A Simple Life, a Complicated Man: Finding Balance with Red Snow Fence

Cahuenga Press has just released Red Snow Fence by Harry E. Northup (Cahuenga is a cooperative press and Red Snow Fence is the 15th book they have published since their inception in 1989). The collection includes poems written from October 2002 through September 2005.

As I read Northup's poetry I would have felt like a voyeur were it not apparent that Northup's generous heart was inviting me into his private conversations about poetry, film and love, those most universal and thus most intimate themes. This is the delicate balance of Red Snow Fence, that tilted structure that holds the cold, harsh realities of the world at bay in order to allow us to live in a protected place. Artists like Harry E. Northup, gifted and yet generous with his gift, embody that structure. A constant theme in the book is his quest for a listening, open community of souls, willing to participate in a shared exchange as in past periphery:

communion requires depth,
mystery, respect, a listening to one
another

As I read and listened to his day-to-day life with his wife (poet Holly Prado) and his cats and his work, I could not help but weep at the simplicity, at the clarity of love, of passion and compassion that he embodies - just a man writing in the middle of the night with a cat on his lap and wife sleeping in the next room as in the night:

the night has always been a friend
& i am with cats, my wife sleeps
& i write, no longer alone

The book also chronicles his trials and triumphs as a working actor in Hollywood and in that world of material rewards, Northup reminds us that while some find only modest success and most grow bitter, there is something more important at stake in the reason heart:

& in 2 or 3 are there caring and comfort
& in most a desire to work, an uncaring
for films & directors i hold dear

& in hemmingway was the theme
of continuing life with grace & dignity
even though physical damage &
damage to the psyche has taken place

& the spiritual pain has an inner
indefinable reason to hope
& it is why i read & why i write

While the first two thirds of the book is grounded in the physical daily realities, the last third of Red Snow Fence takes us on a journey of night visions which seem to me to be part memory, part premonition. I was struck by the beauty in these abstract images and in awe of an artist who could go from the basic reality of everyday world to the surreal terror and hope and spiritual soaring of these poems. In particular, I responded to recluse of light, perhaps because the visions reminded me of my North Dakota roots, so similar to the earlier images of Northup's native Nebraska:

seclusion, green valley & then a
rolling disc, giant wheels turn
golden wheat, grain elevator, moon
full & golden also, an eye above a
dark ship, pushing in the darkness

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Wireless Dog Fences - 11 WiFi Dog Fence Pitfalls to Consider Before Reaching For Your Wallet

Excited about the latest and greatest new wireless and WiFi dog fences on the market? Considered buying one to contain a pet in your yard? Before you do... there are some important factors you will need to make particular note of when determining if a wireless dog fence is right for you.

On the upside... wireless and WiFi dog fences are easy to install, fast to set up, no wires to bury and they're highly portable. Wireless dog fences are ideal for flat plots of land like we have here in Wilmington, NC and large country settings without many obstructions, but they're not ideal for all localities.

They are indeed faster to set up than a traditional underground pet fence because there are no wires to bury or attach to any fixed objects. To program your WiFi wireless dog fence, you place the wireless dog fence transmitter in the house, walk the dog fence receiver out to the outer perimeter boundary you desire, return to the base unit and save your settings. That does sound pretty easy right? "Easy" I've discovered is a relative thing when it comes to new technology.

If everything goes well during set up... yes it's easy. Setting up my home computer wireless router was supposed to be relatively easy in concept too, but it took a little trial and error, some "trouble shooting" guide reading, and system reloading to get it to work consistently. My Vonage internet phone set up was easy theoretically if all went well too, but it took a couple of attempts and still to this day (for whatever reason) I need to reboot the system to get it up and running again or I don't have proper service. My wired electronic dog fence? ...I just plugged it in and started training the dogs.

Because the wireless dog fence requires no buried wires, they are in fact, highly portable. (Underground dog fence transmitters can be moved from home to home as well, but you do need to have a second set of wire buried at the new location, or at least secured to the ground with landscape staples there. The dog fence transmitters themselves however can be moved simply by unplugging the antennae wires and power)

The wireless dog fences work differently than the underground dog fences in some important ways. Unlike the electronic dog fences that use buried wires laid out in a pattern that is customized to your yard and terrain, the wireless dog fences have a base station that sends out a signal in a simple circle pattern. You must place the transmitter in the center of this circle. Your dog or cat wears a receiver that constantly searches for this circular signal. If the receiver your pet is wearing loses the signal for any reason, the dog receives a warning tone and then a correction stimulation. Ideally this only happens when your dog leaves the circle you've determined is his/her safe zone.

