Author: John Sharp

The expression “like trying to herd cats” is used for very good reason. Cats are incredibly independent animals who are more likely to do whatever they want than what you want them to do. So, what do you do if you need to keep your cat contained in your backyard? Cat owners either choose to keep their cat inside or accept that if they let it out it will escape the yard and roam. What most cat owners don’t realise is that in a lot of places in Australia it is illegal to allow your cat to roam.

Technology offers a very effective solution to keeping your cat contained. A cat fence barrier that is available to keep your cat from roaming is an invisible cat fence. Invisible cat fences are repeatedly proving very effective at keeping even the most cunning cats secure. An invisible cat fence barrier combines a transmitter, perimeter wire and electronic collar to deter your cat from escaping.

CatWatch is an industry-leading cat electric fence or invisible barrier supplied by Hidden Fence. As an industry-leading pet fence, CatWatch is loaded with features that make it suitable for use with any cat in almost any home.

Features of the CatWatch Invisible Cat Fence

Catwatch is not a generic pet fence. It is an invisible cat fence perfect for use within Australia. The Catwatch cat fence system consists of an FM transmitter, perimeter wire and cat-specific collar.

Generic pet fence systems usually have a collar more suited to a medium or large breed of dog and not suitable for a cat. The M12R collar included with CatWatch is the smallest and lightest electric cat fence collar on the market in Australia. This ensures minimal impact and maximum comfort for your feline companion.

The FM Transmitter for the CatWatch cat fence barrier is specifically designed for minimal interference to avoid any unintentional signals being sent to the collar. With sufficient perimeter wire, the system can secure an area of up to 2-Acres in size.

The CatWatch is especially effective against the most determined cats. CatWatch is equipped with an exclusive and patented FastReact system. The sophisticated software determines your cat’s speed as they approach the boundary and triggers an electronic signal within 1/8^th of a second if the cat’s speed suggests they are trying to escape.

How to Install CatWatch Cat Fence Barrier

The CatWatch pet fence system can be installed either DIY or with professional installation and training in any household in Australia. 

If selecting the DIY option, a perimeter wire is placed on the edge of the containment area usually along a fence or boundary. The perimeter wire must be placed with consideration for the cat’s physical ability to climb and jump over objects. It is common therefore to loop the perimeter wire both along the bottom and top of a fence. Before the FM Transmitter is connected however and the collar fitted, it is recommended that the cat be trained and gradually introduced to the system.

The team at Hidden Fence has developed and used for almost 20 years an industry-leading training and conditioning protocol for cats. This protocol is designed to maximise the effectiveness of the invisible cat fence in the shortest timeframe possible. It is centred around gradually introducing the system to the cat first indoors and adjusting them to the electronic signal of the cat collar before allowing them outdoors with the system in place.

Professional installation is the perfect choice for more complex yards and more stubborn, adventurous or determined cats. A Hidden Fence professional consultant will visit your property and design an invisible cat fence system layout that is a perfect fit for you. This includes installation under driveways or over difficult terrain.

Once the cat electric fence has been installed the Hidden Fence professional will work with both you and the cat to discover the underlying reason for the escapes and use a combination of positive feedback and consequences in the program.

A properly installed cat fence in Australia prevents your cat from roaming keeping them and local wildlife safer. CatWatch pet containment system is a cat electric fence that is industry-leading and packed with features, making it suitable for all cats. Hidden Fence is the Australian supplier of the CatWatch system and has developed a  specialised cat training protocol that has been delivered worldwide. Find out more about our cat fence barriers here, or contact Hidden Fence today to discuss how to contain your cat.

How many times have you had to retrieve your dog from the local animal shelter, vet or even neighbour’s house because they escaped while you were out? Dogs can be good at escaping, excellent at digging and some are also talented climbers. Once your dog has dug a hole under the pet fence it can be very difficult to contain them in the future. The hole creates a weak point that you promptly block with whatever solid debris you can find around the house. But they can always dig a new hole or find a way through the items you used.

Alternatively, maybe your dog isn’t escaping but you want to find a solution to keep them from digging up the garden or just keeping them out of areas of the yard. This can be very difficult to achieve without ruining the aesthetic of the yard.

Purchasing a traditional dog fence or pet fence from Bunnings usually involves a chainlink wire or wooden lattice fence. But after you have tried these solutions, you have probably found them to be just as ineffective as a standard fence. Dogs can still dig under them and if they are sectioning an area of your yard then they will impact the appearance and functionality of your yard.

The solution you need to be investing in is an electric fence or also known as an invisible dog fence. But what is an invisible dog fence and where do you purchase them from?

