Check out this little dog of mine…it’s Rosie. She’s here showing off her new collar. Do you notice the little box on the collar?
If you have inground fencing for your pet, you likely know that the collar means I got in-ground fencing for Rosie.
They came last week but I decided not to write about it then because I wanted to actually see how it will work before I told you all about it.
The company I had install it is…
Pet Containment Systems.
They are local to me and did a great job. They came when they said they would. They worked efficiently and gave me and Rosie a good tutorial on how it would all work.
They stuck around for about half an hour or until I felt comfortable training Rosie. They were great at telling me what to expect as far as training goes and how to make adjustments if needed. I was very happy with the service.
Now…was I happy with the results?
The system comes with different levels of shock.  Ryan, the owner, said that typically level 2 works best for training but, some dogs are more stubborn. Can you guess how Rosie was? If you guessed more stubborn, you’d be right. She needed level 3. Ryan walked the perimeter with her and she did okay on level 3. Sadly, she did yelp twice when she was shocked but that got her attention and things went smoothly after that.
On our first training walk of the perimeter, after Ryan left and we went out for a training walk later, I moved it back to level 2 meaning she’d get less of a shock if she crossed and Rosie did awesome. The collar sends off a beeping sound as the dog gets close to the fence. If they continue towards the fence, they will get a shock. While on the leash, as soon as Rosie heard the beep she turned around. That’s exactly what she needed to do.
The next day we walked around the perimeter once and then I let her go off-leash. She was VERY hesitant and I wondered if I did the right thing. She was unsure of herself and very apprehensive. I felt so bad for her…but that was very short-lived. The more times she went out to go potty, the better she got.
Carver went out and played and she warmed up a little more.
Later in the afternoon while Gannon was sleeping Carver and I went out and did some gardening purposely giving Rosie more time to explore and get used to the fencing.
Every year Carver plants pole beans on these trellises. He finally got them planted.
Rosie got so she would explore further and further away from us.
At one point she tore out of the house chasing after a bird and I was so sure she wouldn’t stop in time but she did. She did great!! I’m so pleased.
I can tell Rosie is much happier. She’s interacting with the kids more. She’s getting to sniff all the sniffs her beagle nose can sniff. What a difference for her…but also, what a difference for me. I’m no longer hyper-vigilant that the kids don’t open the door and let her out. I’m no longer frustrated if they do. It’s a real sense of ease that I’m loving.
When we’re outside I’m still cautious and don’t go unless I have a few treats in my pocket as I still consider us in training mode…When I’m hoeing the garden I am still often looking up just to make sure she’s okay but not even once has she been where she isn’t supposed to be. The second she hears a beep, she’s turning back into the yard.
For the most part…I’d say, it only took her getting shocked twice to figure it out. She’s a smart girl.
It has been a game-changer for both me and Rosie. Both of us are so much happier and I think I can honestly say all my kids and grandkids are too. Everyone has such a sense of ease compared to what we used to have.
We do have a new “problem” we are working on. Rosie isn’t used to moving vehicles as she hasn’t been outside roaming when people pull up or back out. So…everyone is working on being more careful now that she’s out and about but, I think we’ll figure that out too.
If you live in NE Iowa I’m sure Ryan would be happy to set you up with inground fencing. You can find them on Facebook HERE…or their website HERE. I contacted Ryan through Facebook Messenger and he answered within a reasonable amount of time. I’m terrible at making phone calls so messaging was awesome.
For those curious, it took about two hours to install. He could go over my driveway and my sidewalk so Rosie can explore the entire property. I live on a double lot in town. With taxes and everything included for one dog, it was about $950. To get a second collar for a second dog is $150ish. That was plenty but, for the peace of mind knowing she’ll be okay and me not freaking out and having to go catch her every time the grandkids let her out, that’s all priceless.
The grandkids were home Memorial Day weekend. They were in and out the back door and headed to the swing set to play. They are slow at opening and closing the door. She got out a couple of times and finally, we had to kennel her. I hated doing that as she has so much fun with the kids.
So…now we have the fencing and don’t have to worry about that. Rosie and I are so much happier…everyone is happier. I don’t think I’ll ever not have inground fencing again. Rosie and I are giving it two GIANT thumbs/paws up!!
this is exactly what I hoped it would be. the relaxation and pleasant time with the grands and Rosie would seem to make it worth every dollar. congratulations. Rosie even looks proud of her new jewelry.
Rosie looks so happy :-) Glad you can all relax now and enjoy even more time with her.
We don’t have underground fencing but here I have seen installers also put little white flags around the perimeter so the dog can see where the boundaries are as well. Please be aware for Rosie’s sake that other dogs (or coyotes here) can obviously get in and if Rosie should ever bolt and run thru the fencing, it will also shock her as she tries to come back. I only mention this because it has happened to friends here…but I’m sure you are aware of this. Glad you are both enjoying the freedom of the yard!!!
I’m so happy it is working for you. We tried it with our lab and it was an epic fail! She was fine until she saw had “kids” across the street at the neighbors, then she would take off through the boundary, yelp and just keep going. My vet said labs have a high pain tolerance.
I have had the fencing here in CT for 15 years and have been very happy with it. One thing is do not take her over the fence when the collar is off by walking her over the fence boundary this confuses the dog. I only take Karlin (my dog) over the fence in the car. If I want to walk him right near my house, we get in the car and park on the road where he cannot go and off, we go for our walk.
A good investment that is paying off. So happy that it works. Just be sure to keep the batteries good in the collar. The only reason I say that is because one of bosses at one time had dog get out due to that problem. Of course, not even sure if collars are battery run now. So happy for Rosie and you too!
WEll done for Rosie! And Peace for you!
We have two Brittany’s which are very active hunting dogs. We have had underground fencing for 30 years. We leave them outside weather permitting but not at night. I couldn’t go back to a leash or tying them out. Glad you love this too. Rosie’s such a sweet girl.
Glad to hear that went well, Jo. Several weeks ago, my neighbor got in-ground fencing for her dog. He came out to greet us on our walk last night. I guess he’s a little slower than Rosie, as he got a little to close to the road. He jumped when he got zapped, but didn’t yelp. At that point he did turn around and walk a little closer to the house.
My dogs did great with the electric fence until it snowed. Somehow that messed them up and they went straight through the fence. Fortunately, we only get snow a couple of times a year.
Good girl Rosie
You are a sweetheart
So happy for you and Rosie, my daughter has this set up for her 2 dogs and it works out great!
Nice! So glad this has worked out for you!
That is terrific—sure wish we had it here for son’s dog—- live on highway and Jay has to be tied –he was and would be “chasing” vehicles. He’s such a good dog–but that habit got the kids a warning from Sheriff-he has to be tied. 5 acres –too much for the in-ground — am familiar with it-because of a friend in Maine that had it for her dog. Sure happy for you, Rosie and all the family!!!
I enjoyed your blog post today so much! I think you definitely did the right thing, putting in the underground fencing. :)
That picture of Rosie looks like she is smiling.
That’s a big expense, but the peace of mind for the safety of Rosie will outweigh it. While I was reading your blog, I was wondering if that company has anything for cats? just wondering.
That is the cutest photo of Rosie! So glad you’re all happy and the fence is working so well!
Love the grin on Rosie’s face priceless