Be certain the wireless or WiFi model you're considering is designed to NOT correct during power outage, or if battery back up unit fails. Remember, your dog receives a correction zap any time his collar receiver loses the base stations signal. Check also that there is a fast fail-safe shut off feature. Some shut off only after up to half a minute of repeated corrections! And make sure you charge the batteries each week if it's the rechargeable variety. They generally take 6-8 hours to recharge. If the base unit looses power, you may have only a half a day of receiver power because the dog's receiver will go into high gear to find that base station.

Because of their unique design, wireless dog fences are not practical in all situations.

Since most urban and suburban properties are rectangular, square, or irregular in shape, a circular safe zone for your dog may not be ideal. If you want your dog to be able to use the majority of your property, you may want a dog fence that can be laid out in straight lines as well as curves, circular patterns and around corners following your property lines.

Wired dog fences can be configured in nearly any shape and can also include additional "exclusion zones" such as a pool, flower garden or potting shed in the center of the yard to allow the dog full access to the entire yard, but not to these subzones. Additional zones can also be created with wired dog fences using just one transmitter to protect your dogs if they escape from the front door of the home accidentally; and also protects him/her in the backyard, but does not allow them to run around the house.

Another major consideration is the integrity of the signal.

Wireless units are ideal for flat yards without many obstructions. In order to work, the transmitter in the house must be within a "line of sight" of the dog. If you property has any steep hills or ditches, the dog could disappear from the range of the base station and receive a zap even if he's still in your yard.

According to manufacturers instructions, no radio signal can pass through metal, or may be reflected by any large metal object such as automobiles, water tanks, metal studs, metal buildings etc. The closer the metal object is to the base station, the greater the potential for unwanted interference and this will result in the reduction of performance of these WiFi units.

Here are a few other downsides to keep in mind if you're considering a wireless purchase:
Only 1-2 dogs can be put on the newest WiFi dog fences due to interference concerns, versus an unlimited number of pets on an underground wired dog fence system. Other wireless models do allow multiple dogs similar to underground pet fences, but have limited coverage areas up to a 90ft radius. Due to power requirements, battery sizes and weight of the receivers (twice that of some traditional wired dog fence receivers) some WiFi systems only recommend pets over 25 pounds be allowed on their wireless systems, others allow only pets over 15 pounds... what about your cats or small dogs? The WiFi transmitter base station must be in the heated portion of your home on a table, shelf and off the floor. This takes up space in your home and restricts coverage. Underground dog fence transmitters can be in the garage or crawlspace. If the base station is bumped, or moved by a child or other family member the coverage area outside changes too... your dog may wander into an area he was not trained to avoid, and thus receive a shock unfairly. Ouch! Wireless dog fence protection zones are limited to a 90 foot radius or 200 foot radius area. Underground pet containment systems can protect up to 50 acres in any shape desired. Some manufactures use contact posts that wear out. Rubber contacts lose conductivity over time. Those manufacturers recommend replacing them each time the rechargeable battery is replaced on the dog collar. According to set up instructions, if you experience interference with your TV or radio reception, you must experiment with new base station locations, different outlet plugs or call the dog fence dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for service. Special care must be given to the placement of the base unit in your home due to the "natural interference" of your homes walls and many obstacles. Place it in the back of the home for better backyard coverage and front of the home for better front yard coverage. And remember to not let it be moved once it's placed.

In summary, wireless and WiFi units are ideal for large, flat  properties without many obstructions. They work best if you want to limit your pet to a circular area surrounding your home. Other positives are that they're relatively easy to set up, fast to install, and are highly mobile.

The downsides are that wireless and WiFi systems lack layout flexibility, signal reliability and have limited coverage areas. If you live in an urban or suburban setting with a rectangular plot of land, or have a pool, flower garden or require other "exclusion areas", a buried wire system may be the way to go. If you have a yard bigger than a 90 to 200 foot radius circle will cover effectively, or it has uneven terrain, trees, outbuildings or other obstructions, a wireless outdoor dog fence is less than desirable.

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Underground Fence Review and Guide

Introduction and Considerations

What is every dog owner's first priority? Keeping your dog safe and secure! In many cases an underground dog fence may be just the ticket. Perhaps your homeowner's association does not allow unsightly fencing that will contain your dog. Maybe the expense of a traditional fence is just not in your budget. Maybe your determined dog keeps finding ways through, under or over your traditional fence. Whatever the reason and underground dog fence, when properly installed and your dog properly trained, is an effective, humane and low cost solution for most dogs.

