January 8th, 2009
I would like to know the specifics on how an electric dog collar works
in conjuction with the transmitter and wire that goes along with it.
I've heard that the transmitter emits a radio signal through the wire
and that a magnetic field is produced around the wire. Then when the
collar (on your pet) enters into the magnetic feild the collar senses
this and generates a current through two electrodes that shock you
pet. I don't know it this is right, and I also would like a detialed
answer if possible regarding the relation between the electric signal
in the wire "fence" and the radio (or magnetic?) field produced. And
last of all how the collar picks up this signal.Hi mlyantis,
Your question actually touches upon multiple technologies. I don't
know what kind/size dog you have or exactly what sort of training you
want to impart to your pet, so I'll describe various devices employing
the technology you asked about.
Let's start with the oldest and probably most widespread of the dog
electric collar devices - the buried wire type. Here's a description
from a website that doesn't, as some in my home state might say, "have
a dog in the hunt" (translation: they aren't selling anything, so
their information is presumably unbiased :)
"In these systems, an electric wire is placed underground around the
perimeter of the portion of the yard where the dog is to be confined.
The dog wears a collar with a receiver. The wire broadcasts a weak
radio field that causes the collar to beep as the dog nears the
boundary, then administers a mild electric shock if he gets too close.
These systems are great for people who think an ugly fence ruins their
property or where zoning laws prohibit erecting fences. They don't
obstruct the view and, when performing properly, appear to be
miraculous. The dog magically stays in his yard with what appears to
be no restraint. These systems also work well implanted around flower
beds and other off-limits places, including certain rooms in the
house.
These systems range from moderately expensive "do-it-yourself
packages" to very expensive systems complete with trainers who teach
the dog the boundaries of the system and monitors to signal a power
failure. The receiver worn by the dog costs $300 or more. I read in
the police reports that someone entered a yard and stole a $415
receiver right off the dog's neck. [Note: much cheaper systems are
available these days]
Hidden fences do not keep people and dogs out of your yard, leaving
small dogs vulnerable to attacks by larger ones and exposing all dogs
to potential teasing. If two dogs are confined within a system and one
breaks out to chase a cat or squirrel or another dog, the remaining
dog usually follows. If the dog gets too agitated or the distraction
is too strong, many dogs forget the pain and run through the system.
Once out, when the distraction is over, the dog may not come home
because he knows he will get shocked. The receiver collars don't work
well on heavy-coated dogs, so some hair shaving may be necessary."
http://www.canismajor.com/dog/fences.html#Hidden
In my research, I found this product information at smarthome.com that
has some additional details regarding a specific product offering.
They tell you to first bury a wire surrounding the boundary area
within which you want to contain your animal. Then you "Plug the
transmitter into a standard outlet and it emits a radio signal that
travels along an underground wire. The lightweight receiver worn on
your pet's collar picks up the radio signal and alerts him as he nears
the underground boundary that you have customized for your yard. If he
crosses the boundary, he will receive a mild correction, similar to a
static shock. The Kit acts as a hidden barrier that gives your dog
access to your entire yard but inhibits its movements into unwanted
areas. The 500 ft. roll of boundary wire is buried 1 to 2 inches in
the ground and can easily be installed in just two or three hours. The
wire will accommodate up to 1/3 acre and comes with 50 boundary flags
(for training). To expand the kit's boundaries, simply buy additional
boundary wire and flags. You can train as many dogs as you want on the
same system, as long as they are each wearing a receiver collar.
Receivers are waterproof and weather-resistant. The Kit's receivers
cannot be accidentally set off. They have a microprocessor which
allows a warning consistently based on distance. They are made with a
Fail-Safe Feature which ensures that the receiver shuts off after 22
seconds of correction.
Two different systems, along with an accessory kit, are available to
help you design a layout to meet your yard's needs. Standard Kit for
yards up to 25 acres (4200 linear feet). The Standard Kit includes
transmitter, receiver w/ collar and battery, 500' of boundary wire, 50
boundary flags, extra probes, training video tape, and an
instructional manual. The Deluxe version includes the same accessories
as the standard kit plus a more powerful transmitter capable of
containing dogs within 100 acres (8600 linear feet). The deluxe
version also includes built-in lightning protection and an audible
alarm to let you know if your boundary wire develops a break. Each
accessory kit includes an additional 500 feet of wire and 50 boundary
flags."
