Underground Dog Fence FAQ

A wire is installed around the property and hooked up to a computer box that is usually installed inside. This box sends a digital signal around the wire. Your dog is fitted with a customized receiver collar that beeps as a warning when they are close to the boundary. A professional trainer will teach your dog condition response training so they retreat back into the contained area. The settings that the dogs will feel after the warning beeps (if they don’t retreat) are set very low and slowly raised higher as training proceeds. Usually, in 15 to 30 min, our trainer will have your dog responding to the electronic dog fence. We will then customize the training plan that we will do after the first training. In most cases, we ask that you just walk the dog around the yard several times a day, reinforcing the containment area. You don’t change the settings or train. We mainly ask that you walk them around the yard. Most dogs are trained and off-leash in 1-2 weeks. Please see the training page for a more in-depth training explanation.

A wired underground dog fence is the best choice for most permanent residential properties because it provides the most precise, consistent, and customizable boundary. However, GPS and wireless systems can be useful for certain yards and lifestyles.

Hidden Pet Fence installs wired, GPS, and wireless dog fence systems. During a free estimate, we evaluate the property, dog, and desired layout before recommending the right option. Wired systems can closely follow property lines and create protected areas around gardens, pools, driveways, or other spaces. Plug-in wireless systems typically create circular boundaries, while GPS systems are generally better suited to large, open properties.

Our recommendations are informed by firsthand testing. Hidden Pet Fence has tested retail systems from Halo®, SpotOn®, PetSafe®, and other manufacturers, including 2026 models. Our reviews and videos demonstrate how these systems perform and where boundary consistency, property conditions, collar size, or charging requirements may create limitations.

Our professionally installed dog fence has a warning beep zone and then a static correction zone. The feelings start as a tickle to a scratch, to an annoying pinch feeling. All adjusted to the dog’s temperament. The training teaches them to back up to turn off the sound and feeling.

A dog can run through some underground dog fences, particularly systems that activate the receiver collar only within a short area near the boundary wire. If an excited or determined dog crosses that activation zone quickly, the collar may stop activating once the dog is beyond it.

Hidden Pet Fence addresses this weakness with our Continuous Boundary feature. Instead of deactivating shortly after the dog crosses the wire, the receiver continues activating beyond the boundary. This removes the opportunity to escape the activation area simply by running through it.

Technology is only part of a reliable dog fence. Every Hidden Pet Fence package includes personalized professional training, and unlimited boundary training is available when a dog needs additional help. Our Pro packages are backed by a money-back containment guarantee.

When properly installed, maintained, and used with a functioning receiver collar, a Hidden Pet Fence system provides dependable containment for dogs of different breeds, sizes, and temperaments.

This is one of the most commonly asked questions about electronic dog fences. Our pet fence system has settings from very low to very high. You can tune the collar to what gets their attention without startling or scaring them. We will not hurt your dog. The levels are started very low and slowly raised. The repetitive process is what helps them learn. Many dog fence trainers use a system where the “low” setting on their dog fence collar is too high, and that’s when dogs get frightened. Ours is the lowest in the pet containment industry. For stubborn dogs, we may need higher settings and we determine that while training.

Yes. Hidden Pet Fence has a 100% success rate containing all breeds and temperaments, including large breeds, hunting dogs, huskies, German Shepherds, stubborn dogs, and highly energetic dogs.

Our specialized training protocol for determined dogs combines visual boundary flags, an audible collar warning, repetition, and personalized instruction. Unlimited boundary training is included, allowing our trainers to work at the pace each dog needs.

Hidden Pet Fence also offers Continuous Boundary technology. Unlike systems with a limited activation area that a determined dog may run through, Continuous Boundary continues activating beyond the wire. This discourages dogs from crossing the boundary and continuing out of the yard.

We frequently help Rochester customers whose dogs were not contained by retail systems or other professionally installed brands. After switching to our equipment and completing our training program, these dogs are successfully contained. All Pro packages are backed by a money-back containment guarantee.

Yes. Hidden Pet Fence has a 100% success rate containing all breeds and temperaments, including large breeds, hunting dogs, huskies, German Shepherds, stubborn dogs, and highly energetic dogs.

Our specialized training protocol for determined dogs combines visual boundary flags, an audible collar warning, repetition, and personalized instruction. Unlimited boundary training is included, allowing our trainers to work at the pace each dog needs.

Hidden Pet Fence also offers Continuous Boundary technology. Unlike systems with a limited activation area that a determined dog may run through, Continuous Boundary continues activating beyond the wire. This discourages dogs from crossing the boundary and continuing out of the yard.

We frequently help Rochester customers whose dogs were not contained by retail systems or other professionally installed brands. After switching to our equipment and completing our training program, these dogs are successfully contained. All Pro packages are backed by a money-back containment guarantee.

Yes. We will design a system that fits your needs. Multiple zones in and outside are customized for you.

