UltraSmart® In-Ground Fence™

PIG00-13619

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PIG00-13619 - English, Canada (4.5 MB)

FAQs

Setup Step 1: Positioning and installing the boundary wire
When installing an in-ground fence system, lay out the boundary wire around your property. Use your proposed boundary and test the system BEFORE burying the wire or attaching it to an existing fence. This will give you freedom to adjust your wire layout should you need to.

If you must cross underground utilities or buried cables with the boundary wire, do so at a 90-degree angle (perpendicularly). If you have a neighbour with a containment system, keep the boundary wires of your systems at least 1.5 metres apart. It may help to talk to your neighbour about the location of their boundary wire in their garden. If separating the wire by at least 1.5 metres from a neighbouring containment systems wire does not reduce the inconsistent signal, contact our Customer Care Centre.

To twist the boundary wire

Twisting the boundary wire cancels the signal and allows your pet to cross over that area without receiving a static stimulation. When twisting wire, you must be twisting wire that completes the radio signal circuit. This means, there is a wire leading from the transmitter and the wire goes around your garden and returns to the transmitter. You must be twisting portions of the leading and returning wires together in order to cancel the signal in that area. Plastic or metal piping will not cancel the signal. Twist the boundary wire 30 times per metre to cancel the signal.

To splice or repair the boundary wire

If you need additional boundary wire to expand your wire loop, you will need to splice the wires together. Since wire breaks tend to occur at splices, it is helpful to note the locations of all splices for future reference. We also recommend that you create waterproof splices using gel-filled splicing caps. These are available for purchase online or by contacting our Customer Care Centre. They are also included in current in-ground containment systems.

To create a splice or repair wire
- Strip approximately 1 cm of insulation off the ends of the boundary wires to be spliced. Make sure the copper boundary wire is not corroded. If the boundary wire is corroded, cut it back to expose clean copper wire.
- Insert the stripped ends into the wire nut and twist the wire nut around the wires. Pull on the wires to make sure you have a strong splice connection. If you do not have gel-filled caps, apply waterproofing compound such as silicone sealant (caulk) in and around the wire nut or wrap the wires and the wire nuts with electrical tape to prevent moisture from corroding the copper.
- Make sure your splice is secure. If your splice pulls loose, the entire system will fail.
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Setup Step 2: Connecting the wires to the transmitter
1. Run the boundary wire to the fence transmitter through a window, under a door, through a crawl space vent, or any other appropriate available access. You can also carefully drill a hole through your wall.
2. Strip the wire coating ends of the boundary wire approximately 1 cm, exposing the copper wire.
3. Insert the boundary wires into the boundary wire terminals on the fence transmitter.
4. Turn the boundary width control knob to 10. This will set the warning zone at the maximum width.
5. Plug the power adaptor into the power jack and a standard wall outlet.
6. The power light and loop indicator lights should come on. If this does not happen, contact our Customer Care Centre.
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Training your pet to a containment system: Step 1: Flag Recognition
All pets are different, so it's important to be patient with yourself and your pet. Some pets may understand the training quickly, and others may take more time. Paying attention to your pet while you are going through the training and having patience will ensure you both enjoy years of freedom and safety.

Goal
The goal of phase 1 training is to familiarise your pet with the boundary flags, boundary, tone and stimulation. You will introduce your pet to the tone and the static stimulation and teach your pet where it happens.

Setup
- Turn your pet’s receiver collar on and set it to level 1, the tone only setting. If your collar does not have a tone only setting, do not place the collar on your pet during this phase of training.
- Place the receiver collar on your pet’s neck or simply hold the collar near enough for your pet to hear the beeping of the collar during training.
- Put a separate non-metallic collar on your pet’s neck ABOVE the receiver collar and attach a lead. Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the contact points.
Familiarising your pet with the boundary flags
1. Begin by having some play time with you pet, making it fun for your pet.
2. Walking your pet on a lead in the pet area.
3. Move towards the boundary flags. Allow your pet to hear the warning tone, then lead your pet back into the containment area quickly. Praise your pet when he leaves the boundary zone.
4. Repeat this process at several different boundary flags.
5. Continue the training until your pet resists going near the boundary flag. It may help to say "no" if your pet attempts to go near the flags.
6. Work with your pet in 15 minute increments. Have about 3 training sessions per day.
Introducing your pet to the static stimulation
1. With the collar on your pet and in the "on" position, walk your pet on a lead in the pet area.
2. Calmly praise and talk to your pet.
3. Allow your pet to move toward the boundary flags.
4. When your pet enters the warning zone, the receiver collar will activate and start beeping. As your pet continues past the flags into the static stimulation zone, he will receive a static stimulation.
5. Immediately after your pet receives a stimulation, lead him back into the pet area. Praise him warmly and keep very calm body language.
6. Repeat this process at several different boundary flags. Never pull or call your pet into the static stimulation zone.
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Training your pet to a containment system: Step 2: Distraction Phase
Training sessions should start at 10-15 minutes, gradually increasing to over an hour. Your pet is ready for this step only when he clearly avoids the entire boundary flag line, regardless of any distractions or temptations. During this step, do not leave your pet unattended.