An invisible dog fence is a versatile and adaptable solution that is highly effective at keeping a dog contained within an area. An electric pet fence works through a combination of three primary elements. An FM transmitter, a perimeter wire and an electronic collar.

A trip in the car to buy an electric dog fence from Bunnings reveals that an electric fence for dogs is not something that is sold at Bunnings but instead should be sourced from a  specialist retailer like Hidden Fence.

Invisible dog fences are not sold at stores like Bunnings because like most electronic dog collars and electric dog fences, they are regulated across Australia with different levels of regulations between the states. Hidden Fence is therefore a better option for purchasing an invisible dog fence than Bunnings.

Installation of an electric or invisible dog fence can either be done DIY or through professional installation. Whichever option you choose to go with, the perimeter wire is placed around the yard or area where you want to keep the dog contained. This wire is connected to the FM transmitter and the electric dog collar is fitted to your dog. It is important to understand local regulations regarding electric dog collars in Australia.

When the dog wearing the electronic collar approaches the perimeter it is first audibly warned and then if the dog persists towards the perimeter it is given a non-harmful electronic stimulus from the collar.

Professional installation is the preferred option for larger or more complex yards and for dogs that may need more sophisticated training to adjust to the electronic dog collar.

Hidden Fence has a team of professionals who specialise in the installation of invisible fence systems and the appropriate training of dogs. The DogWatch product that they provide is market-leading, long-lasting and should not be confused with cheaper,  inferior imported products. If you are relying on an invisible pet system to keep your pet contained, then you shouldn’t take chances. Contact Hidden Fence today to discuss either DIY or Professional installation of the DogWatch invisible fence solution. Read more about how our invisible fence systems work here.

Training your pet requires patience, practice and consistency. It can be very difficult to maintain this especially if you work long hours, aren’t as mobile as you wish or perhaps not yet very experienced in dog training. Fortunately, the experts have you covered. Dog trainer collars are the perfect solution and with multiple options available there is one suitable for every training situation. 

Hidden Fence is a leading supplier of dog collars in Australia. The Hidden Fence team are experts at training dogs and are well experienced in including electronic dog collars in their training regimes. Modern electronic dog collars are nothing like the older dog shock collars or electric dog collars. Instead of delivering an electric shock, dog trainer collars deliver either a vibration or electronic stimulus to your pet discouraging the undesired behaviour. 

Here are some of the ways an electronic training collar can assist in correcting your dog’s undesirable behaviours. 

Barking 

All dogs bark, it is their way of communicating. However, some dogs bark excessively, and this excessive barking can cause problems. Most people who are members of their local community Facebook groups would have seen posts complaining about dogs barking. They are often thinly veiled threats from neighbours who are frustrated by dogs who seem to never stop barking. This isn’t the owner’s fault, people have to work and can’t supervise their pets all day long. However, excessive barking is just as bad for your dog as it is for your neighbours. Excessive barking can stress your dog, give them anxiety and impact their health. 

Previously excessive barking was solved by using electric or shock collars. These collars were crude devices that are generally banned in most of Australia. Fortunately, electronic dog collars are much more sophisticated and correct excessive barking behaviours with vibration or non-harmful electronic stimulus. 

Hidden Fence is a leading supplier in Australia of anti-bark collars. The DogWatch BT7 bark collar is a feature-packed electronic collar that is far superior to the electric dog collars previously available in Australia. This dog training collar has 7 adjustable settings including vibration, progressive levels of stimulation and bark forgiveness so that the electronic stimulus resets once the dog finishes barking. 

Off-Leash 

All pet owners dream of being able to safely let their dog off-leash. Australia has loads of beautiful places where dogs would love to roam, from the local dog park to the dog beach or even open countryside. Most owners however lack the confidence, and their dogs lack the training to be allowed off-leash. 

The key training requirement of allowing your dog off-leash is your ability to communicate with them and especially recall them when required. Dog training collars with remote functionality are perfect for this situation. The BigLeash dog trainer collar is used throughout  Australia to keep you in touch with your dog while they are off lead. Features of the 

BigLeash include 15 levels of stimulation, remote-activated LED lights, an 800m range and a detailed LCD. 

When combined with other training techniques, including positive rewards, a dog training collar will ensure your dog recalls the first time every time, keeping your pet safe and away from dangerous situations. 

Walking 

Finally, modern electric dog collars or electronic training collars are well suited to assist with walking your dog. Walking your dog is good for both your health and theirs. It can be difficult, especially for larger breeds that pull on the leash to be regularly walked. Hidden Fence is a stockist of the SideWalker dog training collar which is specifically designed to improve a dog’s behaviour while walking on a leash. 

