Diary of a Fence
I call this the Diary of a Fence because it follows one customer’s experience from the initial contact through the final graduation of her 3 dogs. I figure anyone can put up all perfect and nice things for a testimony but I prefer reality. Although this fence had it’s challenges, through the constant communication between owner and dealer, we managed to contain this tough bunch with the least amount of trauma to the dogs and owners. Being that Erin preferred to communicate via email, this allowed me to give a true testimonial play by play account of their experience. What I like about it is that all three dogs each had their own unique “problem” that sometimes I see but usually owners are not blessed with all three at once. My hat is off to Erin, her two beautiful boys Parke and Dakota and hubby Joe who have so much love and compassion that they never once thought the fence would not work just that there is a problem and what can we do about it. I guess that is why they were chosen to care for these three very lucky dogs. A big thanks goes out to Erin who allowed me to use it for the whole wide world to see. I’ve removed Erin’s email address to protect her privacy.
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 12:51 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: fencing pricingHello!I am having a similar problem with my dogs as you describe in your web site. We live in Someville and have about an acre and a half of uneven, rocky and sometimes just difficult property that I would love the dogs to stay in. We have a St. Bernard, mutt and a Peppy Pomeranian.I was wondering if you could give me a round-about figure as to the pricing you have for such an area. We are comparing prices and want the best for the least, if you know what I mean.We can be reached at erin@somewhere.net anytime.Thank you so much!Sincerely,Erin
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Wednesday, April 09, 2008 5:50 PMTo: 'erin@somewhere.net'Subject: RE: fencing pricingErin,I can offer you the best product for the best possible price I can give. My pricing is pretty simple. A one dog, one acre fence will run you $0000. Each additional dog will be $000 and each additional 1/2 acre will be $00*. What this is includes is the complete DogWatch system (installed of course), a system panel (mounts all your equipment up on it), and battery backup along with our lifetime warranty on the equipment. I realize that sometimes I shoot myself in the foot by giving an estimate without you actually seeing and knowing what the product entails so I encourage you to visit http://www.dogwatch.com and also my website http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com to at least see what you would be getting for that price and what the equipment is capable of. I would love to meet you and your pooches and offer a free estimate which will allow you to experience the equipment's capabilities. The terrain you describe is nothing unusual for us (I am sure we have done worse) so there wouldn't be any variation in price for that. I am assuming you have 3 dogs; so you would be looking at $0000 (0000+000+000+00). If you are interested, please give me a call. I can answer any questions you may have. I can be reached at the number below.Thank you for your interest, MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
* Prices edited for internal reasons
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 12:41 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: thank youI would like to thank you for your prompt response to my e-mail yesterday. We are VERY interested in the fencing after reading the letter and going over the web site again. One question I do have though; We have a St. Bernard, who tends to be very head-strong and listening isn't her strongest trait. I was wondering if you have worked with "difficult" listeners who think the world should bow to her. She is the only one I am worried about-the ringleader, of sorts. The mutt and the Pomeranian are both push-overs and give me no cause for concern.Thank you again for answering my questions promptly and I hope to be setting up an appointment soon!Sincerely, Erin erin@somplace.net
From: DogWatch of the Endless Mountains [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 9:39 PMTo: 'erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: thank youThank you so much for your kind words. To answer your question, yes I have dealt with what I consider the lunk-head bunch. I even have a couple of my own. It typically isn’t reserved to one particular breed (you should have seen the pug I did the other day). I consider it personality and it makes them interesting. I won’t lie, though, St. Bernards are a bit more difficult than your average lunk-head but it isn’t for the reason you may be thinking. A St. Bernard’s neck structure is more oval than round which makes it difficult to get the proper contact with the neck. They really are gentle giants and take to the fence rather well as long as you pay attention to the collar fit. If the contacts do not touch the neck in the down position, they will not feel the correction; makes sense