Absolutely. We do not ask customers to make their property fit a standard fence layout. We design the underground boundary around the property, the family’s priorities, and how they want their dog to use the yard.

We can create custom exclusion loops around driveways, patios, fire pits, pools, ponds, woods, gardens, landscaping, buildings, equipment, and nearly any other area. These spaces can be large or small, and customers can have multiple zones. A front-yard and backyard split is one of our most common layouts.

We have even designed a boundary that allowed dogs to use a deck and walk down its stairs while preventing them from digging or going underneath the sides. Underground fencing can also supplement an existing physical fence by protecting gates, openings, or areas where a dog climbs or digs.

Professional training teaches dogs to understand both the main perimeter and any smaller exclusion areas. Boundaries can also be modified later if the property changes.

You do not need a Hidden Pet Fence system to receive this help. We service and adjust all brands, including Invisible Fence® Brand systems. Whether you inherited a system with your home, installed one yourself, or are unhappy with its current layout, we can help create a better solution.

Yes, in most cases, we can program our collars to work on other fence systems AND other collars can work on our system. We can also repair any Invisible Fence® brand system and many customers buy our replacement batteries and collars from us.

The industry is filled with China-made AM and FM low-grade signals. We use DM (digital modulation) which is the highest grade signal that can be used. Unlike other companies’ collars, ours will not shock your dog because of interference.

You are going with a local company with Hidden Pet Fence. The manufacturer we use is PetStop. We have a nationwide dealer network. We can give you the contact information of the dealer in your new area. They will continue the warranty on your product for you.

Yes! Indoor wireless dog fence systems are very useful and inexpensive. We can keep your dogs away from the garbage, furniture, or create a “no zone” in virtually any area you need and program your dog’s Hidden Pet Fence collar to work inside!

Yes. Our collars offer the widest range of adjustments in the area. Small, timid dogs and puppies may use a gentle static correction while stubborn dogs may need a higher level. All the installed pet fences that we offer include collars with adjustments YOU can change.

Ever heard of Scott tissues or Puffs brand facial tissues? We bet you call it a Kleenex. Sometimes one BRAND name is thought of as the product. Invisible Fence® is a brand name for pet containment systems. Our products are also professional grade and have more settings for timid and stubborn dogs than the other guys. Our service and safe dog training are by far the main reason our customers choose us over them.

A low battery indicator light will flash when the battery needs to be changed. You get over a week’s notice when they are getting low.

Yes. Hidden Pet Fence offers the smallest collars in the area! The settings are also the lowest available and are adjustable for small dogs.

Yes. Professionally installed underground dog fences can cover dozens of acres and are commonly used on large rural properties throughout the Rochester, Finger Lakes, and surrounding areas. A wired system is often the best choice when a property includes woods, hills, buildings, waterways, or other obstacles because the boundary can be designed with greater precision.

Our heavy-duty installation equipment can bury wire through rough terrain, wooded areas, and even creeks. If machinery cannot reach a particularly dense section, our team is prepared to complete portions by hand. We can also customize the layout to keep dogs away from nearly any unwanted area or provide access to features such as a lake or creek.

Some open, flat properties with minimal buildings may also be suitable for GPS containment. During a free on-site estimate, our experts evaluate the land, desired boundaries, and the dog’s needs before recommending the most appropriate option.

The layout is customizable, so we can avoid your driveway if necessary. This is something to discuss with your sales representative during your free estimate. We will always recommend having a protective boundary in case your dog runs out of the garage door. When we do cross a driveway, it is nothing more than a groove that the wire lays within and is sealed with a tar compound. In the end, it will be a thin black line about the thickness of a pencil that is flush with the driveway.

In most yards, we bury the wire with a specialized machine wherever possible. This machine is designed to bury the wire 3-6 inches into the ground. There are many factors that contribute to the depth of the wire, such as roots or rocks. If you have heavily wooded or rocky areas, we may need to hand lay the wire. This is something your sales representative and installer will discuss with you.

Your Hidden Pet Fence can have multiple pets on one system. Each collar will have separate settings tailored to each dog’s needs. Please call the office to order a collar and set up training for your new pet!

Yes! All of our receiver collars are waterproof, so your dogs can play outside in all weather conditions.

Yes. A professionally installed wired underground dog fence continues working normally throughout Rochester winters. Snow and frozen ground do not change the location or accuracy of the boundary, so customers should not notice a seasonal difference in how their system operates.

Hidden Pet Fence installs and trains year-round. Our equipment can bury the boundary wire up to six inches deep, while many installations place it only one to three inches below the surface. We also use professional-grade boundary wire with a protective coating engineered to withstand New York winters and prolonged exposure to damp ground, including wet conditions after snow melts.

For additional long-term confidence, we offer a lifetime wire-corrosion warranty. We can also install protective conduit beneath gravel driveways, helping protect the wire from shifting stone and snowplows.

