well.

[JJD]

I have used an older model Innotec system and it worked ok 99% of the time.
Just be aware that they are like e-collars, they require some conditioning before they are effective.

[andersonjk4]

I have been using e-collars on my two older dogs since they were about 8 months old (now 7 and 8 years old), so they are conditioned to e-collar use.  And I plan on spending lots of time getting them trained to the new system.  Thanks for the advice though   I am looking for information on collar battery life (changing batteries vs. rechargeable collars), stimulation strength, reliability of the entire system etc.   

[quadrafire]

I have the "invisible fence" and it has been great.
Just gotta remember to replace the collar batteries. I would guess I should change them battery quarterly. Been awhile since I have thought about the stim strength, but it is variable by changing the prongs or something like that, and the electrical part on the collar is not that big.
(I buy the batteries aftermarket as the brand names are expensive)
The system has been very reliable. (only down time was with the Mrs. getting over zealous while digging holes for gardening projects)

The training is probably more important than the product you choose.

[Labs07]

We have had the invsiafence for years now and love it!  Like said before just need to replace the battries every so often.

[AspenBud]

Buy a Dogtra in ground fence. The collars are rechargeable so you can reasonably assume the system is working if you charge the collars every night. Just remember that even rechargeable batteries expire eventually too.

Also remember that they don't keep unwanted critters, and people, off your land. Unlike a real fence.

I like invisible fences. I wish more people would use them near where I live.

[lokidog]

I've used the cheap ones in the past, they work great.  It usually took my dogs a day or two to realize the battery was dead in the collar.

[Ireland Farms]

I have an older Innotek and new ultra smart petsafe/Innotek as well. The collars can be used on either system, which is nice. I've discovered that the ultra smart rechargeable collars are worthless. They can easily fall off your dog and if you have a large area, you may never find them. Also, I had a younger dog chew the collar off of another in a matter of minutes, so,when I need new collars, I pay half the price and buy the ones that take batteries.

Other than the ultra smart collars, I'm very happy with the systems that I have. I did a lot of research and although I love Dogtra for bark and training, the collars were said to be too bulky for everyday use, such as the invisible fence.

[andersonjk4]

Thanks for all of the info! Quadrafire, what brand are you using?  I was hoping I would be able to find a cheap used transmitter and then buy new collars for it since I don't need the wire or the flags (the wire is currently ran on the barb-wire fence that surrounds the property so they already have a visual boundary).     

[quadrafire]

Thanks for all of the info! Quadrafire, what brand are you using? 

Invisible Fence is the brand.
http://www.invisiblefence.com/

[andersonjk4]

Oh.... I'll have to look into them.  Thanks. 

[HighCountryHunter88]

we use these here at the shop, the petsafe play and stay. its wireless up to 3/4 of an acre and u can put up multiple units to overlap and expand that. keeps a whole pack of loose hounds from leaving the property. i beeps at them when they get close to the line and if they continue it provides "encouragement"  to get back in the yard.

http://www.dusupply.com/e-collars/o/petsafe-bark-collars/petsafe-play-and-stay.html