invisible fencing

I'm not a fan of invisible fencing, we did try it before we spent the money for a nice wooden fence.  We installed it ourselves and then had the trainer come and teach us and the dog how to use it.  The installation was really pretty simple, dig a trench, bury the wire at the suggested depth.  This goes back a while, and I don't remember any intricacies, except we ended up digging through an area where there were alot of poison ivy roots and that was a problem. 

The training associated with the invisible fence is the key to success, you must proceed with the training exactly as suggested by the manufacturer.  Will you have access to one of the manufacturer's trainers even though you install it yourself? 

I am not sure about having access to the trainer. Why were you unhappy with the product? I would love to install "real" fencing, but I am currently residing at my 84 year old grandfather's house and am unwilling to make a large investiment, as realistically I am here on a "day-to day" basis. [sm=cry.gif] The reason i am even going with this fencing is that I live along a busy road, and would hate to see her get hit. Additionally this will allow my grandfather to simply open the door and let my dog out to use the bathroom, when I am not home. For the most part I do have a very well trained dog, but she will chase after rabbits ect, if given the chance. She is also very sensitive and I am hoping that one shock is enough to keep her in check. All or our neighbors have this type of fencing (although professionally installed) and their dogs never leave their yards. I am willing to train and put in as many hours as I need.

I was unhappy with the invisible fence for a few reasons.  The most important being that it did not stop other dogs from coming into our yard, and shortly after we installed the fence, we had HORRIBLE people move onto our cul de sac with their 3 outta control dogs who frequently dug out of their fenced in yard and terrorized the neighborhood.  My dog was defenseless, and when they'd get loose and chase her, she's just cross that border and take the zap. 

Also, my dog had a very strong prey drive and if a squirrel ran on the other side of the invisible barrier, the potential of getting a zap just couldn't deter her from going on the chase, and out she'd go. 

After a few instances like this, and this was following MONTHS of the proper training, the poor dear started to lose her little spirit.  When put out in the yard, she'd simply sit on the deck and not move, knowing that if she went out to the yard to do what a dog might do, she was going to get it. 

After that, we had a wooden fence put up and all was well.  What was true for my dog, though, is not true for every one, many people have great success with invisible fencing.  I personally would not use it again out of fear of animals entering my property and causing harm or, even worse, someone stealing a dog from my yard.