The SideWalker is designed to provide electronic stimulus to your dog when they are excessively pulling on the lead. By doing so the dog trainer collar quickly corrects your dog’s behaviour and makes leash pulling a thing of the past. 

Dog training collars are commonly used across Australia to correct excessive and undesirable behaviours. These behaviours are frustrating for yourself or your neighbours and stressful for your pet. Electronic collars can be used to correct excessive barking, poor recall when off-leash and leash pulling while walking. Hidden Fence is a leading Australian supplier of electronic dog collars, so contact them today.

All dog owners love their pets. They love the company, the affection and the joy that their dogs bring them. Very few owners like to see their dogs stressed or anxious from excessive barking. A dog anti-bark collar is the ideal solution to this problem. Anti-bark collar support your dog by discouraging and correcting these behaviours. This is a step-by-step guide on what you need to do to get from anxious excessive barking to a calmer happier dog. 

Step 1: Decide to buy an anti-barking collar 

The first step is to decide to purchase an anti-bark collar. If you are unsure, it is important to understand that modern anti-bark collars are nothing like the old electric collars or shock collars from the past. 

Instead, dog anti-bark collars like those provided by Hidden Fence provide a non-harmful electronic stimulus to the dog which breaks the cycle of negative behaviour. Purchasing one of these anti-bark collars is one of the best ways to correct excessive barking with most dog owners noticing results almost immediately. 

Step 2: Understand your local regulations for bark dog collars in Australia 

Many training dog collars in Australia are regulated. The exact regulations however vary from state to state and it is important to familiarise yourself with those regulations before making your purchase. Regulations vary from no restrictions at all to requiring professional training to be used. For full details about the regulation on anti-bark dog collars in Australia  please visit this page: https://hiddenfence.com.au/disclaimers-local-laws/ 

Step 3: Where to buy an anti-barking dog collar 

Anti-barking collars should be purchased from specialist suppliers who are experts in these products. Hidden Fence is an online retailer whose team has a specialist understanding of anti-bark dog collars. They stock a range of training collars that are suitable for different situations but in particular the DogWatch BT7 bark collar. Hidden Fence has been supplying pet containment products including anti-bark collars to Australia for years. 

Step 4: What you need to do to set up the dog’s anti-bark collar 

A dog anti-bark collar is incredibly easy to set up. Simply insert the battery into the anti-barking collar and start by setting the collar to the v or vibration setting. Attach the collar to the smallest part of the dog’s neck just behind the ears. When the dog barks look for a response in the dog such as a head shake or an ear twitch. If there is no response from the dog then remove the collar increase the setting 1 level and retry. This allows you to find the right setting for your dog. 

Every dog is different but it should not take very long for the anti-bark collar to start correcting your dog’s excessive barking. 

Step 5: How does the anti-bark collar correct your dog’s behaviour 

The anti-barking collars work by delivering either a vibration or electronic signal to your dog when they engage in excessive barking behaviours. There is a delay before it triggers so it doesn’t discourage regular barking, only barking that is excessive. The electronic stimulus is non-harmful to your dog and breaks the cycle of negative behaviour. 

Step 6: Other features of anti-bark collars you need to know about 

The DogWatch BT7 dog bark collar is packed with features that assist in properly retraining your dog. This includes progressive levels of stimulus, bark forgiveness, a bark counter and 7 adjustable settings. The collar has a long-lasting battery and is also lightweight and waterproof. These features make this anti-bark dog collar ideal for all Australian dogs, large or small, indoor or outdoor. 

Step 7: Professional training options for your anti-bark collar 

For those less experienced or less confident pet owners or those with more challenging dogs, professional training is available to support anti-bark collar use. Professionals can use the collar in addition to a range of pet training and conditioning techniques to get results sooner. 

Electronic anti-bark dog collars are an effective non-harmful way of training away your dog’s excessive barking behaviours. They are designed to suit all breeds of dogs and are proven very effective in training out these negative behaviours. The DogWatch BT7 anti-bark dog collar provided by Hidden Fence is one of the most effective dog collars available in Australia. Contact Hidden Fence today to get yours.

Cats are known to be escape artists. This presents a challenge for cat owners across Australia as in most places a cat must be contained and not allowed to roam freely. This is for good reason: cats that roam can harm native wildlife, harm other pets or be harmed themselves. Therefore, you need a cat containment solution that works. The most effective cat fence in Australia available on the market to keep your cat in your yard is an invisible cat fence. Hidden Fence sells a pet fence product called CatWatch which is the leading cat fence in Australia.

What is an Invisible Cat Fence? 

