Dog Potty Rock

How do we keep our puppy inside the fence?

We have a miniature dachshund (about 8 pounds) and a large fenced in back yard. The dog is able to walk directly under the fence at the gates and in a couple of spots where the fence doesn't go all the way to the ground. We have been keeping her on a chain when she goes out to potty but hate to have to keep her confined when we have such a large yard. We have put objects (wood, rocks, large flower pots) in front of these sections. This works for a little while and then she works them away and get out again. I have heard that chicken wire can be attached to the bottom of the fence and this will keep her in. Will this work? and if so, (we're not the handiest people in the world) how is this done? Does it look tacky?

Install an "invisible" fence in conjunction with your current fence. Some people have advocated chicken wire along the bottom of a fence and buried out from it. It may work with some dogs but not all.

I have had the "invisible" type of fence for over 10 years now.

The "invisible" type of fence is not cruel like some people on this site will tell you. The shock that it gives is mild (and yes, I have been shocked by it). The shock value is immeasurable. The better type of fence systems collars also give a warn beep when the dog gets near the perimeter well before delivering a shock. With proper training the dog will learn quickly where it can and cannot go. Hence it won't get a shock. Most of the people who will tell you that they don't work are ignorant about the fences in the first place or they bought one (maybe a junk one like PetSafe and many others), slapped the collar on the dog and then booted him out the door without training him.

Sometimes a conventional fence is not an option. Either due to the cost of fencing a large piece of property or because some housing developments have restrictions on fences.

Sometimes a conventional fence will not contain your dog at all. He can go over it or under it.

If you are looking for an Invisible Fence brand fence you will have to contact a local dealer for a price to install it though I can almost guarantee it will be over $1000.00. If you wish to install it yourself (and it's pretty easy to do in 2 - 3 hours depending on the size of your property) it is available online (but not I/F brand).

The "invisible" type of fence consists of three things. First is the wire which is buried an inch or two into the ground. This wire defines the outer perimeter of the containment area. You can also block off areas (flowerbeds, pools etc) within the containment area. Some experimentation may be necessary in this. Second is the transmitter which is mounted to the wall indoors and connected to the fence wire, and third is the collar that the dog wears. The transmitter sends out an AM radio band signal that the collar will sense if your pet gets to close to the electronic field. The collar will then deliver a correction. Some of the better ones will give a warning beep prior to delivering a shock. Though it is a strong shock it will not harm the pet in any way. Small marker flags are placed along the inner edge of the field about 5 to 10 feet apart during the training period and removed (every other one) as the pet gets used to the fence.

Huskies are escape artists. We have 14 of them. The only thing that I have found that they can't go over or under is invisible type fencing. Some folks say that it doesn't work on Huskies. They don't know what they are talking about. You can't buy the cheap stuff, like what they sell at Lowe's or Home Depot or PetSmart etc. The best I have found is the Smart Dog 2100 by Innotek. You can find it on line at several sites, discounted for less than $170.00 with 1 collar. Extra collars are about $80.00. The kit has everything needed including 500' of wire and flags, enough to do a quarter acre. Expansion kits (500' of wire and flags) are available for $38.00 and will contain a bit more than an acre. The collars are rechargeable (unlike the "Invisible Fence" and most others where you have to buy the proprietary (one place to get it = expensive) batteries every 3 or so months), has battery backup for the transmitter, run through prevention, waterproof, etc. if you are in an area that has a lot of thunderstorms I would consider a lighting protection module ($50.00). Innotek now owns Invisible Fence brand. Be sure to use heat shrink type splices in the wire if needed. They are available at marine supply stores. Do not use the "weatherproof wire nuts" from Lowe's etc. They will not work for this application. Use an edger to dig the "trench" for the wire. The wire only has to be buried 1 or 2 inches down. The yard will “heal” within a few days normally.

