Anyone Ever Install an Invisible Fence for Dogs?

Yes, I installed one years ago, with very little help from my ex. It really wasn't so hard, however, my Schipperke was such a fast little devil that she would rush the fence and either ignore the shock or not get one. Then I would have to shut the fence off so that she could come back.

We found it easy to install at the family farm but don't do what my in laws did. They drove their poor dog ACROSS the fence for a vet appointment. They couldn't figure out why the poor thing was freaking out and then zap! Whoops, Fido.

Be very aware that some breeds of dogs this is not a good choice of fencing. I worked at Petsmart for a couple of years and despite warning people that if they had certain breeds of dogs they would be returning the item people would still buy it. Baffled me to no end. Boxers, huskies, mastiffs, and a few others will run through and either barely register the shock or they just plain don't care. I have yet to figure it out.
Any mixes of those breeds you need to be aware that they could easily ignore the fence and be gone. If you do have any of the above breeds/mixes do yourself a favor and just get a regular fence.

We had one that we installed ourselves, cheap easy and it worked...when the battery was not low. Our dog responded fine to the warning signal, it was rare that she ran out after a squirrel (Irish Setter) and we always found it was when the battery was low on her collar. Unfortunately if you have a few kids you're busy don't always remember to change the battery on the dog collar until you see her running through and then it might be too late. It was for us, she got hit by a car (and we live on a very low traffic street, only 10 houses and not a cut through). It was terrible, we still miss her even though we have another dog now. Now we use a run or are out with the dog to stop her from running until we get a fence. Real fences are best if you plan on always having dogs, it gives them freedom and keeps them safe.

We bought the Innotek system from Menards for about $80 - follow directions (don't cut through your cable lines, etc.), use the flags and train your dog well - works GREAT!

I installed one years ago. It wasn't hard - just had to bury the wire around the entire perimeter so I guess it would depend on the ground you're putting it around.

I had one for our Samoyeds and Shepherd and had it taken out. No matter how high we set the shock they still ran through it and then we had to chase after them. We ended up calling Century Fence and had Tom install a 4 foot high chain link fence around our back yard. Tom suggested 2 gates one on either side of our house which we did and are so glad we did it. The chain link fence was much cheaper than the Invisible Fence, plus Tom Alex is the owner and is beyond fantastic. We have called him when we had a problem with our neighbor harming one of our Samoyeds and Tom came right out to help. I love Century Fence and Tom Alex is the best. Give him a call, you won't be disappointed, he has all types of fences and will work with you.

Never have, never will. I don't believe in abusing animals.

We won't get one because we've been told our breed (wheaton terrier) would be driven crazy by it. And I believe it. I've seen a golden retriever in my neighborhood run right through the one in his yard at me when I was walking my dog, so I personally don't trust them.

I installed O. myself. It was tough but I had a guy friend help.
It didn't work. I had a purebred Siberian Husky at the time. She didn't feel a thing.
However, I wouldn't leave the yard if I was wearing the collar! LOL

I have used the Invisible Fence for over 20yrs. I use the "Invisible Fence" brand so this is the only one I am really familiar with. The other posters are right that certain dogs may not be the right choice for the system. I have always had Newfoundland, Retrievers, etc. I will tell you that I believe many people do not take the time (or know how to ) train their dogs properly with this fence system, for example, you start by lining the boundary with flags to teach the boundary and training does not happen in just a few days. Anyhow, I love the system. This brand does not shock them initially, they get a warning signal before they breech the line and if trained properly, the will back away of the line. The only negative I can tell you is that other dogs, etc can come into your area so that would be a consideration. As for those who think it is not humane? Is running out on the road and getting hit by a car humane?

I would think that the knock off brands at PetSmart, etc probably work but I have just stayed with Invisible Fence brand and upgraded my system over the years. They also will help train your dog for a fee but I have never used that service. Also, you can install it yourself. We have used a lawn edger (it is a radio signal so the line does not have to be buried too deep) and you can pick up extra line cheaper at Home Depot, Lowes, etc than you get with the system if you have a large area.

Good Luck.

I installed mine last spring, and it was MUCH easier than I anticipated. I had three helpers with me; two of them went around digging the trench, I followed laying the wire and the last helped followed me, filling in the trench to cover the wire. We reserved the whole day and were finished in about 3 hours. DEFINITELY worth the savings, IMO!

I like my invisible fence so much, I bought one for my aunt and uncle...THEY had quiet a bit more trouble with installation than I did...my uncle rented a trencher since their yard is much bigger than mine, and then he accidentally cut the cable and phone lines to the house. Needless to say, my aunt was NOT a happy camper about that one. They were without phone/internet/cable for almost a week before the company could make it out to fix it, and of course, they had to pay a fee for that. But they like the invisible fence now that everything's in working order.

Having said that, I'd make sure to know where all of the underground cables are before digging ;)

never did it myself it came with the house, but will warn you. Depends on the dog really. Each dog is different. The really bad part about these fences? Once the dog gets OVER the fence. He wont come back in, cause it will shock him when he gets near it. Got to do some training with those. Dogs that run quickly over it, do not even get a registered shock. So once they figure this out your fence is not worth a dime. It also does not stop any one elses dogs from coming in. We had it pulled up when we had the sprinkler system put in. I say, if you dont think you can do it yourself. Call a local, well reviewed handyman rather than have a company rep do it. Sometimes way way cheaper.