Containing canines carefully without fences

Rabbits, foxes, neighbours cattle and sheep stirred up the true hunting nature of
Di Corr's three Jack Russells. Living on 7 acres in Morisset didn't stop her little escape artists from running out the front gate. Di's valuable dogs were not only loved pets but also champion show dogs. The threat of ticks, thorns, snakes or being run over was too much for her. After building enclosures, tying them up and locking them in the house, she finally discovered Innotek's Smart Dog pet containment system.



To fence or not to fence is a question that poses problems for many homeowners. Reasons for fencing include privacy, enhancement of the appearance of your home, and security, with fence and gate presenting a least a psychological barrier to would be intruders. For owners of pets, a fence is usually considered a necessity to keep the animal in the yard.

Gaps in fences, gates that can be squeezed under or through, or the lack of any fencing at all can make it easy for dogs and cats to wander away from home. This in turn can lead to trouble, from causing annoyance in the neighbourhood to meeting an untimely death on the road.

Innotek's Smart Dog pet containment systems solve dog behaviour problems such as "roaming" and "wandering" and prevent dogs from escaping their property boundaries. Many behaviour problems are caused by lack of exercise and stimulation. Often with the responsibilities of modern lives, few pet owners have the time necessary to train their dog to enjoy such freedom.

"The containment system allows pet owners to create an area where their animal can roam freely, without being confined by a chain or being surrounded by a fence," Innotek Australia Managing Director John Holliday said. Since 1995, Innotek Australia has been providing pet behaviour solutions to thousands of Australian dog owners.

The Smart Dog system works on the principle of a buried wire on the property in which the owner wishes to contain their pet. (Wire can also be tacked onto an existing fence) The dog is equipped with a special computerised collar that picks up a radio signal from the wire when he gets close to the boundary. He first receives a "audible warning tone" in his collar and if he proceeds further, a mild electrical stimulus that reminds him to stay in the "safe" part of the yard. Flags are positioned around the boundary area to help the dog recognise its new boundaries.

"Most dogs can be successfully trained within a fortnight. Some customers install the system to keep cats in their yard and it has worked very effectively," Mr Holliday said.

Dogs are creatures of habit. They learn bad behaviour as quickly as good. The challenge is to teach them good behaviour before bad behaviour becomes a habit.

From the smallest little escape artist Jack Russell terrier to large strong willed Boxers, Innotek offers a solution to suit any dog on suburban or acreage properties. Check their website at www.innotek.com.au or call 1-800-786608 for a free catalogue.