right? I’ll never forget the one St. Bernard I did. He got one level one correction (which feels like pins and needles) and he laid down, rolled over on his back, legs held high in the air. It was like he said “OK you shot me now I’m dead”; and wouldn’t move. You should know when they don’t want to move; you can’t get them to move without a forklift handy. The owners and us just laid on the grass and laughed and eventually he got up and moseyed up to the house. Now you got to consider that the contact wasn’t as good as a normal necked dog so he really felt less than a normal dog would. That particular St Bernard is doing very well on the fence; what it all boils down to is the training. What you put into it, you will get out of it. Don’t worry though any problem there is we’ll figure out. I hope this made you feel a bit more comfortable. These are common concerns which I even had when I had my fence put in. You’ll eventually develop a level of comfort after awhile and you’ll begin to trust them more and more as time goes on. I’ll look forward to meeting you if and when you decide to make an appointment. Thanks again, MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts866-208-8822
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Friday, May 30, 2008 6:32 AMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: fencing questionsHello! We have been in contact before, and I am getting ready to call for a consultation-my dogs are getting the summer itch and meeting and greeting everyone and everything that comes by.You sent me a quote before, but I forgot to ask if you accept credit card payments. The only way I will be able to do this is to put half on the credit card and pay half by check. I was just wondering and thought it would be a good thing to know before having you all the way out here only to find out then.Thank you for always answering the e-mails so quickly. I cannot wait to contain my mongrels! =)Very sincerely,Erin someone@someplace.net
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Friday, May 30, 2008 12:39 PMTo: erin@somewhere.net'Subject: RE: fencing questionsErin,You're right that is a good question. The reason my prices are so reasonable is that I try to keep things as simple as possible. Accepting credit cards is a monthly fee I don't really need plus they take 3% of the sale and charge per transaction if you're a low volume business. I do offer financing through American General. The rates are 90 days same as cash the remaining balance after 90 days will be charged 24.99% (yuck). The payment based on just a one dog one acre fence is approximately $00.00/month ($0000 financed). The only problem is you have to finance the whole fence because I have to give them a copy of the contract for the fence. We could put the money you already have as a down payment and that would leave you financing the balance. The result would end up the same. That is one option I can offer to you. What most people do is you know the checks that credit card companies give you every once in awhile? They will pay just the same as a regular check. I don't know the interest rate your card would charge for the remaining balance but if it's less than 24.99% that would be the way to go. I'm willing to help anyway I can because the most important thing is keeping them pups safe. Let me know what you decide. MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
From: someone@somewhere.netSent: Friday, May 30, 2008 4:32 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: RE: fencing questionsDear Mare,Thank you for responding. I absolutely understand the credit card problem. What steps do I have to take to get the financing? We just signed a gas lease and will have the money sometime in July, but I didn't want to wait that long and who knows when they will get it to us. I don't mind financing the balance at all.How long is it from the time I set up a consultation to the time you are able to start installing? Just another question!Thank you again!Erin
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 10:49 AMTo: erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: fencing questionsErin,Congrats on the gas lease. We are also in the process of getting hammered by the gas companies as well. I find it a scary decision. Now for the fence, when we set up the consultation, I can take all your information down then and if you have a fax machine we can have an answer within 15 minutes. Approval is no big deal really hence the outrageous interest rate. From that point on, it is usually within 2 weeks that we can have it installed. If you would want to schedule a consultation, just let me know what day(s) time(s) are good for you and we'll go from there. MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
From: erin@someplace..netSent: Monday, June 02, 2008 5:46 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: financingDear Mare,I forgot to tell you on the phone that we will not be needing the financing after all. We will be paying the full balance with a check.Just wanted to let you know so you didn't have to lug any extra paperwork with you tomorrow.Can't wait to see you in the morning!Thanks again,Erin
