Finding a dog you love, one that perfectly suits your family, is only half the battle. Keeping that dog safe, while giving it room to roam is equally important.

Finding Jael was a blessing to my family, as she was a perfect match. Gentle and protective, yet big enough that our small children could not hurt her. She gladly ran around our yard, keeping it free of cats, squirrels and mice; barking only when people entered our yard.

She was happy to stay within the boundaries we called 'home,' ignoring all outside of our yard. We found this remarkable, considering she was a Great Pyrenees mix-liable to claim the entire town as hers to protect. Life with our new dog was good, until 'the dog lady,' a.k.a. Cruella, came along.

Cruella, a self-proclaimed dog lover, was much put-off, that Jael would not leave our yard in order to greet or play with her. She undertook to win Jael's affection by sneaking her treats when we were gone. I caught her one day,and she apologized, swearing it would never happen again. However, just one week later, I returned from running errands, to find my dog missing! A message from the pound was on my phone, stating that my 'run-away dog' was being held at the Cruella's place of employment. From then on it was impossible to keep our curious dog home.

• Jael could clear the five foot chain link fence that surrounded our yard. Ropes worked in the summer, but In winter, frozen ropes and metal clasps snapped under the smallest strain.
• We noted that every neighbor who used an electric fence had trouble with them in the winter, due to the depth of the snow.

In searching for the best solution, we came across the Wireless Pet Containment System, made by Pet Safe. It was made up of a central unit that sent out a radio signal, giving the dog a radius to roam in. This radius was adjustable, so it could be customized to any yard. Unlike the electric fences we had looked at, once out of bounds, the dog would be shocked until it returned, making home the only safe place.

We bought and installed a PetSafe PIF-300-11 Wireless Pet Containment System.

We followed the training instructions, teaching Jael the boundaries of 'home' once again. She quickly learned that crossing the boundary, signaled by a warning beep, had consequences. That beep meant she was about to go too far. She became content and peaceful, happy that she could keep our yard safe, secure within the boundaries.

Thanks to the portability of the unit, we are free to travel with our dog. Upon reaching our destination, we set it up, and show Jael 'home,' by walking around the perimeter of her area with her, and repeating "Home," every time the collar beeps. This has made traveling with our beloved dog so much easier. It has helped to keep us in the good favor of those we stay with and their neighbors.