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We have a 1+ acre lot that borders on a very busy road on one side and a large tract of conservation land on another. We bought this system to replace an invisible fence system that was about 20 years old that had worked well for several generations of dogs. We now have a second property as well as two young dogs and wanted to ensure their safety at both locations. We shopped around and chose this compatible system so we could have two systems without having to get different collars. Customer and tech support were excellent - we had questions about interchangeability of different systems, specifically the fence/training collar. The SportDog equipment arrived quickly and all in good order. Instructions were clear and installation was relatively easy. Took about 1 day to clear brush through some woods, but mostly to dig a channel for the wire. Burying the line across lawn is hard work but worth it to avoid inadvertent breaks when cutting the lawn, snowblowing, etc. We bought an inexpensive (used) small trench digger (basically a motorized spinning blade for edging) to cut a thin trench, then used a 1" rounded handle to clear and bury the wire foot-by-foot, backfilling over the wire as we went. We have trained for a week following carefully the clear instructions and the dogs are learning quickly. What loses this product a fifth star is the 20-gauge wire. This wire is sooooooo thin and is not very durable. We ended up reusing large stretches of the old line (20 years old), which was 10- or 12-gauge. Both the wire and the protective outdoor insulation were so much better in the old fence; our old wire was easily 5x the diameter of the 20-gauge There is a huge difference in durability, quality. Regrettably, it seems that the "standard" wire this manufacturer (and the other fence companies) supply is the thinnest, cheapest that will work. If you have a simple suburban yard, it may be fine. We have long stretches of drops in the woods and cross driveways and other break "risks." If you do too, and can afford to upgrade the wire, do so. If not, be extra diligent in burying it and encasing it (tubing or pvc pipe where warranted) to minimize any danger of breaks. The upcharge was quite steep through SportDog to get better (thicker) wire. You might do better buying the wire in bulk. The upgrade can be solid or braided copper and be sure to get wire rated with outdoor insulation. Likely much cheaper at your hardware store, online, or even used. Overall, we are happy with the purchase. It has only been a week, but the system, flags, collar, rechargers, etc. appear of good quality, instructions are clear, and the programming is easy. The fence is for your pets' protection - use it carefully and kindly, including by using the very lowest "stimulation" (really, electric shock) level necessary -- minimize the pain/discomfort by taking the time to train your dog(s) per SportDog's very clear step-by-step week-long training steps.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Good product / price
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
worked very well
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
great item , changing over to reachable collars it the best
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Works well. Good instructions.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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