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 8:09 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: installation dateDear Mare,I really enjoyed the visit today and have asked my brother-in-law to clear the brush for your path. He said he will do along the creek too to make it easier for you.My husband and I decided to not remove the dirt from the mound I showed you so that won't be an issue. We will get the other bank dug out this weekend and it'll be smooth sailing.I am mailing you to ask if the 11th is still a good date. We just had to run out into the road to get the dogs away from a dog being walked on a leash-our St. Bernard seems to be getting more aggressive about "her" territory and puts on a scary show for the owners of the other dogs. I don't need the warden out here because they think she's dangerous. I would love to do it on the 11th-only 5 days earlier, but that's 5 days I won't have to be apologizing and felling bad.Just let me know if it's still OK. I don't work so I will be home all day that day and we get up early so there's never a time issue. Whenever! Thank you again for the visit and for all you'll do to help contain my beasts!Sincerely,Erin States
From: DogWatch of the Endless Mountains [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2008 10:06 PMTo: 'erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: installation dateHey Erin, Wednesday the 11th is just fine for the install. I’m not sure of a time right now but it will be sometime in the morning. I still have to talk to my installer about the time. I’m ready to go early in the morning but he sometimes has another commitment before he goes to work for me. So let’s say Wednesday it is and we’ll keep them bums home and keep you from apologizing. See ya Wednesday!MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts866-208-8822
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Wednesday, June 11, 2008 9:29 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: Day 1I am overwhelmingly impressed! All three of the dogs think the flags are bad. Hollie had a hard time and got her collar adjusted to a 4...that stops her and she turns right around at the sound of the beep. Oh, and on the paper, you wrote "Paulie" it's actually "Hollie"...sorry. She did really well when my husband came home. Johnny crossed the creek and sat right down when he saw the flag waiting there. I called him back and he came, tail wagging. Mister thinks he can't leave the porch. He may prove to be the easiest after all! =) One thing I noticed, though-on the wooded side of the house, Hollie seems to be getting corrected when she's still about 7 feet or so from the flags. That's the only place that happens and I don't get it, but now she's afraid to go greet Joe when he gets home. It happens about half way across the driveway in that area. Any suggestions as to why? Or what I should do, or is this just one of those places she has to get used to not going anymore? Just wondering.Thank you so much. We are all doing so well. The boys love helping and the hubby was impressed. I think the dogs are pooped as they are all in heaps and piles throughout the house-all snoring. Tomorrow will be the true test-mornings are a pain in this place as it is so the training will add to it, but they are doing so well, we should fall into a routine shortly.I'll write you an update in a week or so...my geniuses amaze me.Thanks again for all the work and help you've given us! Erin
From: DogWatch of the Endless Mountains [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 12:12 AMTo: erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: Day 1Erin,How wonderful to hear you are so thrilled with the response of your "problem" children which are actually geniuses in disguise. By the way Paulie will turn to Hollie not to worry. Johnnie has a very want to please type attitude so he really just needs his guidance as to what to do as he is confused right now (the unknown is always scary). Don't let your guard down with Mister yet. He may not want to leave the porch right now or so as it appears but he's one smart cookie too. Mister might just be trying to figure out what happened and if there is a way around it. If he continues to feel uncomfortable every place but the porch though you can just take him out in the yard and play around with just him or hold him; whatever feels comfortable to him to make him feel "safe" in his yard again. You did a very good thing with Hollie in turning her up until she finally started to respond to the correction. I always say owners know their dogs better than anyone and as long as you felt that she wasn't going to get scared by turning her up then your intuition was probably dead on. St Bernard's are always tough because of their resistance to move (especially in the heat of today) and I wanted to keep her going as long as she was willing and the only way to do that was to not turn her up too high fearing it would scare her. I have to assume the title of scary DogWatch lady right now but if I ever have the pleasure of seeing you and your crew again somehow that all changes and