Comments on: Smart Dog In-Ground Pet Fencing System HT-023

By: Sandi

Sandi — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:20:31 +0000

Thank you for this site and your review on the Smart Dog product. I was considering buying this, even though it was clearly a knock-off, because I’ll be using it in a fenced area to help train our young lab/pit not to jump over lower fences within the property and not to rush the perimeter fence in his frenzied barking fits at passing people and dogs.In this situation intermittent performance (not always correcting when it should) wouldn’t be dangerous, and I figured on upgrading the wire anyway. HOWEVER, the reported problems with unpredictable correction (when not near the perimeter) and unpredictable voltage has changed my mind on this.

So, now I’m looking for an alternative. I have a suburban lot, so less than 1/4 acre, and also have a second dog (less of a problem, but should be consistent). I’m definitely on a budget, and don’t necessarily need something that will last forever, but certainly need something safe (for our dogs and our 6-yr old) and would ideally like a collar that can also be used with a remote training system.

Incidentally, can a Motorola walkie-talkie be (safely) programmed to be used as a remote training transmitter?

ADMIN – Hi Sandy,

Happy to make a recommendation. A good inexpensive system for a pit/lab mix would be the PetSafe Stubborn. The collars on that system are also among the cheapest, so if you need to add the second dog that will be helpful. The Stubborn is a good system, the collars are on the large side but that should not be a problem with your dog.

I have not heard of anyone converting a Motorola walkie-talkie into a training collar transmitter, but that is not to say it cannot be done. Afraid that is way out of my realm of competence.

By: Michelle

Michelle — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:36:18 +0000

I purchased the 023 from Ebay a few months ago for my 2 dogs (a lab/chow mix and a shepherd/border collie mix). Other than needing new batteries about every 2-3 weeks, it worked really well until just here in the last week or so. It has begun beeping at the transmitter as if there was a break in the line at odd times (most often when it rains), even though no break can be found. Also despite new batteries, the collars frequently only beep if they are literally laid on the wire (unless they are very near another electronic device such as computer or printer). I have never had the problem some have described of dogs being shocked indoors because I followed the instructions and removed the collars when they came in (not like you really need them inside anyway). In trying to figure out what is wrong with the stupid thing, I realized that the booklet says to plug it into a 240 volt outlet despite the plug only having 2 prongs (as a 110 should). What is the discrepancy with that? I realize there probably isn’t much I can do about the occasional transmitter beeping, but Until I can get the funds for a better device, would replacing the collars at least solve the problem with them not warning/correcting the dogs? Either which way, I have come to realize that this was a wasted $50 as far as be fully reliable at containing my lab/chow mix (she’s ok as long as it works properly) , although it did last long enough to get my BC/shepherd mix to stay in the safe area even without collar regardless of temptations.

By: Dawn

Dawn — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 03:08:23 +0000

I completely agree with Sue Staff. My collar shocked my dog even when he was in our garage 20 feet from the line. It randomly beeps at/shocks him and he is so confused where he is allowed to roam on our property. I hate this system!! Tonight I thought maybe his tags on his collar hitting the electronic collar were to blame and just to check my theory, I held the collar against a metal scoop shovel, IT WENT OFF!! Again, holding it against the metal clip on his outside leash made it beep. It shocked him so badly a few days back when we pulled our grain truck up to the house that I could hear his cries in my basement and he was outside!! He was shaking in fear when I found him hiding in the far corner of the garage. Who can I contact to tell them their equipment is faulty? It has ruined my dog!! He is now timid and is scared of his own home!!

ADMIN – Hi Dawn,

Yes, the Smart Dog HT-023 is a sham product that does not operate safely. We advise everyone to stay away from this product and look to Innotek and PetSafe for reliable, pet friendly dog fence products.

Unfortunately, the Smart Dog HT-023 is an overseas product. There is no way to make contact with the manufacture. We had to get our sample through eBay for the review video.

Again for others reading, do not buy this product. It does not work. For an entry level dog fence on a tight budget, look at the Innotek SD 2000 which is $119.95: http://www.dogfencediy.com/reviews/innotek-sd2000/

By: Xaydin

Xaydin — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:16:52 +0000

I bought a cheap 3 collar system. Just because it was cheap!! lol. After buying I read the reviews on this and just was disappointing I bought it. Wrongful Shocking, stuck on shock, and even a claimed “death” (but personally I thought it was her fault)

But I didn’t skimp on the wire. I bought 1500 meters of 18 gage wire. Just because if it didn’t work I could buy a new system without needing to upgrade wire to cover my 3 acres of swamp. Story shorted. It’s JUNK, hasn’t been able to work right once. If I blow on it, it will beep but walk all over the line and nothing happens. The main box says there is no breaks.

But my question is my line is about 14ft from the (street) sized power lines and about 18ft below them. How would I know if the utility lines were interfering? I’m looking at sports dog 100acre model, so should I just wait and see how the sports dog works or is there something I can do a head of time? My system is a simple Perimeter set up.

ADMIN – Hi Xaydin,

There will be no problem with that much distance between the powerlines and your boundary line. Overhead lines are never an issue.

If you were much closer (within 6 feet), what you would be on the lookout for, is to ensure that the dog fence signal was not jumping into your electrical system – this causes all the wiring in your house to act like the dog fence and trigger the collar. But again, this should be a non-issue for you.