An invisible cat fence or cat fence barrier is an electronic system that is designed for the purpose of allowing your cat to roam freely within an area without the chance of their escape. The system consists of a cable that is installed around the perimeter of the property and is connected to a  transmitter. The cat then wears a collar which delivers a non-harmful stimulus to the cat when they approach the cable. This type of pet fence is also sometimes referred to as a cat electric fence,  although this is not an entirely accurate description. 

The boundary cable or wire of the invisible cat fence must run in a continuous loop around the perimeter to be effective. The wire itself can either be buried just below the surface, attached to a fence or laid on the ground and secured with pegs. 

The electronic collar that delivers the stimulus is worn by the cat when they are allowed to freely roam within the perimeter. 

Features of CatWatch 

CatWatch is an industry-leading invisible cat fence produced by the brand DogWatch. The CatWatch product is designed and built using the highest quality materials to ensure your Cat remains safe within your yard. 

As previously mentioned, cat fence barriers consist of a wire or cable, a transmitter, and a collar for the cat to wear. 

The transmitter in the CatWatch system allows for an adjustment to the range that the system is effective for. For example, if the system is set to a range of 1m then as the cat approaches within 1m of the perimeter wire from any direction, the collar will activate. The collar will first activate with a  warning tone and then if that cat continues with electronic stimulation. 

The ability to adjust the range of the CatWatch system makes it ideal for any size of property, from a small courtyard to much larger rural properties. 

Like most cat electric fence systems, CatWatch uses an electronic cat collar for the delivery of stimulation to your pet. The collar is designed to first make a noise as the cat approaches the perimeter and then deliver electronic stimulation if the cat continues. The collar allows for multiple levels of electronic stimulation making it suitable for all cats from the timidest to the most assertive.

The electronic stimulation provided by the CatWatch collar is a TENS or Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and is therefore non-harmful to your pet. 

CatWatch Installation Options  

The CatWatch can either be installed DIY for those who are a little handy on the tools, or by a professional for those who are less capable or whose installation might be more complex. Either way, the process for installation is similar. 

The invisible cat fence installation process is just as much about training your cat as it is about the installation of the hardware. 

The 1^st step is to introduce your cat to the system by training them indoors. The cat should be kept indoors for a period of a week as a way of resetting where the cat is used to travelling. During this period the transmitter should be set to Indoor mode and placed somewhere that you do not want the cat to go, such as the kitchen bench. This will allow your cat to adjust to the collar and the stimulation it will deliver. There are a few more steps to this indoor process that are included in the installation manual. The focus of the indoor training protocol however is to condition the cat without owner or human interaction, to preserve that relationship. 

The 2nd stage is the outdoor setup. This requires you to deploy the wire or cable to the perimeter of the property and connect the system. It is important to remember that the collar will activate when within the set range of the cable or wire and not where the wire is exactly placed. 

With the system in place and your cat conditioned to it with professional or guided training, they should be able to comfortably roam freely in your backyard without being able to escape. 

If you want to allow your cat outside without them roaming the neighbourhood then you need an invisible pet fence barrier. Hidden Fence is the leading provider of cat fences in Australia. The CatWatch system is high quality and perfectly designed to keep your cat safe and secure in your home and yard. Contact Hidden Fence today to discuss either their DIY or professional installation options.

An electric fence for dogs is commonly wanted by pet owners who struggle to keep a man’s best friend contained in their yard. Electronic dog fences consist of 2 main components, the first is the fence which is a wire that is placed around the perimeter of the property attached to a transmitter, and the 2nd is an electronic collar that is worn by the dog. The collar delivers a TENS or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation when your dog approaches the perimeter. This stimulus is non-harmful and feels like a vibration or tickle to your pet.

However, when purchasing devices such as electric dog fences and electric dog collars in Australia it is heavily regulated. So, before purchasing an electric dog fence from Bunnings or another retailer you need to know about the local restrictions that apply in your state or territory. 

What are the Regulations?

All of Australia’s state and territory governments have enacted legislation designed to protect animals from cruelty and harm. These legislations are slightly different from state to state, so it is important to be across your local rules before purchasing an electric fence or electric dog collar in  Australia for your pet.

South Australia, ACT and the Northern Territory are the strictest in their legislation when it comes to electric collars and fences for dogs. The ACT has a full ban on these devices, while the northern territory prevents a person from using an electrical device on an animal. South Australia prohibits people from using a collar that is designed to impart an electric shock.

Victoria’s legislation allows for the use of dog electric fences and collars so long as the dog has been trained in the use of the system.

Western Australia allows the use of an invisible pet fence/containment system if it is used within the generally accepted usage of the product.

NSW prohibits the use of electric dog collars and electric dog fences that are designed to impart an electric shock. Other electronic fences are allowed so long as they are in addition to a standard fence.