What is an underground dog fence? An underground dog fence is a system consisting of a radio transmitter, wire that acts as a transmitting antenna and a collar with a receiver that picks up the radio signal from the fence when your dog gets too close. When your dog enters the warning area near the wire the collar beeps warning him to stay back. If he continues to move toward the wire he will receive a static shock or correction. Some systems have progressive corrections so that the closer the dog progresses toward the wire the stronger the static shock he receives. There is some controversy about the humane aspect of delivering a shock to an animal to deter him. Most experts agree however that when an underground dog fence is properly installed and the dog is properly trained to the fence that these systems are very humane and safe. Consider the alternative if your dog runs out into traffic or gets lost. There is some chance of your dog being traumatized by the shock of he is improperly trained and/or the correction levels are too high for your particular dog's size and temperament. Proper training is critical to success with these systems. Yes, it is true that your dog, hopefully, will not like receiving the shock no more than you like touching a door knob and getting a static shock. This is his incentive to avoid the boundary. While the shock is uncomfortable it is not in itself dangerous to the animal. Most systems have automatic shut offs if the animal does not move out of the correction zone to protect him from over correction.

Compared to a traditional fence an underground dog fence is fairly easy to install and should take less than a day with most applications. The hardest part of the installation is burying the wire. I offer four methods of burying the wire. The first is to use a straight edge spade shovel and use it to dig down about 3 inches and create a V-shaped trench to lay the wire in. The simply press the sod or dirt back in place. This is the most difficult and time consuming method. The second way is to use a gas powered lawn edger to cut a 3 inch deep trench. Lay the wire in the trench and replace the displaced dirt and press into place. The third method is to rent a trencher with a cable installation attachment. The trencher will cut the trench and lay the wire at the same time. The fourth method is to not bury the wire at all. Instead you can simple lay the wire above ground and use Pet Fence Staples to hold it in place. This method works well for low traffic areas and in grassy areas where the wire will lay deep in the turf. If you have to cross a driveway or sidewalk with the wire you will need to use a masonry blade to cut a groove in the concrete or asphalt and then use caulk to seal the wire into place.

There are many factors involved in choosing the right underground dog fence system. Some of these factors are discussed below. Later on I'll make specific recommendations based on these factors. Wireless dog fences are not considered in this discussion.

Size of your dog

The size of your dog is an important factor in choosing the right system. A small dog between 5 lbs and 12 lbs needs a receiver collar that delivers lower correction levels than you would need for a larger dog. By the same token a medium sized dog between 10 lbs and 60 lbs will need higher levels of correction than a small dog. And large dogs (over 60 lbs), depending on temperament, may need even higher levels of correction. Careful consideration should be given in the case of very large dogs to environment and temperament before choosing to install an underground fence. It may be necessary to install the underground dog fence in conjunction with a traditional fence for these dogs.

Temperament of dog

Another important factor in choosing the right system is the temperament of your dog. If your dog is mild mannered or timid (what I call The Home Body) then you may be able to get by with low levels of correction. If you have an energetic or curious dog (I call him The Explorer) then you will likely need higher levels of correction to overcome these traits. The Protector (larger, more aggressive breeds) might need even higher levels of correction. Underground dog fences have anywhere from 1 level of correction up to 8 user settable levels of correction. If you have a stubborn dog (I decline to name these guys) you will want to consider a system designed for stubborn dogs with the highest levels of correction.

Number of dogs or cats (yes cats) on the system

If you have more than one dog or even a cat, especially if they are significantly different in terms of size and temperament, you will need to select a system that is adaptable to these different traits. The PetSafe Deluxe Dog Fence Transmitter is compatible with the PetSafe Small Dog Fence Collar and the PetSafe Stubborn Dog Collar allowing you to mix and match collars for your pets. The PetSafe Underground Cat Fence is also compatible with this system.

Yard size

The size of your yard will influence your choice in Underground Dog Fence systems. Each system has a maximum size it can support from the DogTek Underground Dog Fence which supports up to 2 1/2 acres to the SportDog Underground Dog Fence which can enclose up to 100 acres.

Outside influences

When deciding to install an underground dog fence you might have a tendency to think only about keeping your pet home and from this perspective they usually work very well. There are, however, outside influences you should consider before purchasing and installing your fence. One of the biggest downfalls of an underground dog fence is that, while it will keep your dog in, it cannot keep other dogs, wildlife, predators or people out. If you live in a busy neighborhood with a lot of foot traffic or a lot of people walking their dogs past your boundary line you might want to consider keeping your boundary far back from these areas or installing a traditional fence of some kind in this area of your yard. While you and your dog know the fence is there other people cannot see the fence and your dog lurking near the boundary may frighten some people and may invite other dogs to enter the yard to say hello. Signs indicating an underground dog fence is in place might help but they can be unsightly and people unfamiliar with the technology might not trust it and still become frightened.

