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How Our Invisible Fences Work

A buried wire creates an invisible boundary your dog learns to respect—safely and confidently. Our GentleSteps™ training teaches boundaries without fear, pain, or confusion.

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★ 4.9 on Google (66 reviews)
✓ Over 99% containment success rate
✓ Serving Southwestern Ontario since 2009

What Does the Correction Feel Like?

The #1 question we hear: "Is this going to hurt my dog?" Short answer: No.

A Mild Static Sensation

The correction is similar to the small shock you get touching a doorknob after walking on carpet. It's startling, not painful. At our lowest GentleSteps™ settings, most people describe it as a light tingle or tickle.

Feel It For Yourself

We encourage every customer to feel the correction on their own hand before we ever put the collar on your dog. You'll see exactly what your dog experiences—nothing to fear.

Warning Beep First

The collar beeps as your dog approaches the boundary. This warning gives them the chance to turn back before any correction. Most trained dogs respond to the beep alone and never feel a correction at all.

Learning Through Association

Dogs don't learn through pain—they learn through association. Your dog connects the beep with "turn around" the same way they connect a leash with "walk time." It's clear communication, not punishment.

The boundary never drifts. Unlike GPS systems, our wire-based boundary stays exactly where we install it. Once your dog learns the flags, they know exactly where the safe zone ends—every time, in any weather.

The Installation Process

From first call to safely-contained dog—here's exactly what to expect.

1

Free Consultation

We discuss your property, your dog's temperament, and your goals. Using Google Earth, we design a custom boundary layout that fits how you actually use your yard.

  • Your dog's breed, age, size, and personality
  • Areas to include or exclude (gardens, pools, etc.)
  • Driveway crossing method
  • The right system tier for your needs

No pressure, no obligation. Just honest answers.

2

Professional Installation

We bury the boundary wire approximately 4 inches deep around your property and install the transmitter in your garage or basement. Most installations take 3-5 hours.

  • Copper-clad steel wire: Stronger than pure copper
  • 4-inch burial depth: Safe from mowing and yard work
  • Clean work: Lawn looks untouched within weeks
  • Custom signal field: Adjusted for your property and dog
3

GentleSteps™ Training

After installation, we train you AND your dog together. This takes 30-45 minutes per dog.

  • We fit the collar and show you how it works
  • We walk your dog to the boundary flags
  • We demonstrate the correction (feel it yourself!)
  • We leave you with a clear training plan

You don't need to be home for installation, but your dog must be present for training.

4

Ongoing Support

Training continues at home for 7-10 days. Questions? Need adjustments? We're always a phone call or text away.

  • Phone and email support for life
  • Remote collar adjustments (no service call needed)
  • Troubleshooting guidance
  • Refresher training tips as your dog matures

Support is free, forever. If you have an issue, call us first.

System Components

Three simple parts work together to keep your dog safely contained.

📡

Transmitter

Plugs into a standard outlet in your garage or basement and sends a low-frequency radio signal through the buried wire.

  • Surge protection prevents damage
  • Wire-break detection alerts you
  • Adjustable signal strength
  • Quiet operation

Upgrade option: LINK™ Wi-Fi transmitter adds remote monitoring and optional battery backup.

〰

Boundary Wire

Professional-grade copper-clad steel wire buried approximately 4 inches deep creates your invisible boundary.

  • Copper-clad steel: Stronger than pure copper
  • Resists frost heave and ground movement
  • Heavy-duty insulation
  • 20+ year typical lifespan
🐶

Receiver Collar

A lightweight, rechargeable collar worn around your dog's neck detects when they approach the boundary.

  • Rechargeable: No battery costs
  • Waterproof for swimming and rain
  • 13 correction levels + advanced timing settings
  • Warning beep before correction

Upgrade option: LINK™ collar adds Bluetooth connectivity and activity tracking.

Layout Options

Every property is different, and we design custom layouts to match yours. Here are some of our most popular configurations—but we can accommodate virtually any shape, obstacle, or exclusion zone.

