Radio Fence™ FAQ

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 at least 6 months of age.

Q - During training an owner observes their dog sitting in the correction zone. The owner has touched the probes and has determined the collar is working. The owner can see the dog's skin flinch, so he is sure the dog is receiving the correction. What should the owner do to prevent this from happening?
A - Retrain the dog by putting it on a long leash. As soon as the dog is observed entering the corrective zone it should be pulled out and redirected to the "sit" and "stay" command.

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 "invisible gate" and take the dog out only through this gate.

Q - Once a dog is trained to the system how does the owner create the "invisible 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.

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 - How many days should the dog wear a deactivated collar before receiving the correction for the first time?
A - At least three days and in some cases 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 even the dog would become 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.

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

Q - Is this a humane way to train a dog?
A - Absolutely. The HSUS would not put their logo on the package if it was.

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 - How do I prevent one dog from chewing on the collar of another dog?
A - If you see one dog chewing on the other dog's collar - pull him off and redirect him to "sit" and "stay". Also, a daily spraying of lysol on the dog's collar will help repel the other dog.

Technical Questions asked by our customers

  1. How many feet can the standard system handle?

    A. The standard system can handle up to 4400 feet of wire.

  2. How many feet can the deluxe system handle?

    A. The deluxe system can handle up to 8600 feet of wire.

  3. What is the difference between the standard and the deluxe system?

    A. The standard system can enclose up to 25 acres, the deluxe system can use up to 8600 feet of wire and will cover 100 acres and it has three different operating modes; Warning, Warning and Correction, Correction only.

  4. Which model will work best for me?

    A. Both systems will work fine for most users, but the deluxe system has more options.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Can I use a different size other than the 18-gauge wire for the boundary?

    A. Yes, as long as you use a stranded wire that is an 18, 16, or 14 gauge.

  8. Can I locate my transmitter inside my metal shed?

    A. Yes, but be aware that metal may interfere with the signal. Test before installing.

  9. Why can’t I locate my transmitter on my back-porch?

    A. The unit needs to be in a dry environment.

  10. 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.

  11. Will Invisible Fence equipment work with your system?

    A. No. They are using a different type of signal.

  12. Is the receiver waterproof?

    A. Yes.

  13. Can I run the wire through my chain link fence?

    A. Yes, but your system may be effective by the metal in the fence. We suggest you try the wire in the fence before permanently installing the wire.

  14. Why does the transmitter beep?
  15. There may be a break in the wire or it may not be installed completely.
  16. Why will the loop light not come on?

    A. Check for a break in the wire and make sure the wires are connected properly.

  17. Can I run my wire through my house?

    A. Yes, but your house wiring and metal pipes may cause the system to not work as well as it can. Also, your dog may receive a correction while in the house.

  18. I cannot hear the receiver?

    A. The unit is tightly enclosed for waterproofing reasons it will not be beeping loud. 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.

  19. How many dogs can I put on the system?

    A. As many as you wish, but each dog will need a separate collar.

  20. Will this unit harm my family with pace makers?

    A. Contact the manufacture of the pacemaker, and let them know we are using a 10.65KHz signal.

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