The standard system described above costs $139.95.
http://www.smarthome.com/6140S.html
Next up is a system similar to that described above, but without the
need for wires. Petsmart.com describes such a system this way: "The
Instant Fence operates using the same principles as an underground
fence, yet is completely wireless. The system sets up in minutes and
is completely portable, so it's great for travel or when you move into
a new home. The transmitter can be plugged in inside your home . It
emits a radio signal that is picked up by the receiver collar worn on
the dog. When the dog ventures out of the "safe zone," he will hear a
warning tone, followed by a light, static energy pulse which startles
the dog, but is completely safe and humane. The dog will eventually
learn not to venture outside the "safe zone," which can be set
anywhere from a radius of a few feet, up to 90' feet. The radius is
easily adjusted by a small knob on the transmitter. The transmitter
plugs into any standard 110v wall outlet and the receiver collar uses
a 3-volt lithium battery. This system includes the transmitter, one
receiver collar, boundary flags for training, and an instructional
set-up and training video as well as a usage and care manual."
These systems are widely available in stores or over the 'Net and
generally cost about $260.00.
The effect on the dog is roughly the same with both types of systems.
Each has advantages and disadvantages that you would have to consider
for your personal situation. Summarized, they are:
============================
Underground Wire System -----
ADVANTAGES
- configurable to property shape
- less expensive than wireless type
- eliminates the need for an unsightly fence
DISADVANTAGES
- higher cost in either time or money to install
- dog may get too excited and run past the boundary, then not want to
return because will be shocked when returning across the transmitting
wire
- underground wire is subject to damage and greater maintenance
expense
- dog has no fence to protect him from other animals or people
============================
Wireless System
ADVANTAGES
- plug and play, no installation of wire required
- is portable - can go wherever you and the dog go
- fewer parts to break, so should be lower maintenance
- dog cannot run past point of containment and escape shock; once out
of the "safe zone", shock continues
DISADVANTAGES
- can't be configured to a custom shape; containment area is round
(although size can be varied)
- costs more than underground wire type
- dog has no fence to protect him from other animals or people
=============================
There is an alternative to the shock collar that some people find
effective and more humane, and some people believe is less effective
and possibly even less humane than the shock collar: the spray collar.
This system (and there are several different versions of it) works
much like the devices described above, but instead of administering a
shock when your dog gets out of bounds, shoots a citronella spray into
his face.
There are different versions of this device for different training
purposes: controlling barking, command training, and boundary control
(both keeping the dog within boundaries and keeping him away from
off-limits areas). You can learn much more about these devices here:
http://www.multivet-inter.com/eng/index.html
There are many more considerations about effectiveness and
appropriateness of these various technologies than I can explore
completely in this answer. Since there is no "one size fits all"
approach to dog training, I believe it's a good idea to gather "real
world" experiences and opinions about this sort of thing before making
a decision about what's best for your situation.
A very good way to do this is to visit Google Groups and read what
people have to say. If you haven't used Google Groups before, it's
simple. Just go to Google's homepage, click on the Groups tab, then
enter "electric dog collar" into the search field. I did that and
selected the following three postings as typical of the sorts of
insights you can find if you avail yourself of this resource:
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=electric+dog+collar&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=35B92859.25DA%40forest.avalon.net&rnum=1
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=electric+dog+collar&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=1002892858.130.1%40hebe.uk.clara.net&rnum=6
http://groups.google.com/groups?q=electric+dog+collar&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&selm=6j2b5e%24gc8%241%40supernews.com&rnum=13
Please keep in mind that the technologies I've described here
represent tools, not standalone answers. With all of them, you must
study the training techniques required to achieve good results (some
of these devices come with training videos as well as instruction
books.) And you must match the right tool to the animal - what works
great with one kind/size/personality dog may not be ideal for another.
It's up to the dog's owner to do the preparation and work necessary to
achieve the best experience for dog AND human.
I hope this information is useful to you. If you have any questions
about this material, or experience problems with any of the links I've
provided, just use the Clarify Answer feature before rating this
answer, and I'll get right back to you.
Thanks for your question,
ericynot-ga
Google search terms:
radio controlled electric dog collar
"instant fence"
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