Goal
To train your pet to stay within the pet area even with distractions outside of the pet area.

Setup
- Put a separate non-metallic collar on your pet’s neck ABOVE the receiver collar and attach a lead. Be sure the extra collar does not put pressure on the contact points.
- Create distractions to tempt your pet to enter the warning and static stimulation zones, such as having a family member cross from inside the pet area to outside of it, throwing a ball outside of the pet area or having a neighbour walk their pet outside the pet area.
Steps
1. Put the collar on your pet in the "on" position.
2. Walk your pet on a lead toward the boundary flags. Use one of the distraction methods listed above. If your pet follows, let him feel a stimulation and quickly lead him back into the pet area and praise him. If your pet does not follow the family member, praise him warmly.
3. Have a family member or a neighbour with a dog walk outside the pet area parallel to the boundary flag line.
4. Repeat the interaction with your pet as in steps 1 and 2.
5. With your pet on a lead, throw a ball outside the boundary flag line. Again, repeat the interaction with your dog as in previous steps.
6. Repeat distractions at several different boundary flags.
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Training your pet to a containment system: Step 3: Unleashed Supervision & Monitoring
Goal
To give your pet free run of the pet area off the lead.
1. Walk around the garden and play with your pet, staying within the pet area at all times.
2. Preoccupy yourself with another task in the garden while watching your pet.
3. Should your pet escape, take the receiver collar off or turn the system off at the fence transmitter and lead him or her back into the pet area.
4. Your pet is now ready to use the containment system. Check in on your pet at regular intervals.
5. Note: After you are satisfied your pet's training is complete, remove every other boundary flag every 4 days until all flags are removed. Save boundary flags for future use.
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Getting the proper fit on the receiver collar.
1. The proper fit and placement of your receiver collar is important for effective training. The contact points must have direct contact with your pets skin on the underside of their neck. To ensure a proper fit, please follow these steps:
2. Make sure that the battery is not installed in the receiver collar.
3. Start with your pet standing comfortably.
4. Centre the contact points underneath your pet’s neck, touching the skin. If your pet has a long or thick coat, consider using the long contact points to reach through the fur. These can be purchased by contacting our Customer Care Centre. It is sometimes necessary to trim the hair around the contact points to make sure that contact is consistent.
5. Check the tightness of the receiver collar by inserting one finger between the end of a contact point and your pet’s neck. The fit should be snug but not constricting.
6. Allow your pet to wear the collar for several minutes then recheck the fit. Check the fit again as your pet becomes more comfortable with the receiver collar.
7. Next, trim the collar length. Mark the desired length of the receiver collar with a pen. Allow for growth if your pet is young or grows a thick winter coat.
8. Remove the receiver collar from your pet and cut off the excess strap.
9. If your receiver has a nylon strap, seal the edge of the cut collar by applying a flame along the frayed edge.
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How do I drain the battery’s energy from the receiver collar?

If it is a model with a stimulation level button, press and hold the button down for approximately 20 seconds. For models without this button, take the battery out for about 1 minute or take it to the boundary and activate the collar until it no longer corrects. Make sure that the tab under the battery is lifted, if applicable.
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How do I repair a damaged wire (splicing wires)?
Before you begin splicing wire, it will be helpful to you to take note the locations of all splices for future reference. If you ever have a wire break, these most often happen at a splice and it will be helpful to you to be able to find your splices easily if this ever happens.

It will also be helpful to make your splices waterproof. Gel-filled splices are available at most hardware stores and are included in your original containment system. To make a splice:
1. Strip approximately 1 cm of insulation off the ends of the boundary wires to be spliced. Make sure the copper of the wire is not corroded. If the boundary wire is corroded, cut it back to expose clean copper wire.
2. Insert the stripped ends into the wire nut and twist the wire nut around the wires. Ensure that there is no copper exposed beyond the end of the wire nut. Tie a knot 8-10 cm from the wire nut. Ensure that the wire nut is secure on the wire splice.
3. Once you have securely spliced the wires together, open the lid of the gel-filled splice capsule and insert the wire nut as deeply as possible into the waterproof gel inside the capsule.
4. Snap the lid of the capsule shut. For proper system performance, the splice connection must be waterproof.
5. Additional gel-filled splice capsules and wire nuts are available for purchase online or through the Customer Care Centre.
6. Make sure your splice is secure. If your splice pulls loose, the system will not function.
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Can I use more than one receiver collar on the system?

