Owning a pet dog is a rewarding experience, especially if you know how to train them. While training a dog can be challenging, everyone can do it with a little bit of practice — and the help of some tools, such as a GPS dog fence. In this article, we’ll talk about GPS dog fences, how they work, and their pros and cons. Read on!
What are GPS Dog Fences?
A GPS dog fence is a system that uses gps tracker to keep track of your pet’s location. The system includes a collar that your pet wears and a base station that you set up in your home. A good example of this is the Halo Dog Collar.
When you first set up the system, you’ll need to create a “geofence” — an invisible boundary around your property that’s programmed into the base station.
Once the geofence is set up, if your pet crosses the boundary, the collar will emit a warning sound. If your pet continues moving away from the base station, the collar will give them a mild electric shock.
The shocking sensation is not harmful to your pet and is only meant to startle them so that they know to turn back. Most GPS dog fences have adjustable shock levels, so you can find the right setting for your pet.
Pros and Cons of Using GPS Dog Fences
There are several benefits of using a GPS dog fence, including:
- You can let your pet roam freely without worrying about them getting lost or running into danger.
- GPS dog fences can be used to contain multiple pets at once.
- You can set up a GPS dog fence in any size or shape, making it versatile for any property.
- GPS dog fences are more affordable than traditional dog fences.
There are also some disadvantages to using a GPS dog fence, including:
- If the power goes out, the GPS dog fence will not work.
- If the collar breaks or is not working properly, your pet could cross the boundary without receiving a warning.
- GPS dog fences only work if your pet is wearing the collar. If they take it off, they can easily cross the boundary.
- Some pets may become anxious when they hear the warning sound from the collar, even if they never receive a shock.
If you’re considering using a GPS dog fence, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons to decide if it’s the right solution for you and your pet.
How to Use a GPS Dog Fence
If you decide that a GPS dog fence is the right choice for you, there are a few things you need to do to set it up and use it properly.
First, choose a base station location. The base station is the unit that emits the signal that creates the boundary around your property. It needs to be plugged into an outlet and placed in a central location, such as your home’s garage or shed.
Next, create the boundary by programming the GPS coordinates of your property into the base station. Most base stations have an easy-to-use interface that will guide you through this process.
Once the boundary is set, it’s time to put the collar on your pet. The collar should fit snugly but not too tightly around your pet’s neck. Make sure that the contact points are touching your pet’s skin.
Now, it’s time to test the system. Take your pet for a walk around the perimeter of your property to make sure that the warning sound activates when they cross the boundary. If it doesn’t, check the base station to make sure that it’s plugged in and turned on.
You may also want to have someone stay outside with your pet while you watch from inside the house to make sure that the system is working properly.