Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DogWatch® Hidden Fence System?
The DogWatch Hidden Fence is a pet fencing system that utilizes an electronic digital FM radio signal to keep your dog IN a chosen containment area, such as a yard; or OUT of an area, designated off limits.
How does it work?
The underground rated wire, which is buried, carries the harmless low level digital FM radio signal for the designated containment area. Your dog wears the DogWatch receiver that emits a mild stimulation, or correction, when he or she gets too close to the boundary. The DogWatch Hidden Fence also allows for both Receiver and Transmitter adjustment by the pet owner. With an indoor dog containment fence, the hidden boundary wire can be placed around your couch or other containment areas and can be positioned to appear invisible to the eye. We also offer "wireless" indoor units that do not require boundary.
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 gets within the warning area, he'll receive an audible warning indicating he's too close to the containment fence. If the dog continues forward, he will receive a mild correction.
How is DogWatch different from Invisible Fence® and other brands?
The DogWatch® Hidden Fence brand is often confused with the Invisible Fence® brand and may be mistakenly referred to generically as an "Invisible Fence®". DogWatch is not affiliated with the Invisible Fence® company.
DogWatch, utilizes exclusive safety and convenience features that make our product the best in the pet containment industry. There are significant differences, for example:
DogWatch is the only Pet Fence system that uses an Digital FM radio frequency. Other pet containment systems such as Invisible Fence® and Pet Stop® utilize an AM or DM radio frequency which is more susceptible to unsecured AM or DM signals which may cause false or delayed corrections to your pet even when they're not near the underground fence. The digital FM signal used by DogWatch is the most secure and safest for your pet.
Our R-8 receivers have a two-year battery life — average of eight times longer than the other brands, including the Invisible Fence® brand. Our long battery life helps keep your pet safe, costs a fraction of what you pay for other pet containment systems, and is good for the environment.
In addition to low battery replacement costs compared to Invisible Fence® and other brands, DogWatch receiver batteries for the DogWatch system can be purchased from many source including retail outlets reducing the need to call your Dealer to purchase the batteries. (Dealer offered Battery Plan or Internet shopping not necessary) In short our batteries last longer, cost less and are more easily obtainable!
Both R7 and R8 receiver collars incorporate a status light that is easy to see and a excellent convenience feature for DogWatch Hidden Fence equipment owners. It shows the receiver is operating properly, indicates the training level you're using, and when the battery power is low.
DogWatch Receivers includes a distinctive feature that allows you to train your dog with an audible-only reminder when he approaches the Pet Fence. To date Invisible Fence®, Pet Stop® and other brands may not offer this pet-friendly™ feature without utilizing probe covers to impede the correction of the receivers.
DogWatch Hidden Fence systems offers a broad pet training range and features to adapt to your pet individual needs. Whether your pet is very shy or highly active, we have a distinct training level that exclusively meets their needs.
DogWatch Hidden Fence owners can adjust the patented, programmable receiver and transmitters to the training level that works the best for your pet's traits and size. Service calls are not required and that saves money!
Invisible Fence® is a registered trademark of Invisible Fence, Inc.
Pet Stop® is a registered trademark of Perimeter Technologies Inc.
SafeLink™ FM Technology!
DogWatch is the only Hidden Fence System that uses an FM radio (fences from all other pet fencing brands use AM radio) signal. SafeLink provides your pet with the best protection against unintentional stimulation from stray radio signals (e.g., garage door openers, televisions and computers). Police, fire and aircraft equipment all use an FM system. SafeLink is more safe and secure for your pet.
Convenient Features for Pet Owners!
- Our status light 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 electronic fence. This pet-friendly™ feature is available on all DogWatch products.
- DogWatch features the broadest pet training range in the industry. Whether your pet is timid or energetic, we have a training level that will uniquely meet their needs.
- YOU can adjust our 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 exclusive AutoMemory™ feature constantly monitors and automatically adjusts the training level for your dog if he "challenges" his boundary. It's available in the R7 and R8 receivers.
- Both receivers also feature FastReact™ — the fastest response time in the industry. At .125 of a second, if your pet challenges the electronic 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 radio dog fences' signal while still INSIDE the containment area.
- Our Pet-Friendly™ audible-only training option allows you to have your pet receive an audible "beep" tone before he feels a correction OR you can have him receive just an audible-only tone without a correction at all.