If you live in area where other dogs run loose an underground dog fence may not be for you as there will be no way for you to keep these dogs from entering your yard. The same goes for wildlife that your dog may chase or predators that may attack your dog. Most predators are active in the evenings and after dark so with proper precautions such as keeping your dog inside during these times you can usually avoid problems. With wildlife some dogs will get so hot on the chase that they will run through the fence and get stuck on the outside with no way to get back in until you notice their transgression. A fence with stronger correction levels and more intensive training may overcome this problem.

Existing fence

If you have an existing traditional fence and your creative thinking dog (The Explorer?) keeps finding ways out then you can consider adding an underground dog fence to keep him contained. This is the best of both worlds. Installation is much simpler too since you can simply attached the underground fence wire to the existing traditional fence.

Remote Training

A couple of these systems come with a remote control that allows you to use the collar for additional training functions where the dog may be some distance from you. These systems are the Innotek Fencing Standard Contain and Train Dog Fence and the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Contain and Train Dog Fence. If you plan use a remote trainer then these systems will save you money and the hassle of switching between two different collars.

Compatibility with other fences and/or barriers

If you are planning to use your underground fence in addition to other containment products such as the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Barrier, the PetSafe Pawz Away Outdoor Barrier or the PetSafe Indoor Fence, or if you have dogs of different sizes and temperaments, you will need to choose a system that has collar compatibility between them. The PetSafe Deluxe, PetSafe Small Dog, PetSafe Standard and PetSafe Cat collars can be used with any current PetSafe underground fence and the PetSafe Indoor Fence. The Pawz Away and Innotek Ultra collars are compatible with the Innotek Ultra Transmitter as well as the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Barrier and the PetSafe Paws Away Outdoor Barrier. All other systems are compatible with their own transmitters only including the PetSafe Wireless Instant Fence which is not part of this review

System cost

For some of you budget for a system will play a role. All the systems listed below are time tested with maybe the exception of the DogTek which is new to the U.S. But you do get what you pay for. The lower cost systems will work well in the right environments and with the right pets but I would encourage to you buy the best system you can afford. The extra features could save you both time and money. For example, the cost of replacing batteries could become substantial over time. Also, expanding your system will only be possible if you purchase a system that allows compatibility. Features like a low battery indicator or battery backup could prove to be invaluable in the long run.

Battery cost

Battery life will vary depending on things like how often your pet approaches the barrier. Over time battery replacements, especially for the proprietary batteries used in the PetSafe systems could become a bigger expense than going with a rechargeable system.

Underground Dog Fences Considered...

Below are the pros and cons of the top selling underground fences available. Ranking for these products are based on a scale of one paw to five paws and rate the product for features and reliability.

Product: Innotek Fencing Standard Underground Fence

Price: $89.95

Rating: Two Paws

Pros:

Non-proprietary batteries Lowest cost system Progressive correction

Cons:

Single correction level No low battery warning Collar is not rechargeable Supports up to 5 acres No battery backup for the transmitter Not compatible with Pawz Away Barriers

Product: Innotek Fencing Standard Contain and Train Dog Fence

Price: $159.95

Rating: Two Paws

Pros:

Non-proprietary batteries Lowest cost contain and train system Progressive correction Includes a remote training feature

Cons:

Single correction level No low battery warning Collar is not rechargeable Supports up to 5 acres No battery backup for the transmitter Not compatible with Pawz Away Barriers

Product: PetSafe Standard Underground Dog Fence

Price: $119.95

Rating: 2 Paws

Pros:

Good reliable system Support up to 10 acres Compatible with PetSafe Indoor Fence Low cost

Cons:

Single Correction level Collar is not rechargeable Proprietary batteries No low battery indicator No battery backup for transmitter

Product: Innotek Fencing Rechargeable Underground Fence

Price: $169.95

Rating: 3 1/2 Paws

Pros:

Rechargeable Collar Premium transmitter Battery backup for transmitter 3 correction levels Supports up to 25 acres

Cons:

NiMH Battery Hums when recharging Not compatible with Pawz Away Barriers

Product: PetSafe Deluxe Underground Pet Fence

Price: $159.95

Rating: 3 1/2 Paws

Pros:

Compatible with other PetSafe collars Compatible with PetSafe Indoor Fence Reliable mid range system Higher quality Collar and receiver Supports up to 25 acres 4 correction levels Low battery indicator

Cons:

