Underground Dog Fences in West Virginia

That depends on your land more than anything. Mountain State properties vary a lot, and slope, rock, woods, and the length of the boundary all affect the work. Your Local Pro also looks at the number of dogs and obstacles like driveways, gardens, and outbuildings, then gives you an estimate after their evaluation. Installation and training by a local expert are part of the package, and there are no monthly fees.

No. The terms "invisible", "invisible fence" and "invisible fencing" are registered and considered trademarks by Invisible Fence, Inc. Electronic pet fences with a buried wire are often referred to as "invisible fences", but Dog Guard® should not be confused with the Invisible Fence, Inc. Dog Guard® is not affiliated in any way with the Invisible Fence, Inc. Dog Guard® and Out of Sight Fencing® are registered trademarks of Sunward Electronics, Inc.

Before anyone digs, a locate request should be in place. WV811 says calling before you dig is the law, even at home, and member utilities are expected to mark their lines or report clear within 48 business hours of the request. It's generally the responsibility of whoever does the digging, so ask your Local Pro how they handle it. Private lines you installed yourself won't be on a utility map.

In most cases, yes. West Virginia has the highest average elevation of any state east of the Mississippi, so slopes, ridges, and hollows are simply part of the job here. Because the boundary follows a buried wire, it holds its shape on uneven ground and doesn't drift. Your Local Pro walks the property and routes the wire around rock, creeks, and steep grades to fit your land.

No. An underground fence trains your dog to stay in, but it won't keep wildlife out. West Virginia University Extension notes black bears are now found statewide, and it recommends feeding outdoor pets only what they'll finish, then bringing in the leftovers and the bowl. Keep an eye on your dog outside, especially at dawn and dusk, and don't leave food around that invites a curious bear into your yard.

For a lot of rural families, it is. Dog Guard can cover 50+ acres, and the wire-defined boundary stays consistent, while GPS boundaries can vary by up to 10 feet. A rechargeable Dog Guard collar lasts up to about a month per charge, and GPS collars typically need charging every day. There's no monthly subscription either. Your Local Pro can plan a layout that keeps your dog near the house and away from the road.

It can happen, even when the ground is frozen. Some Local Pros lay the wire on top of the snow for the season, then come back to bury it once the ground thaws in spring, so your dog can start training sooner. Whether that works for your property depends on your Local Pro's approach and your terrain, so ask about winter options when you schedule your evaluation.

We're not affiliated with West Virginia University, and nobody here is claiming a seat in the student section. We did notice that WVU's gold and blue sit awfully close to Dog Guard's golden yellow and navy, and we're a little embarrassed about how pleased we were. Our colors are about one thing: freedom for your pet, peace of mind for you. Your dog can cheer from inside the boundary.