QLD has no specific restrictions on these devices.

For further information about the regulations related to electric dog collars in Australia, please visit  Disclaimers & Local Laws – Hidden Fence.

What to consider before buying?

It is important to fully consider and respect the laws of your state or territory regarding electric dog fences and electric collars. Beyond this, here are some other elements you should consider in your purchase. 

Invisible Dog Fences can be installed either professionally or DIY. The option you choose will largely be influenced by the size and complexity of your yard and your own personal DIY abilities. The electronic dog fence needs to be installed around the entire perimeter to be effective, even across driveways. Therefore, if your yard perimeter is large or complex, and your DIY skills are not up to scratch then you should consider a professional installation.

How to best use your electronic fence?

Your electric fence won’t be as effective as it can be if you haven’t trained your pet in how it works.  You can’t let your pet just figure it out on its own. As previously stated, Victoria for example requires the dog to be professionally trained for an electric fence barrier to be used. 

As a part of their professional installation package, Hidden Fence includes training for your pet. In most circumstances following professional training your dog will avoid the electronic fence completely and the electronic stimulation from the collar will almost never be triggered.

Where to buy an electronic dog fence?

Once you have made the decision to go ahead you may be tempted to purchase your electric fence for dogs from Bunnings. However, what you’re really looking for is an electronic dog fence or invisible dog fence, and Bunnings doesn’t sell them. Instead, you should contact the team at Hidden Fence to discuss your options.

Hidden Fence is a leading supplier of electronic dog fences and electronic dog collars in Australia. The expert team at Hidden Fence can help you to navigate the local legislation around these devices and select one that is right for you and your pet. Hidden Fence has a range of Professional and Smart fence systems designed to suit any size yard and breed of dog. Contact us here.

The way dogs are trained has changed over time and the dog collars that assist with this training have changed as well. The training dog collars available in Australia today are nothing like the older electric dog collars or shock collars of the past.

Electronic dog collars today are pieces of sophisticated technology that contribute positively to your dog’s training regime and assist in correcting a range of unwanted behaviours.

Difference #1: Less shock more stimulation

Traditionally, dog shock collars were aptly named for the electric shock that they delivered to your pet.  This moment of pain was intended to correct the undesirable behaviour, usually barking, that your dog was doing. Over time, dogs have moved from the backyard to the living room and become more than just pets but members of our family. As a result, electric collars or shock collars have been recognised as the cruel devices that they are and are now banned in most states of Australia.

Electronic dog collars are completely different. Instead of shocking your pet and causing them pain, an electronic collar has a range of stimuli it can deliver to your dog. Depending on the exact model, most electronic dog training collars can produce a sound, vibration or electronic stimulus. The electronic stimulus is not a shock but instead a TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) signal. This same technology is used on humans regularly to treat muscle and nerve pain and therefore doesn’t hurt your pet.

Difference #2: Smarter, not dumber

Electric dog collars in Australia were not very smart devices. In most cases, they would just activate when the dog barked and give them a tiny shock. Unfortunately, shock collars were known to misfire if another nearby dog also barked which gave confusing messages to the dog on how to behave.

Modern electronic dog trainer collars are much more sophisticated. Those available from Hidden  Fence include several smart features to improve the effectiveness of the collar and the ability to be used in a range of circumstances.

For example, the dog trainer collar can be set to start at a noise or vibration and then increment to an electronic stimulation over time as the negative behaviour persists. In addition, remote dog collars such as The BigLeash by Hidden Fence allow for remote activation which assists when training your dog while off-leash.

Difference #3: More Adaptability

As previously mentioned electric dog collars in Australia were generally just anti-bark collars that delivered an electric shock to your pet whenever they barked. Modern electronic dog training collars have been developed to address a range of dog behaviours in different situations.

Hidden Fence offers a range of dog training collars including anti-bark collars, The BigLeash for remote training and the Side Walker. All 3 use the same type of electronic TENS stimulation to alter your dog’s behaviour but the trigger for each is different.

Anti-bark dog training collars trigger when your dog has been barking excessively and the stimulation increases as they continue to bark within the same period. The BigLeash is a remote dog trainer collar that allows for the remote activation of the stimulation from up to 800m away. The Side Walker is the perfect collar to correct any negative lead pulling behaviours while out on a walk.

Electric dog collars are illegal in most states of Australia and for good reason. Electronic dog collars are the modern-day solution to dog training, the non-harmful electronic stimulation is perfect for correcting your dog’s unwanted behaviours. Hidden Fence is a leading provider of electronic dog collars in Australia, with their range of training collars perfect to assist in correcting a range of different behaviours. Find out more about the range here.