Proprietary batteries Collar is not rechargeable No battery backup for the transmitter

Product: Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Dog Fence

Price: $279.95

Rating: 4 1/2 Paws

Pros:

Collar is rechargeable, uses a lithium ion battery Low battery indicator Contoured collar with collar fit feature Compatible with Pawz Away barriers ReadyTest feature to ensure collar contact

Cons:

No independent correction level for different size dogs

Product: Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Contain and Train Dog Fence

Price: $319.95

Rating: 4 1/2 Paws

Pros:

Collar is rechargeable, uses a lithium ion battery Low battery indicator Contoured collar with collar fit feature Compatible with Pawz Away barriers ReadyTest feature to ensure collar contact Included lightning protection Includes a remote training feature

Cons:

No independent correction level for different size dogs Larger collar than the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Dog Fence without the remote training feature

Product: PetSafe Stubborn Dog Underground Fence

Price: $159.95

Rating: 3 1/2 Paws

Pros:

Strongest correction strength available Compatible with other PetSafe collars Compatible with PetSafe indoor fence Supports up to 10 acres 5 correction levels Collar vibration Uses a standard 9 volt battery

Cons:

No battery backup for the transmitter Collar is not rechargeable

Product: PetSafe Deluxe Small Dog Fence

Price: $199.95

Rating: 4 Paws

Pros:

Smallest, lightest collar available Lower correction levels 4 correction levels Compatible with PetSafe indoor fence Compatible with other PetSafe outdoor systems Designed for dogs under 12 lbs Supports up to 25 acres

Cons:

Proprietary batteries Collar is not rechargeable No battery backup for the transmitter

Product: SportDog Underground Electric Dog Fence

Price: $219.95

Rating: 4 Paws

Pros:

Independent correction levels Comes with 1000 feet of wire Supports up to 100 acres, the largest available 4 correction levels Collar vibration feature Very durable collar Uses a standard 9 volt battery

Cons:

Collar is not rechargeable Large clunky receiver No battery backup for the transmitter

Product: DOGTEK Pet Containment System

Price: $149.95

Rating: Unrated

Pros:

8 correction levels Separate configurations for warning distance and correction distance

Cons:

No low battery indicator Less wire and flags than other systems Supports only 2 1/2 acres New and unproven

Recommendations

Okay you say, that is all fine and dandy but which underground dog fence do I want? Well read on and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction...

Single Dog, or Multiple Dogs of Similar Size and Temperament

For most situations I recommend the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Dog Fence. It has a good balance between features and value and is our most popular underground dog fence. It is very reliable and holds up with time. This fence has 3 levels of correction which are progressive meaning the correction gets stronger as the dog stays in the correction zone. It has a lithium Ion rechargeable collar which will likely save you money over the long run. The contoured collar with collar fit test is a great feature and it is compatible with the PetSafe Pawz Away Indoor Barrier and the PetSafe Pawz Away Outdoor Barrier. This fence is not for dogs 12 lbs or under and can enclose up to 25 acres with additional wire and flags. The only real downside to this system is that the collars do not have independent correction levels making this system unsuitable for dogs of different sizes and temperaments. There is a workaround for this which involves placing a resistor across the probes to reduce the correction level. You can pick up these resistors at Radio Shack. A 33k ohm resistor will reduce the correction level by about 50% and a 5.6K ohm resistor will reduce the correction level by about 75%. If you do this please make sure you remove the resistor before recharging the collar. Frankly, I believe this workaround to cumbersome for most and would recommend a different system for multiple dogs of different sizes and temperaments. Oh, did I mention that this system has battery backup for the transmitter? So when the power goes out your dog still stays in.

Multiple Dogs of Differing Sizes and Temperaments

For multiple dogs of different sizes and temperaments I recommend the PetSafe Deluxe Underground Pet Fence. With this system you can add on collars that are designed for the size and temperament of your additional dogs or cats. It is compatible with the PetSafe Standard Collar, the PetSafe Deluxe Collar, The PetSafe Small Dog Collar, The PetSafe Cat Collar and the PetSafe Stubborn Dog Collar making this an excellent choice for this situation. All these collars have independent correction level adjustments so each dog gets an appropriate correction. These collars are all compatible with the PetSafe Indoor Pet Fence as well. The biggest downside to this solution is that each collar uses disposable proprietary PetSafe batteries that can increase costs over time.

Very Small Dogs (5 lbs - 12 lbs)

The only real good choice for the very small dog is the PetSafe Deluxe Small Dog Fence. The collars on other systems are too large and bulky to be comfortable on very small dogs. Additionally the correction levels on the deluxe small dog collar are lower than on any of the other collars. If you already have another PetSafe underground dog fence you can add the small dog collar to that system as well.