The key is taking the time to train your pet. I have known of people to pay big money to install a fence, strap the collar on their dog and then complain that the fence is junk when the dog blows right through it. Also, you do not mention the breed of dog. Longhaired breeds require a longer contact probe on the collar (these are included with the system above). Training may take awhile, one of ours took 18 months (she was a bit stubborn) before we trusted her, most were pretty good in a month or so and we have one that it only took 3 days! The amazing thing is that we can take the collar off, put them on a leash and when we head towards the perimeter their brakes come on immediately! You can also block off areas of the yard that you don't want them in. When hurricane Isabelle came through we had no power for 3 weeks, the terrain was changed with all the fallen trees, and the underground wire for the fence was damaged and NONE of the kids even tried the fence. As I said earlier, the people who say that it doesn't work don't know what they are talking about. We have 14 Huskies (15 until we lost one over the summer due to medical reasons), all free to run around, contained in our 6 acre yard. And no I am not a dealer ..... just a satisfied customer with 14 hardheaded Huskies most of them rescued as adults. We can leave them outside unsupervised for hours with no problems. However, we do not leave them outside when we leave the house.

It will not keep other animals out including the neighbor’s brats. Neither will a 6 foot stockade fence ... this I learned when I lived elsewhere and was attacked by a neighbors dog in my backyard. As far as people being scared of dogs, well if a 15 to 20 foot barrier field isn't enough, neither would a chain link fence be. Besides, if the pet stays on your property who cares if they are unreasonably scared. As far as a dog running through ... well yes, that could happen, however, with proper training it is unlikely. Huskies have an extremely high prey drive. Where we live we have a lot of wildlife, large and small. The kids will line up along the edge of the field and watch the rabbits, geese, deer etc. They won't challenge the fence. The deer and geese have learned where the kids can and cannot go and will stay just outside "Husky country". Sometimes within 5 feet of the kids. As I said it does work. The key is training. That is the most important part of the installation of the fence.

Some people advocate the “wireless” type of fence. You have little control over the coverage area. The other problem with them is "dead" areas caused by obstructions to the signal by things in your walls, trees and such. Your dog WILL find these areas.

Others advocate tying a pet out “because “invisible” fences are so cruel!” Or “why do you want to electrocute your dog?”, however, think about what could your pet do if attacked by another animal while tied? Where is he going to go to get away? At least with an “invisible” fence or a conventional fence he has a decent chance of evading an attacker or fighting back.

Please note though ..... you MUST not leave your dog out 24/7 with the collar on. You MUST bring him in at night and remove the collar. If you do not remove the collar he WILL most likely develop sores were the probes contact the skin which can become infected quickly opening a whole new can of worms.

25 years of being owned by Siberian Huskies. I currently have 14 Huskies most of whom were rescued by us from people who didn’t know what they were getting into

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POTTY TRAINING ROCK $19.98 Potty training rock quickly housebreaks your pet and teaches him or her to only use a specific area. Just place in the proper area, unique scent will draw your dog like a magnet. Stone, 7 x 4 x 1/2''.

Paul Bunyans Potty Rock Formation $39.99 Walter Meayers Edwards Paul Bunyans Potty Rock Formation - Photographic Print

Clean Go Pet Indoor Dog Potty $133.89 Clean Go Pet Indoor Dog Potty

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Christmas 2008 Toys for Girls and Boys

With Christmas 2008 looming ever closer, the race is on to find the items that kids are going to be craving. The trick is to find them at the best prices and with enough time to spare to get them under your tree before the big day itself. Of course, half the problem is solved simply by shopping online and beating the mad crowds and the crush of the festive High Street. Everyone knows how stressful this time of year can be, so advice is always a good thing To help you along with your Christmas shopping, here is a handy guide to the most sought-after items for children this Christmas.

As ever, TV and film items are popular, but there are also some great new additions to the market for Boys Toys at Christmas 2008. Here are some of the items that kids are wanting this year:

Transforming WALL.E: the definitive WALL-E toy based on the adorable robot from the hit film.

Bakugan Starter Pack and battle Arena: The starter set and huge battle arena from the hot new trading game.