Standard perimeter layout examples for different lot shapes

Standard Perimeter Layout

The most popular option. The wire runs around your entire property, giving your dog full access to front and back yards. Works for any lot shape—square, L-shaped, or irregular.

Layout with exclusion zones for garden and play area

Perimeter with Exclusion Zones

Full yard access with specific areas blocked off. Perfect for protecting gardens, flower beds, pools, or kids' play areas from your dog.

Hourglass dual zone layout with separate front and back yards

Hourglass / Dual Zone

Front and back yards are separate zones with the side yards blocked. Your dog moves between zones through the house—great for controlling access.

Backyard single loop system

Backyard Single Loop

Contains your dog to the backyard only. The front yard stays pet-free—ideal for busy streets, landscaping, or if you just prefer backyard containment.

Banana loop backyard only layout

Banana Loop (Backyard Only)

Another backyard-only option using the house as part of the boundary. Simple and effective when front yard access isn't needed.

Not sure which layout is right for you? We'll design the perfect configuration during your free consultation.

GentleSteps™ Training

Our exclusive training method is why we have a 99.75% containment success rate—and why our dogs are confident, not fearful.

The Problem With Traditional Training

Some companies use a "shock and awe" approach: high correction levels from day one to scare the dog into staying put. This often backfires—dogs become anxious or afraid to go outside at all, some associate the correction with random things (kids, other dogs, loud noises), and fear-based training creates behavioural problems, not boundaries.

The GentleSteps™ Difference

We start at the lowest setting—what we call "just a tickle." Your dog learns to associate the warning beep with the boundary, not pain. Over 7-10 days of at-home training (1-2 short sessions daily), you'll guide your dog through a simple progression:

Days 1-2: Introduction Phase

On-leash walks to the boundary. Praise and treats when your dog hears the beep and retreats. Correction level: barely perceptible.

Days 3-4: Reinforcement Phase

Continue on-leash. Add mild distractions (family members walking by, toys near the boundary). Correction level: slightly increased if needed.

Days 5-6: Distraction Phase

Introduce real-world temptations (neighbour dogs, squirrels, delivery trucks). Still on-leash for safety.

Day 7+: Freedom

Supervised off-leash time. Your dog has learned the boundaries and respects them confidently. Flags come down gradually over the next week.

Customized for YOUR Dog

An 8-pound Yorkie needs different settings than a 100-pound German Shepherd. A timid rescue dog needs a different approach than a bold, stubborn retriever. We customize correction level (13 levels, plus adjustable timing settings), boundary width, and response pattern based on your dog's size, breed, and temperament.

What About Stubborn Dogs?

Some dogs are more determined than others. For the rare dog who tests the boundary, we have advanced training protocols designed to safely reinforce the boundary without causing fear. Since 2009, we’ve only met 5 dogs we couldn’t contain out of nearly 2,000 trained.

What About Puppies?

Great news: puppies as young as 3-4 months can begin training (depending on size and temperament). Puppies actually learn faster than adult dogs because they don't have existing escape habits to unlearn.

See the Full Training Guide →

Why Professional Installation Matters

You can buy a pet fence at a hardware store. So why invest in professional installation?

The Fence is Only Half the Equation

Without proper training, dogs become confused, fearful, or simply run through the boundary. DIY systems have notoriously high failure rates because owners don't know how to train correctly.

With Dog Fence Ontario, you get expert training from people who've trained thousands of dogs.

Installation Quality Matters

DIY kits come with 20-gauge (or thinner) wire that's not rated for direct burial. In Ontario's climate, thin wire breaks easily from frost heave as the ground freezes and thaws.

We use copper-clad steel wire buried 4 inches deep—stronger than pure copper and built to last decades.

Your Time Has Value

Installing a basic system takes most DIYers 8-12 hours. Training takes weeks of trial and error. Factor in the frustration when things don't work, and most people tell us they wish they'd called us first.

The peace of mind is worth every dollar.