Stubborn, Aggressive or Very Large Dogs

If you have a stubborn, aggressive or very large dog you may need the extra corrective level of the PetSafe Stubborn Dog Underground Fence which is 3 times higher than other collars. Often times people think their dog needs a higher correction level when the real problem is that the prongs on the deluxe or standard collar are not making good contact with the skin or they have not properly trained their dog. Before using the higher setting on this collar be sure that these two factors have been addressed.

Extra Large Yard (25 Acres to 100 Acres)

For extra large yards over 25 acres the SportDog Underground Electric Dog Fence is the only choice. This fence has a range of up to 100 acres unlike other's that range from 2 1/2 acres to 25 acres. The SportDog underground dog fence is one of the toughest, most durable systems. Beware though; the receiver on this system is one of the biggest out there.

In Conjunction with a Traditional Fence

If you already have a traditional fence and you need reinforcement you keep your dog from digging under, climbing over or otherwise escaping you may be able to get by with one of the entry level systems like the Innotek Fencing Standard Underground Fence or the PetSafe Standard Underground Dog Fence. Keep in mind all the other factors to though and remember that if you have a stubborn or large dog these systems may not have enough correction.

In Conjunction with Remote Training

If you have the need for a training collar in addition to the underground dog fence then I recommend the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Contain and Train Dog Fence for all the same reasons I recommend the Innotek Fencing UltraSmart Underground Dog Fence. The contain and train fence includes a remote control that allows you to correct your dog from a distance. The collar on this system is slightly larger than the collar on the UltraSmart dog fence. This size difference makes it unsuitable for dogs less than 25 lbs.

Conclusion

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have questions about underground dog fences you can email me at the email address below and I will try to answer your questions a quickly as possible.

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How to Cat Proof a Garden Fence

It is becoming more common for responsible pet owners to keep their cat indoors to protect them from road accidents or attacks from other cats or dogs. If a cat has never been exposed to the great outdoors, then he may be content to live inside the house, but it could be a dull, lonely life. There is a simple system of cat proofing your garden fence so that your pet may enjoy a fuller life, playing and hiding, watching birds and insects.

There are many reasons for keeping your pet indoors or wanting to prevent him from leaving the safety of your garden. The average age of an indoor cat is 16 years, with some living to 21 years. Compare this with the outdoor cat's average age of only 2 - 3 years, and you can see why some pet owners are reluctant to allow their cat outside. In addition, neighbours can get upset about cats using their garden as a toilet and damaging young plants. If bitten by another cat, your beloved pet may be infected with the feline HIV virus. There is no treatment or preventative vaccine for this fatal disease. In addition, cats can be killed or maimed by dogs, and may be seriously injured or killed if hit by a car.

If your garden is enclosed by a six foot high wooden fence, you can make the fencing cat proof by adding some plastic mesh trellis to the top. It is important that the trellis is set at an angle pointing inwards to the garden, to deter the cat from jumping at the fencing and climbing over the top. In order to climb a fence, a cat will jump about half way up and scramble up to the top by using his claws to get a grip. He will then balance on the top edge before deciding whether to walk along or jump down the other side. When he looks up at a cat proof fence from the ground, he will see that access to the top of the fence is blocked. He may make a few attempts to climb to the trellis, but when he realises he cannot get around the trellis, he will jump back down to where he started. This method of cat proofing a garden fence also has the advantage of keeping stray cats out of your garden, so that your pet will be safe from fights and infectious diseases.

Most garden centres sell plastic mesh climbing plant trellis in 50 cm widths. You will need enough trellis to run along the top of your fencing, some metal brackets bent at 45 degrees to support the trellis, fencing staples and cable ties. These items can be purchased from good DIY stores or builders merchants.

After installing the trellis, supervise your cat to make sure there are no weak spots where he can make his escape. Then sit back and enjoy pottering in the garden with your feline friend!

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Wireless Electric Dog Fence

Want to keep your dog or cat safe but don't want a fence? Try a wireless electric dog or cat fence. It can be used indoors or outdoors. If you have certain areas of your home or yard that you want seen by your dog or cat as "No Trespassing", then wireless fencing is the way to go.

These electric fences and containment systems utilize transmitters that you plug into a wall inside your home. The dog wears an electronic collar that receives radio signals from the transmitter. The signals give harmless shocks to the dog to alert the dog to change direction. The transmitter permits different levels of correction to be used so you can test out what works best for your dog.