Air Hogs Zero Gravity Micro: A micro radio controlled car that is capable of incredible stunts.

Transformers Animated Roll Out Command Optimus Prime: Here is Optimus Prime from the new Transformers cartoon, standing 12 inches tall and featuring 'Auto Spin' conversion.

Cars Walkin' Talkin McQueen: McQueen comes to life with lights and sound, and he walks and talks just like in the animated film.

Star Wars Clone Trooper Voice Changer: This full-head replica helmet features technology that will transform kids' voices into the processed rasp of a Clone Trooper.

Ben 10 Deluxe Omnitrix: A great toy replica of Ben's wrist-mounted device from the TV show, used for calling aliens to do battle.

Power Rangers Overdrive Tracker: great toy replica of the Morpher from the TV show, with lights and sound.

Gormiti Island of Gorm Playset: A superb playset designed to display Gormiti figures on in an action setting.

Indiana Jones Sounds FX Hat & Whip: The title4 says it all. Now kids can dress up as the movie adventurer.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars AT-TE: The formidable vehicle from the Star wars: Clone Wars movie and TV series comes with articulated legs, lights and sounds.

WWE RAW Arena Playset: The wrestling phenomenon comes to your living room! A superb playset for fans of the theatrical wrestling movement.

GIRLS TOYS FOR CHRISTMAS 2008 The girls are also very interested in media tie-in merchandise, but some old favourites are still going strong too, along with some great new items on the market.

High School Musical Sing Together Dolls: From the Disney hit come Gabriella, Troy and Sharpay dolls with microphones. The dolls sing their signature song from the film and sing along with kids.

Barbie Princess Liana Singing Doll: The Princess Liana comes in a day dress, which transforms into a ball gown. Her necklace lights up as she sings songs from the accompanying DVD.

FurReal Biscuit, My Lovin' Pup: One of the biggest hits this Christmas for kids is the FurReal Biscuit toy dog, a life-size golden retriever puppy with some fantastic interactive features, movement and sounds.

Littlest Pet Shop Tail Waggin' Fitness Club: This great play-set gives your toy pets a fun fitness workout, with a spinning hamster wheel, hurdles and more. The play-set also includes two pet toys.

Littlest Pet Shop VIPs: These cute plushes include a code that allows you to play your favourite characters online in the Littlest Petshop Virtual environment.

Sylvanian Families Old Hollow Oak Treehouse: The classic toy line returns with this beautiful new play-set, featuring multiple indoor rooms and outdoor living spaces.

I Love Ponies Honey, My Baby Pony: Honey, My Baby Pony is a lap size interactive pet foal including real pony sounds and movement.

BABY born with Magic Potty: Baby Born with Magic Potty is one of the most wanted dolls on the market this year and features eight different movements, lights and sound.

CHOU CHOU My First Tooth: Another hit doll this year is the CHOU CHOU - This 48cm doll comes with a teething/nurturing play modes and realistic baby sounds.

Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy: The Rescue Pets Swim to Me Puppy is a cute stray puppy that will swim when placed in water.

Bratz Girlz Really Rock Dolls: The famous toy line is back with the Bratz Girlz Really Rock Dolls, which come with 2 outfits and 2 musical instruments each.

Camp Rock Gift Pack: the new TV musical sensation comes to the toy world with this great double pack of characters.

There's countless other items on the market for Christmas 2008, but these are amongst the most desired by kids at the moment, and hopefully this will give you some pointers on finding the perfect gifts for Santa to put under your tree this year. You can reduce your stress levels (and the cost of the festive season) by shopping online, and also reduced the headaches by checking out some of these great examples of the current toy market. Merry Christmas one and all.

About the Author

Andrew writes for the Starstore Blogs as well as being a renowned music journalist, popular culture expert and SF author. For the latest updates visit The famous Starstore Blog, and for more Christmas tips and information on getting all of these items, you can visit The Best Toys and Gifts For Christmas.

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