Why We Don't Sell GPS Fences

GPS dog fences sound convenient—no buried wire, portable boundaries, satellite technology. But for reliable "stay in my yard" containment, they come with real trade-offs.

GPS fences work great for tracking your dog on hikes or creating portable boundaries at a cottage. But for everyday backyard containment, we've seen too many frustrated customers switch to underground systems after their GPS fence failed them.

The Downsides of GPS Fences

  • Signal drift and delay: GPS accuracy can vary by roughly 5–15 feet depending on weather, tree cover, and satellite positioning. Your boundary can literally move throughout the day.
  • Constant charging: GPS collars drain batteries quickly—many need near-daily charging. Our rechargeable collars typically go weeks between charges (often up to a month), which is roughly 10× less frequent.
  • Ongoing subscription costs: Many GPS systems require monthly fees ($5-15/month) for full functionality. Our system has no subscription—ever.
  • No professional support: GPS fences are DIY. When something goes wrong, you're troubleshooting alone. We provide free support for life.
  • Urban and suburban interference: Buildings, fences, and even vehicles can block GPS signals, creating unpredictable gaps in coverage.

An underground boundary wire stays exactly where we install it. It doesn't drift with satellite positions, doesn't need daily charging, and works reliably in any weather—including Ontario winters. If you want smart features like activity tracking and remote adjustments, our LINK™ system delivers that without the GPS downsides.

Bottom line: GPS is portable. Underground is dependable. For daily backyard containment, underground wins.

Common Questions

Quick answers to what most people ask about the process.

How long does installation take?

Most installations take 3-5 hours, depending on property size and complexity. Larger properties or those with multiple exclusion zones may take longer.

Can you install in winter?

Yes! We install year-round in Ontario. In winter, we can pin the wire to the surface and return after the ground thaws to bury it.

What about multiple dogs?

One system covers unlimited dogs—you just need an additional collar for each. We'll train all your dogs during the same session.

Do you contain cats too?

Yes. We have cat-specific collars and training protocols.

What if my dog runs through?

Rare with proper training, but it happens. Usually it's a settings tweak or a few more distraction training sessions. Call us—that's what "support free forever" means.

How do I take my dog outside the boundary?

Remove the collar before leaving. Your dog learns: collar on = boundary active, collar off = normal rules. We also teach you an "exit routine" for leashed walks through the boundary.

What happens during a power outage?

Our premium package includes battery backup. It's also available as an add-on for other tiers. Most trained dogs respect the boundary even without the signal running.

How often do I charge the collar?

About once a month for most dogs, depending on activity and settings. We'll show you what to watch for.

How long do the flags stay up?

Typically 1-2 weeks. After your dog passes the final test, we remove them gradually so the dog transitions from visual cues to the beep alone.

Will it keep other animals out?

No—it's a containment system, not a physical barrier. It keeps your dog in, but won't stop wildlife or neighbor dogs from entering your yard.

What does "support free forever" mean?

Call or text us anytime for training questions, setting tweaks, or troubleshooting. We include one free revisit within 30 days if you need in-person help.

How long do the systems last?

The buried wire typically lasts 30+ years. Transmitters and collars last about 20 years with proper care. We support your system for life.

Ready to Give Your Dog Safe Freedom?

Get a free, no-pressure quote. We'll design a custom layout for your property and answer all your questions—no obligation.

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Realistic Expectations

Our system is excellent at what it's designed for. Here's the honest version so you know exactly what you're getting.

✓ What It Does

  • Keeps your dog in the areas you choose (when wearing the collar)
  • Protects gardens, pools, and play areas with exclusion zones
  • Gives you an open yard without a physical fence
  • Provides a consistent, reliable boundary in any weather
  • Works for dogs of all sizes, breeds, and temperaments

✗ What It Doesn't Do

  • Keep other animals or people out of your yard
  • Work if your dog isn't wearing the collar
  • Fix unrelated behavior issues (barking, jumping, aggression)
  • Replace supervision during the training period
  • Work without your commitment to the training process