By: john good

john good — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 01:24:11 +0000

Hi, I have a question. There are so many inground fences made by many manufactures. I have 2 acres and an adult Dobie and 2 four months old pups. What is the best inground system that my money can buy ? Also I want a heavier gauge wire like an 18 or 16 gauge wire. Can you help me ? looking for a great system. Not sure where to go!

ADMIN – Hi John,

Are the pups dobermans’ as well. If so, the Innotek IUC-4100 would be a good choice, as would the PetSafe Stubborn. Both are good reliable systems that should not have any problems with 2 acres or a doberman. The Innotek is a smaller, rechargeable collar. The PetSafe is bulkier and uses a disposable battery but is a bit cheaper.

All the systems come with 20 gauge wire standard, but can be upgraded to 18, 16, or 14 gauge when you get to the checkout page.

PS – if you wait till the pups are 6 months before training them, they will train much faster and the process will be much easier.

By: pete f

pete f — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 21:01:07 +0000

Why didn’t I read this website first. Just received second collar from supplier as first one stopped working as soon as it was put on the dog. Second one is dead now, no lights no beep no charge. Seems to be electrode section of receiver, when opened up and disconnected from charging unit then collar will charge. However, same thing will happen again. Anyway, the bottom line is…. It’s cheap for a reason, and that reason is ….. It’s crap…!

By: Heather

Heather — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 19:48:07 +0000

HI there,
Thanks so much for all of the valuable information on your site! I recently purchased an inground fence system for my dog. Yesterday, I put the wire in the ground with sod staples and when finished, the box indicated that we were ready to go. Well, as soon as I started testing the collar, it was a little “iffy”. It seemed to work after we kept adjusting the box and when the dog came too close to the boundary, it would beep. But in the house and even on our covered porch, the collar just beeps and sends corrections. Some corrections are mild and some are stronger. It is no where near the boundary line. I even tested it outside and it just seems to beep and send corrections spontaneously. Does that mean there is a malfunction? The collar has no adjustment setting on it. The box has an on and off knob that you can adjust. This was a cheaper model bought from ebay and there really isn’t even a namebrand anywhere on the unit itself. Now I am a little nervous that we bought something that may not be great. If that is the case, would I need to buy a new collar and unit? Could I still use the same wire that took me hours to put around my house with another unit? Thanks a lot, Heather

ADMIN – Hi Heather,

We reviewed a couple of the cheap generic models like this one and found similar variability – where the boundary would move or the collar trigger for no apparent reason. I would avoid using them, I certainly wouldn’t use them on my dogs.

The wire on all systems can be used interchangeably – you can plug any transmitter into the wire and it will work fine. Note however, if it was the very thin thread like wire that you get on some of the thinner systems, you might want to replace it now – it does not tend to hold up very well in the ground. It will not make any difference for the transmission of the signal – it will just be more prone to breaks particularly in acid soils.

By: CaliO

CaliO — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 04:36:45 +0000

I have been suckered in just like everyone here. I have bought it via ebay but yet to install it. I was just going to upgrade the wire to at the least 20 gauge because this system in going on 3 acres But now I’m reading all these shock story’s and not working. I’m having second thoughts.

The problem I have is I have 3 dogs I need to contain and 2 are “sensitive” or ‘better trained’, and the other is an older temperamental male. Ranging weights from 70lbs to 140lbs and still growing.

I’m just real afraid of the thing shocking them while we’re at the kids soccer game. The whole point is to give them indoor/ outdoor privileges while protecting our yard and livestock.

But has anyone have experience after upgrading wire size or using any other methods.

By: Liz Q

Liz Q — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 03:03:47 +0000

Whats the alternate collar? I wouldn’t mind a smaller/better one.

ps. Had to lol at Sue Staff fake story, seriously,the battery doesn’t put enough out to put you in hospital , let alone do much more than a tiny buzz on a dog

ADMIN – Hi Liz,

There are some much better alternatives depending on your dogs breed, temperament, and the size of the property. If you want something smaller and better, the PetSafe Little Dog is a good choice for dogs under 12lbs and the Innotek Ultrasmart IUC-4100 is a good choice for dogs over 12lbs.

We have no idea about the truth of Sue’s story. But, one thing to note – all the dog fence systems can put out a stronger correction than you would think based on the small battery. They use a capacitor to store up a lot of charge over a period of time, then let it out in very short burst to give a more intense correction.

For example the PetSafe Stubborn can have a very small correction despite having only a 9V battery. Many of us as kids have licked a 9V battery and got a slight tingle – the zap from a PetSafe Stubborn is much stronger than that tingle despite coming from the same battery.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:14:16 +0000

I too purchased this item on ebay. Wish I had seen this first. This item does not work at all. I thought I had it set to give my dog enough warning before getting zapped, but half the time it didnt work. When I turned it up slightly, it started beeping before I even got out of the door. I am currently looking for a replacement fence and wanted to know if I can use the wire that is already in the ground with a different system? Does anyone know?

ADMIN – Hi Jennifer,

That Smart Dog wire will work, but is really flimsy and the insulation is not right for in ground installation. This means that it is prone to breaking and corroding out – in the long term (about one year depending on your soil type) it will need to be replaced. But you can make do with that wire in the short term.