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Thursday, December 02, 2004

Invisible Fence

A healthy, happy pet requires attention, love, nutrition and exercise. But with so many people working 40-plus hours a week and trying to manage a family, extracurricular activities and a social life, it can be difficult to give pets the attention and exercise they need.

Now there's a way to let your dog have the freedom to exercise in your yard without worrying that they'll run away, injure themselves or be injured by passing vehicles. Invisible Fence, Inc., makers of the only electronic pet containment system approved by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, has the answer for pet owners who need a hassle-free way to exercise their pet without worry.

Why Electronic Containment?

Chances are likely that if your dog sees a cat or rabbit, a chase ensues; or if your dog likes to spend time outdoors, he could stray too far and be injured by a vehicle. And in some cases, dogs free themselves from collars and leashes, and can even manage to escape from fenced-in yards.

The best way to keep your dog safe is to contain him in your yard or home. And, since some pet owners do not want an unsightly fence around their home or have ordinances against visual fences, an electronic containment system is an ideal way to prevent your pet from leaving your property.

An electronic containment system works by a wire concealed around the perimeter of your property, establishing your pet's boundary, and a special collar worn by your pet. A transmitter hidden in an out-of-the-way location -- like a basement or garage -- sends a radio signal along the wire. The radio signal is picked up by your pet's special collar, which emits a warning sound when your pet approaches the boundary. If your pet reaches the boundary, a correction is given by the collar. If you own more than one pet, you need only one system, although each pet must wear his or her own customized collar.

The makers of the Invisible Fence system also offer "Safe Dog" training, which comes standard with every system, to help your pet learn to obey the radio signal and stay within the established boundaries, and they even offer a one-year, money back performance guarantee. "The most important difference between an electronic pet containment system and a fence around the yard is that pets view the electronic system as their territory boundary, whereas fences are viewed as an obstacle to get over, under or around," says veterinarian Peter Eeg of Poolesville Clinic in Poolesville, Md. This difference is reinforced with behavioral training says Eeg, a veterinarian for more than 10 years and owner of an Invisible Fence electronic pet containment system for the last four years. Using positive reinforcement, Invisible Fence professionals use play, praise and practice to help dogs learn the boundaries of their property.

"The training provided by Invisible Fence has been approved by animal behaviorists, trainers and veterinarians, and is extremely well designed for training your pet both indoors and out," says Brian Atkison, director of animal training at Invisible Fence, Inc.

You can even contain pets to specific areas within your home. Indoor systems work like outdoor systems and keep your pet away from countertops, nurseries and home offices, to name a few. If you have an infant or if family members have allergies, this is an ideal way to prevent your pets from entering areas that need to be kept pet-free.

Is it Safe?

Electronic containment systems, like the Invisible Fence system, is safe and humane. "The correction from the Invisible Fence a Computer Collar (R) is similar to the sensation you feel when you walk across a carpeted room and touch a metal doorknob, only to get a small zap. Animals have the same neuroreceptors as humans and they receive the same pain signals -- the only difference is how they respond to pain. The sensation momentarily surprises pets and gets their attention, but does not harm them," says Eeg.

And, the Invisible Fence system is safe for dogs of all sizes, breeds, age and temperament. The featherweight Computer Collar (R) is small and light enough to be worn by even the smallest breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingese, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Pomeranians.

Not only is the Invisible Fence system safe for your pet, but it's also convenient for you. If you need further support, training for your pet or resources for extra help, local professionals are available. Also, the transmitter is FCC certified and does not interfere with radios, televisions or garage door openers. You can even take it with you when you move; or if the home you purchased has a system installed, an Invisible Fence professional can check it to ensure all components are operating properly. They can also mark the boundary and help your pet become accustomed to a new yard.

For more information or to locate an Invisible Fence professional near you, visit the company's Web site at www.invisiblefence.com