If you have more than one dog, you probably don’t need anyone to tell you that they can be completely different from each other. One may stay close to the house. Another wants to know what’s happening at the far end of the yard. One picks up a new routine quickly, while the other takes a little more time. Questions we hear often from families with multiple dogs include:
Can one hidden dog fence work for all of them?
Yes. A DogWatch® Hidden Fence can work with multiple dogs on the same property. They share the same boundary, but each dog wears their own receiver collar, which can be adjusted for that individual dog. That means your dogs don’t have to be the same size, age, breed, or personality to use the same system.
How does one Hidden Fence work for multiple dogs?
The boundary is installed around the part of the yard you want your dogs to use, and each dog wears their own DogWatch receiver collar. You don’t need a separate underground fence for each dog. They all learn the same boundary, while the receiver settings can be adjusted individually. So if one dog is smaller, more sensitive, or simply responds differently than the others, the system can be set up with that in mind.
Does each dog need their own receiver collar?
Yes. Each dog needs their own receiver collar. That’s important because dogs don’t always respond the same way. One may be more sensitive, while another may be more confident or need a different setting. Even dogs that are close in size can react very differently when they are learning the boundary. Having a separate receiver for each dog allows the setup to fit the dog instead of expecting every dog in the household to use exactly the same settings.
Can dogs of different sizes use the same Hidden Fence?
Absolutely. A small dog and a large dog can use the same hidden fence. So can an older dog and a younger one with a lot more energy. They share the same yard boundary, but their receiver settings can be different. That makes it possible for dogs who are very different from each other to use the same system without needing separate fences.
Why it helps to train each dog separately
Your dogs may spend most of their time together, but it’s usually better to introduce them to the hidden fence one at a time. There are fewer distractions, and you can pay attention to how each dog is responding. One dog may understand the flags and warning signal quickly. Another may need a few more sessions before it all starts to feel familiar. That’s normal. DogWatch recommends training multiple dogs separately so each one has a chance to learn the boundary on their own. Once they understand it, they can go right back to enjoying the yard together.
What if you add another dog later?
Maybe your DogWatch fence was installed when you had one dog, and another dog joins the family later. You generally don’t need a new underground fence. A receiver can be added for the new dog, and that dog can be trained on the boundary that is already in place. DogWatch of Evansville also offers New Dog Training for existing customers who add another four-legged family member. Even if your first dog has known the boundary for years, the new dog still needs their own introduction to it.
Does having multiple dogs affect the cost?
There is still one main hidden fence system, but each dog needs their own receiver collar, so the number of dogs can affect the overall price. The property matters too. The size and layout of the yard, driveway or sidewalk crossings, and any areas you want your dogs to stay out of can all affect the installation. That’s why looking at the actual property is more useful than trying to estimate the cost based only on the number of dogs.
Is a Hidden Fence a Good Fit for a Multi-Dog Home?
For many families with more than one dog, a hidden fence is a practical way to give everyone more room outside. The dogs share the same yard boundary, but each one can have receiver settings and training that make sense for them. If you have two dogs, three dogs, or another one may be joining the family soon, DogWatch of Evansville can help you figure out the right setup for your property and your pets. We install and service DogWatch Hidden Fence systems throughout the Southwest Indiana area and surrounding communities, including Evansville, Newburgh, Jasper, Mt. Vernon, Vincennes, Washington, Poseyville, Boonville, and nearby areas.
Call DogWatch of Evansville at 812-893-0122 to learn more or request a free in-yard estimate.