These professional installation methods help create a durable, dependable underground dog fence for homes throughout Rochester, Webster, Greece, Irondequoit, Penfield, and Monroe County.

Absolutely. This is a common problem that tons of dog owners encounter. A Hidden Pet Fence is the best solution to keep your dogs in. Whether they jump over, dig under, or run through the gate of the standard fence, we can put a stop to this issue by installing our wire just on the inside of the above-ground fence and training the dogs to stay inside the boundaries.

Of course! Your sales representative will address any concerns you may have and come up with a solution. Our professional installers have seen it all and worked through countless obstacles including creeks, retaining walls, elaborate garden beds, and much more.

Yes, and we do it all the time! We can design your underground fence in a way that your dogs have freedom of the yard, but stay away from garden beds, bodies of water, or other unwanted areas. We do this by creating additional loops inside the perimeter loop. Please consult with your sales representative for more information.

An underground dog fence requires electricity to generate its boundary signal. If the home loses power and the system does not have a battery backup, the boundary will temporarily stop operating. Hidden Pet Fence offers optional battery backup protection for customers who want their system to continue functioning during an outage.

Hidden Pet Fence transmitters also include memory backup. The transmitter retains its programmed settings when power is interrupted and automatically resumes normal operation once electricity is restored. Customers do not have to reprogram, reset, or manually turn the system back on.

Our transmitters also have internal lightning protection designed to help protect the system against power surges and the storms common throughout Rochester and Western New York.

Customers without battery backup should keep their dogs supervised or on a leash until power has been restored and the transmitter confirms that the boundary is operating normally.

We start our professional training with puppies as young as 11 weeks old! Our training is safe and effective for young pups.

We have a 100% success rate in keeping dogs contained. We achieve this by offering the best products and the best training. We also offer a money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.

The cost of a professionally installed underground dog fence in Rochester depends on the property, customized layout, installation conditions, and number of dogs. Hidden Pet Fence provides free estimates with no cost or obligation. We can also begin with a phone consultation for homeowners looking for a general idea of pricing.

Factors affecting the price include yard size, installation difficulty, walkways, landscaping, driveways, and areas the dog should not enter. A professional can often design a boundary that gives the dog access to the front and back yards while excluding gardens, pools, driveways, or other spaces.

An in-person estimate provides the most accurate price because every Rochester property is different. Professionally installed underground fencing is usually significantly less expensive than an above-ground fence and can provide access to more of the property. Hidden Pet Fence offers several system packages and interest-free financing options to accommodate different needs and budgets.

A professionally installed underground dog fence is typically significantly less expensive than an above-ground fence. Depending on the property and materials selected, traditional chain-link, wood, and vinyl fencing can cost several times more than an underground system.

Installation is also faster and much less disruptive to the property. Our specialized equipment creates a narrow path for the boundary wire, requiring far less digging than the posts and construction needed for an above-ground fence. The yard can maintain its open appearance without bulky fencing, gates, or blocked views.

An underground system can also provide more usable space for the investment. In many cases, we can include both the front and backyard, with separate zones when needed. This can help protect a dog that slips through the front door, something a traditional backyard fence usually cannot do. Boundaries can also be customized around driveways, gardens, pools, wooded areas, and other places where the dog should not go.

Homeowners also avoid much of the ongoing maintenance associated with physical fencing, including painting, staining, repairing panels, replacing gates, and trimming around fence lines. Hidden Pet Fence provides customized quotes based on the property, number of dogs, and system selected.

Dog chews can damage the electronics inside your dog’s fence collar. One recommendation that we have to avoid this issue is putting a coat of bitter “no bite” polish on the cover of the electronic box on the collar. This is made for humans to help deter them from nail biting and the bitter taste is just as useful for dogs! The brand that we have experience with is “Mavala Stop Nail Alert”. Whatever brand you use, be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it is non-toxic to dogs!

An underground dog fence is designed to keep your dog safely contained, but it does not prevent other animals from entering your property. However, allowing your dog to enjoy the yard off leash may naturally discourage rodents and other unwanted visitors. Your dog can chase an animal within the yard while the system prevents the chase from continuing beyond the boundary.

Traditional fencing cannot guarantee that other animals will stay out either. Wildlife may jump over, dig beneath, or damage a physical fence, potentially creating an unnoticed escape route. Because an underground fence is out of sight and out of the way, wildlife cannot knock it down or create a gap in the boundary.

We can also customize the layout to create a generous buffer between your dog and sidewalks, roads, neighboring properties, or other places unfamiliar dogs may pass. Our professional training teaches your dog to respect that boundary even when excited or distracted by another animal.

An underground fence can often include the front yard, where traditional fencing may be restricted, providing your dog with more usable space and added protection if they unexpectedly slip out the front door. While no fence can control every animal outside your property, a professionally installed and trained system can reliably keep your own dog safely within the areas you choose.