All dogs are different and dog trainers need to use a range of training methods and tools to effectively train different dogs. There are lots of different dog collars that are used across Australia by dog trainers. Modern-day training and anti-bark collars use a range of different stimuli such as noise, vibration or electronic stimuli to assist in training the dog’s behaviour.

When incorporated into your dog’s training, an anti-barking collar assists both beginners and professionals to discourage negative behaviours and encourage positive ones.

Features of Training Dog Collars

There are several different training collars available on the market. Selecting the right dog collar in  Australia will depend on how you are training your dog and the behaviours you are hoping to correct or encourage. Three types of dog training collars are no bark or anti-bark collars, remote trainer collars and walking trainer collars.

A dog anti-bark collar is designed to help train your dog to bark less excessively without limiting their communication entirely. After all, dogs bark and they are always going to, but excessive barking can not only be upsetting for you and others, but for your dog as well. Dog bark collars provide either noise or electronic stimulus to your dog after a set interval to distract your dog and break the pattern of their behaviour.

The Bark Collar from Hidden Fence is designed to be the safest and most effective anti-bark dog collar on the market. The TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) signal given by the anti barking collar to your dog is adjustable and can therefore be set to the correct level to get your dog’s attention. The stimulation causes no pain or injury and only kicks in after multiple successive barks from your dog.

Remote training collars are designed with features specifically designed to assist with training your dog in off lead environments. Taking your dog to the park, the beach, friends and families’ houses or any location can be extremely stressful. If your dog is not properly trained then it can be difficult to control them in unfamiliar environments. 

The Big Leash Remote training collar provided by Hidden Fence has assisted dog trainers of all skill levels from amateurs to industry professionals. Being able to remotely provide stimulus to your dog accelerates your training and gets them responding sooner. The Big Leash Remote training collar has a range of 800m and 15 levels of stimulation. This makes it ideal to use for the training of all breeds of dogs.

Walking trainer collars are the perfect collar to assist in training your dog to properly walk on a lead.  Dogs need to be exercised regularly, but this can be difficult if they don’t behave and make it difficult. Behaviours such as pulling or jumping toward other dogs or walkers need to be corrected.

Hidden Fence offers the Sider Walker as a solution. The Side Walker is designed specifically to correct the behaviour of lead pulling. This training collar works in the same way as the others by providing electronic stimulation and is more effective than halter or circle collars. Most amateur and  professional trainers find their dogs walking to be largely corrected within the first 30 to 50 metres

All 3 of these collars are most effective when used in conjunction with positive conditioning techniques.

How to use a Training Dog Collar

Training dog collars provided by Hidden Fence such as anti-bark collars, the side walker or the big leash remote collar are effective on their own at correcting and improving a dog’s behaviour. However, even better, more consistent and longer-lasting outcomes can be achieved when the collars are combined with other conditioning techniques.

Electronic stimulus collars are effective at correcting negative behaviours when they occur consistently. Many professional trainers, including the team at Hidden Fence, will use training collars in combination with reward-based conditioning to not only discourage unfavourable behaviour but encourage good behaviours as well.

Training dog collars are commonly used by both amateur and professional trainers as an important inclusion in any training routine. Hidden Fence has a range of training collars available to suit any breed of dog and training challenge. Find out more about our training dog collars here.

Answering this question is not straightforward due to confusion around the definition of what constitutes an electric collar and varying rules and regulations in different countries, states and territories. In this article, we will limit our discussion to Australia.

Historically, there has been very little regulation around dog collars which has resulted in harmful products being released onto the market. For the purpose of this article, we will refer to these harmful products as dog shock collars as opposed to the more advanced and dog-friendly electronic collars.

Dog shock collars are legal in some states of Australia and not in others. Queensland has no specific restrictions on dog shock collars under the Animal Care & Protection Act 2001, although this is currently under review. Likewise, Tasmania has no specific restrictions. Other states in Australia have varying laws allowing different degrees of use. A full list of local laws for each of the states can be found here.

In the past dog shock collars have been able to deliver shock sensations that have been too strong and harmful to dogs. With no regulation, many dogs have suffered either through incorrect use of the shock collars or through poorly designed shock collars, designed only to provide an instant result without any real thought to the welfare of the dog. These types of products definitely need to be outlawed for the welfare of our dogs.

In some states, the wording of the legislation prohibits the use of what they call electric collars, perhaps associating them with traditional electric fences. This has created a great deal of confusion around the type of barking collars that can be legally used.

It is common for people to use the terms dog shock collar, dog bark collar and electric bark collar interchangeably when each can actually have very different meanings and operating systems, even though the desired outcome is the same. The terms are also commonly used in marketing and advertising as they are what people are familiar with. This interchanging of terms creates a lot of confusion. However, this is changing as customers become more educated and brand aware.