I'm a great gal again.As far as greeting your husband Joe, I can only think that where you are referring to is where the wire takes the corner around the green telephone thing there. Anytime you make a corner with the fence you have to picture the signal field coming in from both sides therefore making the corners come to somewhat of a triangle in the middle of the corner. If it is not that and he parks close to where the wire is then you have what is called coupling. If you park with a metal vehicle parallel and close enough to the wire the vehicle actually becomes a conductor of the signal. Usually, the receiver will only fire if it comes in contact (actually touches the vehicle) but if the vehicle is really close to the wire then it may make the receivers fire without touching the vehicle. If this is the case, then for the time being while these guys are still learning and the chance of them getting out is greater you can park farther away from the wire temporarily. Then once your guys are concrete on the fence with no ideas of escaping for absolutely no reason (only you will know when this is) you can turn your range down on the transmitter in the impenetrable walled basement (attempt at humor) and then park as usual. Take one of the receivers and test where it is going off until you get it just right. If you do in the future turn the range down, don't turn it down too fast. One line at a time then wait a week and if need be turn it down another line. If you go from 10 feet to 5, the dog will be 5 feet into what used to be a field so after the first 3 feet they assume it is not there and can escape pretty easily. By graduating them into it they really don't pay that close attention.Well my dear glad to hear from ya! I just knew this was just what you needed to make life a little easier. I'll look forward to hearing from you soon. Time for me to take my tired bones to bed though.MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts.866-208-8822
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 8:12 AMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: question about the rangeHello again! i know it's your day off so I didn't want to call and please don't take time out of the day off to respond to this-I can wait. =)I was wondering if you could tell me how to adjust the range from 10 feet to 6 or so because I have run into a problem...the poor dogs think they aren't allowed on the deck now because the collars beep when they are standing at the door to come in. Not a good thing. And on the inside, the couch and the stairs and the boys' room are on that side of the house so they are beeping (no correction) when roaming the house-normally I have the collars off, but I got busy this morning and forgot. I just don't want them to think their safe place is the enemy and certainly don't want to confuse them.When you get a chance, please contact me by mail or phone (555-5555) and let me know what I have to do. Thank you. Day 2 is wonderful-no problems, just success!Thank you, Erin
Note: responded to this via phone.... little too complicated to handle in an email.
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 8:00 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: updateDear Maryann, I think you have managed to help me train the untrainable beasts I love so much! Week one has been amazing and I am happy to report that all 3 of the dogs are doing VERY well. All have managed to slip up, but they are getting the hang of it. Mister, the Pomeranian, is now aware that he can be outside and he doesn't have to be on the deck all of the time. Hollie has shocked me with her quick learning and has only challenged the fence once. She still warns the kids when they are getting too close, but is a proud scholar, coming to me wagging her whole body when she has heard the beep and returns. Johnny had a slip this morning. He decided that without supervision (I trusted him when I shouldn't have), he could sneak out-did-and got a baby rabbit to bring back. He came through the fence and thought the plan worked until I bumped his collar up from a 1 to a 2. When he tried it again later, he ignored my warning, thinking the punishment was worth the trip-until he got the shock and cried and returned immediately. Hasn't tried it since. He has a boredom issue, but we will work on that with some new toys and fun puppy things for them to do. Thank you again for the help and for showing me that all dogs CAN be trained. I am fully impressed and thankful. We have a lot more work ahead of us, but are on the right track and excited for the pooches to become Dog Watch graduates. I'll keep you updated! Sincerely, Erin