Yes. There is no limit to the number of pets you can contain with the containment system. It’s as simple as purchasing an additional (compatible) receiver collar for each pet. You can purchase additional receiver collars online or contact our Customer Care Centre.

Before making any changes to your system, remove the receiver collar from your existing pet(s). When adding pets to new or existing electronic fence systems, check the boundary limits for each receiver collar separately before using on your pet and adjust the transmitter range as necessary.
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Can the receiver collar be placed on my pet’s present collar?

Yes, the receiver can be place on any non-metallic strap. However, you must be able and willing to “punch” two holes in your pet's current collar so that the contact points can be properly inserted. Do not attach a lead to a collar that has a receiver on it. This can cause additional pressure on your pet’s neck through the contact points in the collar.
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Do I have to bury the wire? If so, how deep?

We recommend burying the wire about 2.5 cm deep. The wire needs to be able to send the signal out to the collar.

You can leave the boundary wire above ground or even attach it to an existing fence, but it is not recommended due to the potential for damage to the wire. We do recommend that you bury the wire or place it in a protective casing like a water hose but the system will work with the exposed and wire above ground. The boundary wire is buried so that it is not accidentally tripped over, cut, or damaged. Use care when using a lawn mower or weed trimmer or when digging near the boundary wire to prevent damage. It can be attached to any fence including a metal fence as long as it is galvanised. When attaching the boundary wire to the fence, be careful not to sever the wire.
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How do I run the wire over my driveway?
You have a few options for working with a driveway as a part of your containment system.

Concrete Driveway

If your driveway is concrete, you can place the boundary wire in a convenient expansion joint or create a groove using a circular saw and masonry blade.
- Clean out the expansion joint or groove.
- Place the boundary wire in the groove
- Cover the wire with an appropriate water proofing compound.
- It may help to you to use landscape staples or half of a small piece of PVC pipe or water hose to protect the wire on either side of the driveway or sidewalk. This will ensure that the wire isn't cut during activities such as weed trimming or mowing near the driveway.
If you do not wish to cut your driveway and an expansion joint is not an option, you may want to consider using a double loop layout. You may also want to reconsider your layout and avoid the driveway as part of your containment area.

Gravel or Dirt Driveway

If your drive is gravel or dirt, you can run the boundary wire through a PVC pipe or section of water hose to protect the boundary wire. Then bury the pipe or hose and wire.

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How long can my pet wear the receiver collar?
Never leave the receiver collar on your pet for more than 12 consecutive hours and remove the receiver collar from your pet when indoors for your pet’s comfort. Millions of pets are comfortable while they wear stainless steel contacts. Here are some important steps for the health and comfort of your pet:
- Proper fit of the collar is important. A collar worn for too long or made too tight on the pet’s neck may cause skin damage. Ranging from redness to pressure ulcers; this condition is commonly known as bed sores.
- When possible reposition the collar on the pet’s neck every few hours.
- Check the fit to prevent excessive pressure.
- Always follow the instructions in your product operating guide.
- Never connect a lead to the electronic collar; it will cause excessive pressure on the contact points within the collar.
- Wash the dog’s neck area and the contacts of the collar weekly with a damp cloth.
- You may need to trim your pet's hair in the area of the contact points for your system to function properly. However, never shave the dog’s neck; this may lead to a rash or infection.
- Some pets have sensitivity to the contact points in the collar, a condition similar to bed sores in humans. You may find after some time that your pet is very tolerant of the collar. If so, you may relax some of these precautions.
If a rash or sore is found on your pet:
- Discontinue use of the collar until the skin has healed.
- If the condition persists beyond 48 hours, see your veterinarian.
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How long will it take me to install an in-ground fence?

This is dependent on the layout you have planned, soil conditions, the tools you are using, amount of wire buried, etc. The majority of the time involved in installing your system is in burying the wire. This is typically considered a weekend project; it can be completed in about a day. It's very helpful to have someone to help you plan, layout and install the system.
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How old should my pet be before I start training?