The indoor or avoidance systems of the wireless cat or dog fence provide a transmitter so you can keep your dog or cat out of specific areas such as your flower garden, or the trash bin, or off the couch, or out of the baby's room.

The wireless electric dog fence covers about half an acre working in a circular 90 foot arc. The transmitter works best if it is placed near the center of the radius of containment. It has no problem transmitting through walls, but does not transmit through sheet metal so keep the transmitter away from a metal shed, for instance. Using more than one transmitter set up allows a larger area to be covered. Because it sends radio signals this fence needs to send signals without obstructions from trees, large boulders, or slopes that do not permit constant visibility. A second story location for the transmitter can improve the radial visibility on a small slope but there must be a line of sight for the signal to work.

The transmission works through a receiver collar worn by the pet. The receiver collar begins to beep and then to send static correction if the dog continues toward the boundary zone. The system for cats is especially made for their smaller bodies. The electronic collar for dogs is larger than other collars and is too heavy for the small dog of 10 lbs. or under however it works great for average sized dogs to the very large dog, like an English Mastiff for instance. It should fit snugly but not be constrictive. You can check this by leaving the space of one finger between the end of the contact point and the dog's skin. Make it a habit to check the contact each time you put the collar on for without contact there is no correction!

Since this wireless system is portable you can take it with you when visiting, on vacation or to camp. It's waterproof! Just establish the boundary limits and you and Pooch are ready to play without worry of the collar getting wet.

The batteries for the fence are replaceable and usually last about 2-3 months depending on how often your dog tests the boundary zone. A flashing 4-5 second indicator light goes off to let you know when the batter is low. So relax or go to work. Let your dog scamper and play within his new safety zone and keep the cat off the couch while you're gone!

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Cat-proof Garden Fence

Cats are pretty engrossed in exploring places. They are active, playful and sometimes destructive little creatures. This is the very reason why cats are oftentimes a problem in keeping a safe and organized house. To preclude cats from spoiling homes, they are given a place outside. There, they can play around, chase other cats and enjoy an outdoor life.

Cats that are used to living indoors find it hard to adapt reasonably with the outdoor environment. They long for attention and companionship. Nonetheless, an enclosed environment is not conducive to the dwellers. Thus, the perfect solution is to create an access for the cats to play in the garden.

What will keep your pet cats inside your boundaries? What will keep stray cats away? The ultimate answer to your dilemma is a cat-proof garden fence.

Giving your cats an enclosed environment aside from the home itself has several advantages. The topmost advantage is the security. Even if cats are outside, they are still free from the opportunity to run over. With a suitable garden fence, your cats will be shunned from digging up your neighbor's precious plants. Your cats are also protected from being injured by predators such as dogs.

The garden fence shuns the two dangerous possibilities of preventing cats from going outside your territory and inviting other cats to enter and ruin your garden. You have to take advantage of the security and protection that a fitting garden fence can offer.

Gardens vary in shape and size. Thus, what may be practical and easy to work on one may be difficult to another. Nevertheless, you have to be adept in creating a safe haven for your cats at the same time be wary of the security measures.

To make a cat-proof garden fence, you will need materials according to your preferred fence. Also scout for availability of garden fence materials. It will be less costly, if you will choose those materials that are widely available. You can choose from, bricks, wood or cement. The use of trellis sections can augment the look of your garden fence. Be sure that the materials you use are not toxic to your pets.

In constructing a garden fence, it is better to start with good planning. Follow your state's regulations in building fences. In that way, you will be free from legal hassles.

Your garden fence must have an escape-proof system. There are diverse methods of doing this. These methods include using stretcher wires, brackets and frameworks. Moreover, you have to make a choice whether to make your garden fence fixed or flexible.

All wire fencing or netting must be vigilantly erected. They must be secured through weaving a lightweight stretcher wire through the mesh. Another method is to tie the mesh to the stretcher wire at standard intervals.

Enclosure using a garden fence will help you do away with the usual problems in connection with cats. Your garden can be the perfect haven for your cats. Be sure to give them safety that is due them. Provide them whatever type of enclosure but let them have their freedom and enjoyment.

Moreover, be bothered no more by the destructive nature of cats. In the garden, they will enjoy at the same time be safe. You too, will enjoy your abode - neat, comfortable and cat-devastation-free!

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Using an In-Ground Fence to Stop Your Cat Straying

Have you ever wished you could let your cat out into the garden, knowing that your pet would not stray onto the road or into the neighbour's garden?

The dangers of the road are obvious, but there are a number of people who, for various reasons will do anything to keep a cat out of their gardens. The cat-hating neighbour has been known to resort to extreme measures to stop cats entering.