From: DogWatch of the Endless Mountains [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 11:09 PMTo: 'erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: updateErin,Thank you so much for the update. You know I often wonder how all the dogs and owners are doing. I try real hard to phone everyone after installation but most of the time I get answering machines and then eventually am able to contact most to see how they are doing. I thought about emailing but find if people are too busy to answer the phone, then they probably wouldn't take the time to answer an email. I really appreciate your excitement towards the fence and the job we did. In effect, though, without your great efforts, your un-trainable pooches wouldn't be trained. I merely provide you with the tools to do the job but it is you that makes a success out of using the tools. You are doing perfect and I have no doubt that all three (even the problem child which turned out to be the model student) will be successfully trained and live happy lives as dogs able to run about and play as they wish not as the owners have time to allow. Thanks again! I'll look forward for the next update!!!! Graduation is just a few steps away!!Mare
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:34 AMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: 2 weeks already!Hello!I wanted to send you an update on the past 2 weeks with the fence. I LOVE IT! Hollie and Mister avoid all temptation-even the rabbits across the road and they seem content to be in the yard or snoozing in the sun on the deck.My problem child, Johnny, is doing much better as he is on a 3 and DOES NOT like the bite it gives him. He lays at the edge of the yard, staring at the flags (which I still have there) as if willing them to move so he can go out into the neighborhood. He is excellent in the yard, but has some issues in the brush and behind the pond where it's grown up so much and hard to see the flags, but he goes on a trial and error basis-shocked a few times, but retreats rather than blasts through.I must say, I am absolutely impressed and feel so much better knowing that they are safe-as are the other creatures in the area.I am still on guard some of the time, but have been letting them out independent of supervision and haven't had any problems. Mister knows he can walk around in the yard now and still lets everyone know he's there by barking non-stop. =) The true test is coming up-the Fourth of July festivities. With all the walkers and parties, I am wondering how my babies will react to all the commotion, but think they'll do very well. We haven't had anyone try to draw them out by calling them to the road, but that will happen, I'm sure. I will let you know how that goes.Thank you again for showing us that contained dogs can be happy dogs-and much better-behaved! We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.Sincerely,Erin ...and Hollie, Mister, Johnny and the husband and kids. =)
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Friday, June 27, 2008 11:50 AMTo: erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: 2 weeks already!Erin,Sounds like things are going great but that is mostly accredited to you and the training you have done. Most people don't realize that I can only lay the foundation for the dogs but it is up to the owner to keep reinforcing the training in order for the dogs to be successfully contained. Your pooches will now live a long healthy and most importantly happy safe life doing doggie things that a tie out or being free could never provide.Your true test will be the Fourth of July festivities that's for sure but they have been behind the fence for a good time so it should not be a problem. My suggestion would be to be a little more on guard during this time just in case they do forget and get pumped up enough to cross the line. When you cover this base with them and remind them, you should never have a problem with that situation again. Keep me informed how the Fourth goes as I am curious myself how well they will do but I don't foresee a problem. I am so happy that you put your faith in me and my product to contain the dogs I know you treasure so dearly. Now that you have DogWatch, you'll wonder how you ever lived your life without it, trust me. If you wouldn't mind, I would like to use one of your emails as a testimonial but will only do so with your permission. Very seldom I get things that I can print out and use; mostly I get phone calls which is difficult to put on a piece of paper. I realize time is short for most people but your emails are very heart felt and stand as a great testimonial.Keep me updated and enjoy your Fourth of July! MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Friday, June 27, 2008 12:13 PMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: RE: 2 weeks already!Mare,Absolutely you can use my mails as testimonials. I can't say enough about how wonderful this has been for the family and for the dogs. They seem frustrated at times, but seem happier too. And I know they're safer, which is good for all of us.Since I wrote that e-mail, there have been no attempts at challenging the fence and the only blinks on the collars are to tell me that the batteries are OK. Johnny has accepted his boundaries and is happily playing in the yard as we speak.I will let you know how they do on the 4th. Thank you again...I can't say it enough.ErinP.S. The boys can't wait to see the pictures on the website-they think they are going to be famous because they'll be on the Internet. Could you let me know when that is all done so I can show them their "famous" faces on the site?