Pets should be at least 6 months old before you start training them to use a containment system.
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I have a break in my wire. How do I find it?
1. Locate your original splice(s) and verify they have a good, solid connection.
2. Check your garden to determine any possible damage to the boundary wire (recent digging, aerating, or rodent burrowing near the boundary wire).
3. Unplug the transmitter.
4. Connect both ends of your twisted Boundary wire to one boundary wire terminal.
5. Measure and cut a test wire which is half the length of your total boundary wire footage.
6. Connect one end of test wire to the other boundary wire terminal.
7. Locate the halfway point of your boundary and cut the boundary wire.
8. Splice the other end of the test wire to either side of your boundary wire where you cut it in half.
9. Plug in the transmitter and check the loop indicator light. If the light is on, you can assume the break is in the other half of the boundary wire.
10. If the light did not come on, you may assume there is a break in this portion of the boundary wire. However, there is a small chance of having more than one break in your system. Be sure to check both halves of your entire loop.
11. Replace the damaged boundary wire with new boundary wire.
12. Reconnect the boundary wire to the transmitter.
13. Check the loop indicator light. If the light is on, test the system with the receiver collar.
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My pet keeps running through the boundary.
- Make sure the boundary width is at least 3.5 - 6 metres wide.
- Test the receiver collar with the test light tool, walking toward the boundary wire. If the test light flashes, check the fit of the receiver collar on your pet. You may need to trim the fur around your pet’s neck or purchase longer contact points.
If the receiver collar is not activating see “My receiver collar is not providing static stimulation.” If the collar is activating:
- If receiver collar has adjustable stimulation levels, increase the level of static stimulation one level at a time and test each level on your pet before progressing to the next level
- Turn up transmitter boundary dial
- Repeat the training steps to reinforce the boundary for your pet.
- If pet is now receiving the stimulation but still will not stay in the garden, even after reinforcement of training, you may need to purchase a stubborn dog receiver collar with higher stimulation intensity levels.
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My pet reacts strongly to the static stimulation and has become fearful.

This can happen if the static stimulation level is too high. It is best to start on the lowest level of stimulation and increase the levels gradually. To solve your immediate issue, lower the static stimulation level and reassure your pet and offer praise.

Make sure you are in control of the situation when your pet receives his/her first static stimulations (have him/her on a lead attached to a separate, non-metallic collar) and lead him into the pet area and praise him/her. If your pet remains fearful, suspend training and start again the next day. Make sure to end all training sessions on a positive note with lots of praise and play.
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My receiver collar activates inconsistently.
- Make sure fence transmitter is at least 1 metre from large metal objects or appliances.
- Make sure all boundary wire turns are gradual with a 1 metre radius.
- Make sure the boundary wire is not running parallel to and within 3 metres of electrical wires, neighbouring containment systems, telephones wires, television or antenna cables, or satellite dishes.
- If a neighbouring containment system may be causing an inconsistent signal, move the boundary wire further away from the neighbouring containment system.
- Perform the Short Loop Test
- If receiver collar continues to activate inconsistently – please contact our Customer Care Centre to replace transmitter.
- If receiver collar activates normally – possible interference from other wires or a partial wire break. Perform the wire break locator test.
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My system does not work.
The system test is used to determine the cause of system problems that have not been addressed elsewhere in this guide. You will need a piece of Boundary Wire greater than 4.5 m long with 1 cm of insulation removed from each end to use as a test loop wire. Make a note of your Boundary Control Switch setting, Boundary Width Control knob setting, and Receiver Collar setting before beginning the System Test. Follow the steps below to perform the system test:
1. Remove the Receiver Collar from your dog and make sure a good battery is installed in the Receiver Collar.
2. Set the Boundary Control switch to B.
3. Set the Receiver Collar Static Stimulation Level to 5.
4. Disconnect the twisted Boundary Wire from the Boundary Wire terminals on the Fence Transmitter by pressing the red release levers on the connector and pulling the wires free (A).
5. Insert the two ends of the test loop wire into the Boundary Wire Terminals on the Transmitter.
6. Turn the Boundary Width Control knob to 10 and then back to 5.
7. Place the Test Light Tool Contacts on the Contact Points of the Receiver Collar. While holding the Receiver Collar with the Test Light Tool in place, approach the wire from the outside loop 2 inches off the ground. Make a mental note of the distance where the Receiver Collar activates from the Boundary Wire.
8. Turn the Boundary Width Control knob to 10 and repeat Step 7. The distance where the Receiver Collar activates should be greater than the previous result.
9. If more than one Receiver Collar is used on the system, repeat the above test on each collar.
10. Keep the Boundary Width Control knob position at 10. Set the Boundary Control Switch to A. Approach loop with Receiver Collar as in Step 7 and verify the Receiver Collar activates.
11. Keep the Boundary Width Control knob position at 10. Set the Boundary Control Switch to C. Approach loop with Receiver Collar as in Step 7 and verify the Receiver Collar activates.
12. Interpreting the Results:
  