Some cats have been cruelly poisoned, caught in traps or even shot at. It is not always to confine your pet to the house. The solution is known as an in-ground cat fence.

The in-ground cat fence is made up of the following components
a boundary wire, buried in the soil or attached to an existing fence a transmitter installed within the home a receiver collar worn by your cat

A few training sessions are needed to get your cat used to the collar and the way the system works. Once it is fully operational, when your cat approaches the boundary set by the in-ground fence the collar will emit a warning sound.

The training sessions will have taught your cat not to stray any further. If he or she does, the collar will produce a mild static correction and this is sufficient to discourage the cat from going any further (the static correction is similar to that you may sometimes feel when you exit a car or touch metal after walking on a nylon carpet - it is in no way similar to the shock from an electric fence).

The in-ground cat fence is extremely versatile and can be installed to provide a boundary around a wide variety of gardens of different shapes and sizes. It can protect just one side of a property, the whole perimeter or anything in between, even protecting fish ponds as it snakes its way around the garden. Extra wire can be purchased to increase the area protected up to 25 acres (depending on the model).

Summary

After a few short training sessions, you should be able to let your pet out to roam. You will have peace of mind that the in-ground fence is containing your pet within your property and preventing your pet from straying into danger.

The PetSafe in-ground fence is available in versions for both cats and dogs and both pets can share the same fence by the use of additional collars.

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Cat Fence - What Are The Options?

Is It Really Possible To Fence Cats?

It's a great question and one that up until a few years ago, I would have answered "no way." But currently there are several options available for keeping your cat contained within your yard. And believe it or not, they best of them actually are highly effective.

Why Would You Want to Use a Cat Fence?

There are time when using a cat containment system makes a lot of sense. Of course, felines are by nature very curious creatures. If you live in a house near a busy road, the chances of your pet getting hit by a car are greater. In this case it's a good idea to use a barrier to keep your cat contained within your yard.

Another reality is that outdoor kitties are more susceptible to disease and injury (from fights or accidents) that indoor pets.. It's well known that an indoor cat has an increased lifespan. And yet most felines love to play and explore outdoors. If you do have a garden, even a small one, you can use a cat enclosure to give your beloved kitty a place to go without subjecting him or her to the dangers beyond your house.

What Kinds of Cat Fence Are There?

There are really three kinds of fences for cats. One is a complete cat enclosure that you can put up in your garden. The best of these can be moved around the garden. They allow your cat complete safety while being able to play outdoors. Cat fence enclosures can also be linked to the house with a cat door. The second kind of cat fencing is meant to complement your existing fence. If you have a fence around your yard that goes up to 6 feet, you can add a portion of special fencing to the top that prevents your cat from escaping. This is probably the most expensive option. Finally you can use an electric cat fence. These require you to bury a line around the perimeter of your house and for your pet to wear a special collar that provides a shock when he crosses the line.

Some Final Tips On Cat Fence?

The kind of cat fencing you end up purchasing really depends on a few factors. First is the size and shape of your yard. Second is your budget. For various reasons, I've used specially designed pet enclosures rather than fencing for my feline friends and have been very happy with them.

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Cat Proof Fence For Outdoor Cat Containment

Many homeowners are distraught with their cat escaping the property and roaming outside. A simple wooden fence will not always keep your pet contained, you will need to cat proof your fence for true cat containment.

If you live in a residential area is not prone to cat predators such as coyotes and owls your cat proof fence can be made of simple netting material that can go on an existing fence or be put up even without a fence. The net bends in, which is why cats will not climb it, thereby serving as a type of cat enclosure.

Existing fences made of wooden planks or chain links should be repaired prior to beginning your cat enclosure DIY. Place guards around any trees that run alongside the fence to ensure there are no escape holes for your cats. Make sure there are no sharp edges or nails protruding to keep your cat safe.

To attach a simple garden net to your fence you will need a few garden poles, some fishing line and twist ties as well as a staple gun. All materials are very inexpensive and readily available at your local hardware store. Some cats learn to rip or push through the fence. A double layer of netting takes care of this problem.

Your cat may need to adjust to their new cat fence and may even be angry at first. This will usually pass as they become accustomed to their new outdoor enclosure. Spending time with your pets in the garden can help them feel more at home and less caged.

If you are worried whether your new cat containment area is escape proof, watch your pet closely for the first few days. They are sure to try to find escape routes. If they do you will have the opportunity to close them off until none are left.

Building a cat proof fence is an easy cat containment solution for private home owners that would like to keep their pets contained and avoid the dangers of the neighbourhood. Alternately you may choose to build an out door cat run or outdoor enclosure to better suit you needs.

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