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Friday, June 27, 2008 5:23 PMTo: 'erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: 2 weeks already!Erin,You bet baby! I'll do that as soon as time allows and let you know when the famous Pennsylvania boys and their DogWatch graduates are up and online! MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Thursday, July 10, 2008 6:03 AMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: updateDear Maryann,The 4th of July has come and gone and we had no problems with the dogs chasing walkers-only barking at them and scaring some of them. Hollie, however, is going to need some more training in the dog department. The neighbor's dog comes down to visit sometimes and she chases him home, with me on her heels. I get to the top of the hill and she comes bounding through the field and promptly returns to the house, but I don't know how to keep her from doing that! The woman with the Retriever that she doesn't like hasn't been through so I don't know about that. It's like she is just taking the neighbor dog home. Any suggestions?Other than that, there are no complaints. They can be out unsupervised now and I don't have to worry. Johnny hasn't gone through at all and has learned where the whole boundary is. Mister is not an issue.Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and so do the pooches.Erin
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 12:46 PMTo: 'erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: updateErin,Remember when I said that St Bernards were a bit of a challenge? I was hoping that Hollie was one of the exceptions but they come few and far between. Patience, patience, and even more patience is awarded to these great protectors concerning containing them to the fence. First off we have to cover our bases and make sure that the collar is still touching her neck with her head down. Sometimes it is difficult to tell being they have so much scruff under their neck. A lot of times when they get to running around once trained (somewhat they are not concrete on the fence for months) to the fence they lose a little weight and along with that comes the concern of the collar fit. What concerns me is that she brings herself back as I'm taking your email without a problem. This could be due to the fit of the collar, the level that the collar is on, or the correction field size. If you feel that the collar is fitting just fine, then bump up the receiver one or two levels. Make sure your correction field is a decent size without the bleed in to the house. You want the field in the beginning especially if you have a bolter, as large as you can possibly make it without affecting their freedom in the house. As the electronics in the transmitter are continually on, they find their home (burn in period) and this could affect the field size making it larger or smaller depending on the transmitter. Without your knowledge, the field may have changed a bit so it would be wise to check that. St. Bernard's are a great protective breed of dog. Their size tells them that they can and should do anything to protect their family. Once you have established, as their alpha dog, their territory; they have a tendency to become even more territorial. Outsiders are not allowed especially of the dog kind. We don't have to break that spirit of hers; we just have to get her thinking that it's OK to protect us but only in the confines of the boundary. You can chase this dog off the property if you like but make sure you do it in the allotted space because you said so and ultimately you are the big boss. This dog to her is a threat being it really isn't concerned about what she says about coming onto the property. If this dog doesn't obey her commands then the dog is then a threat and a power struggle ensues. Hollie is certainly not going to give up her reign as the great one here. I am happy to hear that she did not breach the boundary for the 4th of July people. This is a good sign. These people she feels are not a threat and can be handled by barking (telling them to stay away). She senses the fear (they are a great big dog with a very intimidating bark) in the people when she does this and therefore feels she has done her job and you guys are safe. In effect, these people listened to what she was telling them so she's OK with it.So now what do we do about it? If it is possible to duplicate the situation, then this is the best possible scenario. Make sure the collar fit is there, make sure the field is as big as possible, and bump up her collar one or two levels. Pay close attention when the situation arises and cover that base. If you use the command that you used during training it will at least catch a little of her attention if she is going after said dog. If she goes through at a higher level, remembering level 4 starts the auto memory where if she does breach the boundary she will return through at level 5, this may deter her from thinking about it again. This happened to the other St. Bernard in NY that I did and it is common in the breed. Sandy got the level one and went belly up but kept running through when other people were walking their dogs. Gary, the owner, called me and I told him the same advice. Gary talked to the neighbor who consistently walked the dog (he lucked out there) and set Sandy up bumping her collar up a few levels but never maxing it out. Sandy went out after the dog again but upon the re-entry didn't find it so great and then she just adjusted the way she protected. I just talked to Gary the other day when he called to order batteries and said Sandy is doing great and there hasn't been a problem with her doing it again. It just took a little more time and patience until she realized that she can still protect without breaching the boundary. With a dog this size you need