- DogWatch transmitters constantly monitor 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 pet fencing products to keep your pet safe and contained. Your DogWatch Dealer (Lakeshore Pet Fencing) is an independent businessperson who lives and works within your community. We are ready to provide you with courteous and prompt customer service.
What is DM? Is this important to me?
Digital modulation (DM) is a generic term. DM is not a form of a signal. In the pet containment industry, all AM and FM signals are DM similar to what you would find in a car radio. Fences from Invisible Fence®, Pet Stop®, and other brands all use forms of Amplitude Modulation (AM). DogWatch is the only vendor in the pet containment industry with Frequency Modulation (FM). The differences between AM and FM are substantial:
– AM receivers are susceptible to interference from other products such as computers, garage door openers, and televisions.
– FM signals are used by police, fire, and aircraft equipment because the reception is much more immune to interference.
DogWatch is the only manufacturer of Hidden Fences with a patented FM radio signal. We believe FM is more secure and offers major safety advantages for you and your pet.
Why did DogWatch choose to be FM?
An FM radio system allows us to offer the consumer a greater number of features. An FM radio wave is more concise and therefore allows faster reception of the signal than waves from an AM radio. Fences from DogWatch can pack more features to protect your pet (FastReact™), and are convenient for you (AutoMemory™), while providing the longest battery life in the industry.
Will the stimulation from the collar hurt my dog?
No. All hidden fences systems emit a correction that is less than 25% of the energy found in a static electricity shock that most people have experienced. 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 pet fencing system work for more than one dog?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of dogs our hidden pet 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?
The DogWatch PowerPak™ is an auxiliary power supply that provides hours of power to your electronic fence until your household electrical service can be restored.
How much does it cost?
Pet fencing from DogWatch 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, Lakeshore Pet Fencing for an estimate on your individual property. Our systems are in small urban yards and can be extending to a 200 acre parcels.
What if I move?
Once you buy the pet fencing 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?
Pet fencing from DogWatch are 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 4 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?
DogWatch Hidden Fences does 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.
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.
Is a Pet Fence an Electric Dog Fence?
No, all pet fencing systems are electronic dog fences, not to be confused with electric dog fences. There's really no such thing as “electric dog fences”. Electric fences are barriers usually found in ranching or livestock-management settings which use an electrified wire at the boundary.
Fences from Dogwatch and other pet containment fence systems are radio dog fences and not electric dog fences; they are pet fencing that uses an electronic radio signal to keep your dog IN a designated containment area, such as a yard; or OUT of an area. The stimulation your dog receives comes only from the collar and it will not hurt or cause pain to your pet.
Our lifetime warranty, patented SafeLink® FM digital signal, two-year battery life, and the best safety features in the industry provide the freedom your dog deserves. We're recognized as a Consumer Digest Best Buy and are recommended by many veterinary professionals. ... .
Lakeshore Pet Fencing... Michigan Sales and Installation... Hidden Fence Systems...
IT'S ALL ABOUT YOUR DOG
For More Information Call: 231-865-6203, or E-mail:
Professional Repair & Installation Service
Our Repair services are not limited to DogWatch Hidden Fence System but include products from PetSafe®, Innotek®, Pet Stop®, Invisible Fence®, Dog Guard® and others.
Areas We Serve includes but limited to:
- Grand Rapids
- Holland
- Zeeland
- Hudsonville
- Wyoming
- Byron Center
- Grandville
- Ada
- Comstock Park
- Grand Haven
- Muskegon
- Caledonia
- Spring Lake
- Whitehall
- Sparta
- Allendale
- Walkerv
- Kentwood
- Jenison
- Rockford
- Wayland
Testimonial
Thank you! Thank you! William McMillan and DogWatch by Lakeshore Pet Fencing
We bought a new puppy and could not keep him in the yard. We were concerned about this because we had a neighbor whose dog ran out into the street, got hit and killer by a car. We checked around and decided on your services. Both my husband and I believe this was the best decision and best money we spent in 2008(and if you knew us better you would know how much of a rarity this is). We no longer have to put a leash on and walk the dog while he does his business… we just open the door and let him out. The training was a breeze and TobyBill or Bob (yes that is his name) caught on fast where the boundaries were. We were so happy with the fence we told all the neighbors and out of the three who have dogs two of them put in a fence. They are very happy with their new fence and in turn with us for telling them about your service.
Thanks again,
Sandy and Greg K.
Grandville Michigan
(231) 865-6203