With the type of products we use here at Hidden Fence, it is actually more accurate to describe barking collars as electronic dog collars. Our dog collars receive a radio signal from a transmitter. The collar then emits progressively a sound, a vibration and then an electronic stimulus that feels a little bit like the sensation you might get from using a tens machine. They also have built-in safety features designed to stop the stimulus if your dog does not respond within a predetermined time frame,

It is important to understand that all electronic pet containment systems need to be installed correctly with proper training. When this is done the welfare of the animal is prioritised. It is also important to understand that owners need to weigh up the pros and cons of using a containment system that uses electronic stimulation for themselves.

The following questions should be helpful when determining if the use of electronic dog collars and containment systems are right for you:

1. Is there a solution of containment that can be successful without the use of an electronic containment system?
2. Is the pet at risk of harming itself?
3. Does the pets escaping behaviour pose an imminent threat to its environment or ramifications thereof?
4. Will the pet be free to move about the property with relatively sizable space, unchained or uninhibited from movement?
5. Do local laws prohibit wandering pets?
6. Does the owner have the financial means of properly containing their pet?
7. Is the critical risk of harm greater than the e-stimulus?

More detailed discussion around each of these questions can be found here

To conclude: the use of electric shock collars is illegal in some states of Australia, depending on the wording used in the legislation. However, electronic containment systems are permitted in most states of Australia, some with specific requirements.

Our team at Hidden Fence is committed to providing you with safe, effective, electronic containment solutions and the welfare of your pet is a paramount consideration. If you are thinking of an electronic dog collar as part of an overall containment system, talk to us about the options available.

Electronic cat collars are a wonderful way of keeping cats inside. They work equally well to keep cats inside an outdoor perimeter as well. Here we look at the effectiveness of electronic cat collars.

When we refer to electronic cat collars at Hidden Fence, we are really talking about a total containment system that includes an electronic fence and a receiver collar worn by your cat. Many people think that it is the receiver cat collar that does all the work when really it is the electronic boundary/ fence that does all the hard work to keep your cat safe.

In an indoor environment, you have the option of both wired cat fences and wireless cat fences to define the perimeter or zones permitted for your cat.

For example, a wired fence is perfect for bi-fold doors. The wire can be placed around the frame of the bifold door to determine the no go zone. The wire is attached to a transmitter. When your cat comes too close to the wire the transmitter sends a warning signal to the receiver worn on the cat collar. This is demonstrated in the diagram below. You will also notice flags in the diagram. During the training phase of installing an electric cat fence system, flags are placed as visual cues to teach your cat not to come too close to them. The addition of visual cues speeds up the training stage and gives your cat a point of reference when they receive the warning stimulation on their cat collar.

Does the transmitter send an electric shock to the cat collar?

The short answer to this question is no!. Cat collars and cat fences do not work in the same way an electric fence used on a farm to contain stock does. That type of system requires contact with an electrical circuit. Upon contact, the electric fence delivers a shock. Electronic cat fences send a wireless radio signal to a receiver worn on the cat collar. Your cat wears a receiver collar that receives the signal and activates a warning sound indicating proximity to the boundary. If your cat ignores the warning sound and proceeds to cross, then the cat receives a harmless electrical stimulation, influencing him to stay. Clearly, the delivery mechanism on our cat fences is very different to the more traditional electric fences, making them safe for your cat. This type of cat fence transmitter is connected to mains power but does not require contact to the circuit to activate the warning stimulus. It also comes with a fully adjustable range dial. A range of about a metre usually works quite well.

How do wireless transmitters work?

Wireless cat fence transmitters also send a wireless radio signal to the receiver worn on your cat’s collar. They will protect an area up to 3metres in diameter which makes them perfect for targeting specific areas such as couches, dining tables, fish ponds or pantries. The small disc-shaped transmitters are battery powered and come with a waterproof option, making them very versatile for placement in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Should a cat collar be worn all the time?

We recommend taking the cat collar off for a few hours each day to avoid pressure sores developing. Cat collars can cause pressure sores if the collar is worn too tightly for too long. Longer furred cats tend to be more susceptible although only about 0.05% of pets develop pressure sores, usually due to not following our recommendations.

If you need to contain your cat indoors a cat collar combined with a cat fence can definitely be the answer. Talk to us about the many options available.

The most obvious answer to this question is, “The most effective type of anti-barking collar is the one that stops the barking!” In actual fact, this statement is not completely true. While we do want to stop our dogs from barking excessively, we do not want to stop them from barking altogether. Therefore the most effective dog anti-bark collar will allow your dog to bark where it is appropriate, whilst reducing or stopping excessive barking.