  A. If the Power Light or the Loop Indicator Light are not both lit on the Fence Transmitter or the alarm is on, for any of the above tests, there is a problem with the Transmitter. Contact the Customer Care Centre.
  B. If both the Power and Loop Indicator Lights are on, but the Receiver Collar does not activate on the test loop wire, the Receiver Collar is not working. Contact the Customer Care Centre.
  C. If the Transmitter Power and Loop Indicator Lights are on in each of the 3 Boundary Control Switch positions andthe Receiver Collar is activating at different distances on the test loop wire, the problem is most likely in the containment Boundary Wire. Perform the Wire Break Location Test.
13. When testing is complete reconnect and verify that the Boundary Wire is plugged into the Boundary Wire Terminals and the Transmitter is plugged in.
14. Return the Boundary Control Switch and the Boundary Width Control knob setting to the position noted earlier.
15. Repeat the Boundary Width testing from Step 6 until you achieve the desired Boundary Width between 4 - 7 m.
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The power and loop lights are off on my transmitter.

Plug the transmitter into another wall outlet. If the lights don’t come on, contact our Customer Care Centre.
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The receiver collar is activating in places it shouldn’t (inside the house, far from the wire).
- Turn the boundary width control knob anti-clockwise to decrease the distance from the boundary wire that the receiver collar activates.
- Make sure the boundary wire is not running too close to the house. The signal can transmit through the walls of your house.
- Make sure boundary wires are twisted 30 twists per metre from boundary to the fence transmitter.
- Make sure the boundary wire is not running parallel to and within 3 metres of electrical wires, neighbouring containment systems, telephones wires, television or antenna cables, or satellite dishes.
- Remove any large metal objects near the transmitter.
- If it is activating in the wrong places randomly, reprogram the receiver to the transmitter. If the problem persists, replace the receiver collar.
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The receiver is beeping but not providing static stimulation.
- Make sure the receiver is not on level 1.
- Use the test light tool to double check.
- Make sure the transmitter isn’t on beep only (note that not all models have this feature).
- Contact our Customer Care Centre for additional troubleshooting.
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What is the double loop layout and why do I need to do it?
A double loop is a type of wire layout which gives you the option to establish a boundary when you do not want to contain your whole property, or to allow for a place for your pet to safely cross.
1. First, run the wire around the perimeter.
2. When you get to the end, make a U-turn with your wire and backtrack around the coverage area.
3. Be sure to keep the wire at least 1.5 M apart where you want signal. When you want to cancel the signal, bring the wires together and twist them 30 times per meter.
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What is the ideal boundary width?

The ideal distance for your boundary is between 1.5 to 3 metres, depending on the available garden distance. The higher the width, the greater the distance between your pet’s safe area and the end of the boundary. Keep this as high as possible, so you will have fewer problems keeping your dog in the garden. Please keep in mind that good training is always needed.
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What types of containment system are available?
- In-ground system: creates a perimeter of any shape and can have exclusion areas within it. The wire is usually buried just under the ground and can even run through streams. You can also purchase additional wire that will create a perimeter of up to 1000 ares (25 acres) (selected systems only).
- Wireless system: creates a circular perimeter around a central transmitter with a diameter of up to 64 meters (selected systems only) It is a portable system, but the dog should always be fully trained and familiar with the area in which the system is used.
In addition, there are systems that use receiver collars which are specifically designed for small dogs, cats and stubborn dogs. Purchase an extra compatible receiver collar for each additional pet who will use the system. Note that certain systems are not compatible and in-ground and wireless collars are not compatible.
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Where do I put my boundary flags?
The flags should go just inside of the boundary zone, or along the wire for in-ground fences. To locate the boundary:
1. Remove the receiver collar from your pet and ensure it is on.
2. Hold the test light to the receiver collar contact points and walk into your garden.
3. Hold the collar and test light at the level of your pet's height.
4. Walk towards the warning zone until the receiver collar beeps and the test light tool illuminates. The higher the level of stimulation of the receiver collar, the brighter the light with flash. If you cannot see the light flash, increase the level of stimulation of the collar for the purpose of determining boundary flag location only.
5. Place a boundary flag in the ground at the location where you hear the beep and see the light of the test light tool flash.
6. Walk back into the pet area until the beeping stops.
7. Repeat this process around your garden, placing flags every 3 metres until the containment area is fully marked with flags.
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Will static stimulation harm my pet?

The static stimulation is safe and harmless. It is effective enough to get your pet’s attention.
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Will the containment system keep other pets out of my garden?

No. Containment systems are only effective on pets who wear the receiver collar. Other animals can still enter your garden.
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