their cooperation, without it you're hung. Stay on top of Hollie consistently with regards to collar fit (critical), receiver level, and these bumming outsider dogs and although she may breach the boundary a few more times, if your diligent, she will stay in her boundary just fine. I know you love her and I have no doubt this is typical St Bernard stumbling block syndrome (an attempt at a little light humor). Before this becomes a novel, I bid you a fond farewell. Great to hear things are going as well as can be expected and keep me informed. I do care and love to hear from you! Don't worry, I have more tricks up my sleeve but at this point I don't feel it is necessary. Let's give her a chance to figure this out. MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Wednesday, July 30, 2008 6:05 AMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: My graduatesHello! I hate to brag, but I think I have the smartest dogs on the planet. We finally passed the "other dog" test! 3 times in a row! The first time, there was a woman walking a Beagle on a leash. Normally, my dogs would run out to the road, barking and Hollie would then scare everyone by growling and "mock" attacking. Nope, they all barked and danced and cried, but didn't cross that line and came running to seek my approval-and I'd forgotten to put their collars on that morning so this all happened with no collars!!!The second time was the neighbor dog running around at the house next door. They showed no interest and the third time was the Golden that they don't like. He and his owner walked by and my sweeties just barked. I am so proud of them! Hollie's problem was the collar not making a connection, but we got that all fixed up and she now understands that she's not supposed to chase the other dogs. I'm so proud of them and thankful to you. Just wanted to give you the update on the last test-and the fact that they passed it with flying colors!Thank you,Erin
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Friday, August 08, 2008 1:18 PMTo: erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: My graduatesErin,Sorry the reply took so long but I was hoping that I would be able to report that I have your graduates along with your celebrity boys online but unfortunately time seems to be short as of late. It has slowed to a hum right now so I'm hoping to put you up there ASAP. Tell the boys they are my top priority.Congratulations on your graduates!!!!!! I had no doubt you'd work through the little tough times and I must say you did so beautifully! Now it's all downhill. All there's left to do is stay consistent so that they know that this hidden wall is always going to be there and you got it made.I am so excited right now. If you can watch news 22 tonight, guess what? Your infamous DogWatch dealer will be on. My neighbor's house got struck by lightning this morning (no people injuries thank God) and they interviewed me! Can you believe it? Of course, I had to give a plug for DogWatch. Guess what else? They used it (at least on the noon news)! I have seen more really bad lightning strikes in the past few months than I have in the 4 years I have been a dealer. The ground where the lightning finds the wire is blown up and the transmitter is just fried (not on fire it is fire resistant (bet you didn't know that)). I have pics of the ground and the condition of our lightning arrestor (the green thing in the outside box) after a bad strike. All of the houses are in tact with absolutely no damage done with the exception of our equipment (lifetime warranty) and the wire. So rest easy because you truly did pick the cream of the crop to protect not only your dogs but your house as well. I'm a little or a lot proud right now!!!TUNE TO WYOU 22 NEWS TONIGHT!!! I've already taped it on the DVR. What a day! MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
From: Mare [dogwatch@nep.net]Sent: Thursday, November 06, 2008 9:02 PMTo: 'erin@someplace.net'Subject: RE: My graduatesHey there Erin,How are things going? I just suspect they are fine being that I haven't heard from you in what seems like ages! I mean come on, Labor Day has come and gone so I guess the graduates are concrete (at least I hope they are). I am working on my website as business has subsided for a bit but want to give your two boys the recognition they deserve on the great world wide web. I have the names of the dogs (Hollie not Paulie) but not of your sons. If you would be so kind, I would love to put just their first names only, no mention of town or anything for safety sake not that I get a cazillion hits but you never know. If you want nicknames that'll be just fine as well. I just didn't want to mention them as son #1 and son #2. No pressure. Also, I'm doing our email correspondence as the diary of a fence as a whole separate page. It's a true testament to by working together any obstacle no matter how big or small can be overcome. Just give me a note letting me know your thoughts (hopefully some type of names) and the OK for the diary thing and really I'll look forward to hearing back from you!!!!! MareDogWatch of the Endless Mts570-679-9479http://www.endlessmountainsdogwatch.com
From: erin@someplace.netSent: Friday, November 07, 2008 6:06 AMTo: dogwatch@nep.netSubject: Re: My graduatesHello!!! Things are going very well-we had a slip a few times with Johnny, but I just needed to tighten his collar and now everything is perfect. They passed the "other dog" test several times and never cross that line! No problems at all. The boys' names are Parke and Dakota. I have no problem with you using the e-mails-I just appreciate everything so much! My husband is still amazed that it works as we both thought the dogs were absolutely untrainable. The best money we have EVER spent! Thank you a million times over and I will keep in touch! Erin