To understand this statement it is necessary to understand how dog bark collars work.

So how do dog anti-barking collars work?

Electronic dog barking collars teach your dog there are limits to barking and quickly and gently reduce or eliminate excessive barking. It is natural for dogs to bark but it is not desirable for them to bark constantly. Electronic anti-barking collars deliver an electronic stimulus to a receiver collar worn by your dog. This stimulus can be in the form of noise, vibration or an electronic stimulation that feels like a tens machine. The stimulation aims to distract your dog from what they were doing and remind them that it is time to stop barking. The bark collar does not need to be worn all the time. After training is complete you can target problem areas of the day.

Our most effective Anti-Barking Collar

Hidden Fence is proud to supply what we think is the most effective electronic anti-barking collar on the market today. It is a state of the art product manufactured by Dogwatch and compliant with industry standards. This programmable dog barking collar has many features including a rechargeable battery, bark counter, adjustable levels of vibration and e-stimulation, complete with 7 adjustable settings and a 3-year warranty. It is lightweight and waterproof with bark forgiveness to enhance the experience for your dog. All of these features combined together make the Dogwatch bark collar a very effective training tool for reducing unwanted barking. The keyword here is “training!” The bark collar is not intended to be a stand-alone solution. Rather it is a training tool that you can use to help teach your dog appropriate barking behaviour. We also recommend removing the bark collar at night to prevent skin irritation from constant wear. Your dog will quickly learn about the relationship between barking and the electronic stimulation from the collar after only a few activations.

There are other similar products on the market, but this is the one that has stood the test of time and we have come to trust it completely.

Bark Collar BT7 DogWatch brand – a market leader in electronic anti-barking dog collars

If you have any questions about this amazing product, feel free to give us a call.

Tel: 1800 223 364

Further details about this amazing product and order options can be found here

Barking collars can be very effective in controlling excessive barking in dogs. The term dog “barking collar,” would perhaps be better reframed as “anti-barking collar.” There are actually many different types of dog barking collars around – all work a little differently with varying degrees of effectiveness. In the market today they are known as electronic dog collars.

Before considering using a dog barking collar, it is important to look at the underlying reason for the barking and if possible address it. For example, if your dog is barking due to separation anxiety, try gradually easing them into increased periods of absence, working from home or taking them with you. If your dog is barking to notify you something unusual is happening, this can actually be a good thing. The trick is to acknowledge your dog and let them know you have heard them and they don’t need to keep barking. Gradually they will learn what is acceptable behaviour.

A good dog barking collar will actually allow the dog to bark for a short period of time before reminding them it is time to stop. Barking is normal behaviour for your dog. Barking only becomes a problem when it is excessive or continuous.

Training is definitely the key to the success of barking collars. There are various ways a dog barking collar can be used. After an initial training period and lots of positive reinforcement, many dog owners only put the barking collar on their dog when they are away from home. Sometimes intervention with a barking collar is so effective that it does not need to be worn regularly, instead only reintroducing the barking collar if behaviour reverts to excessive barking levels. The important thing to remember is barking collars should not be seen as a stand-alone or set and forget solution to excessive barking. Always try to address the underlying cause of the barking and continue the usual training approaches.

In ground pet fences are becoming more popular as pet owners embrace technology to contain their pets and keep them safe. In-ground pet fences are known by many names: underground fences, invisible fences, hidden fences, electric fences (although not an accurate name) and wireless dog fences.

There has been quite a bit of criticism around the effectiveness of these types of pet fences, with some owners reporting in ground dog fences not as effective as they had hoped, or worse only distressing their dog. These are very real and worrying concerns and we find it a travesty they occur when they could have been prevented with proper training at the outset.

At Hidden Fence we offer professional installation and training with all our hidden dog fence systems. The training is conducted in a fun and playful way with lots of positive reinforcement and conditioning for you and your dog. The training not only trains the dog (or cat) about the hidden dog or cat fence, but trains the owner too. This training is essential to ensure the success of the hidden fence and the well being of your pet.

Hidden Fence does also provide DIY in-ground dog and cat fences for purchase online. They are supported with access to instructional and training videos to ensure the optimum use of your electronic dog or cat fence. Of course, if you have any questions we are happy to help.

Have a look at one of our training videos here:

More specific videos about other features of our dogwatch hidden fence system can be found at :https://hiddenfence.com.au/instructional-videos/

In ground pet fences really do work as long as they are supported with the proper training. If you are thinking about a hidden dog or cat fence system, give us a call and let us take care of the rest for you.