What Our Customers Say About Us
I want everyone to know that I used to represent Invisible Fence but now I recommend DogWatch. Troy Dykes is the owner and operator of DogWatch Northern Ca. He has helped several of my clients and they love him. His product is better and his installations, training and service are second to none. Call him. You won't regret it.
Steve Bettcher, IACP Certified Dog Trainer, owner of the Dog Squad, Oakland
This is our second go around with Troy and it has been as good as the first! We have about four acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains and about 15-ish years ago Troy came out and installed the invisible fence to help correct our wandering mutts...it worked perfectly! In fact, it worked so well that after a year or two the dogs did not even need the collars anymore. We are on to a new generation of Labs and...well...they are a bit of a hand full! (Two Lab puppies at the same time, what were we thinking???...) Troy to the rescue! He fixed the holes in the fence, helped with the training (almost a full day!) and gave us credit for our old receiver collars!!! WOW!! His knowledge on how to use these tools to keep our two puppies safe and out of trouble (...mostly...they ARE puppies) was great. He also helped us with another issue: cat food. We have both indoor and outdoor cats and Troy was able to set up little areas so that the Labs stay away from the cat food (and the diarrhea that it gives them).
Two more items that I want to mention here: 1-we set up an appointment for him to come out and see us and there was a nasty accident on 17. He called and rescheduled for a Saturday to fit our schedule and then showed up on time...every time! 2-He is just a nice guy that is easy to work with and knows what he is talking about, my BS meter never even twitched...and that is saying something.
Patrick D., Los Gatos
We have a Dogwatch hidden fence at home that has made a huge difference, particularly with our younger dog. Thanks to Troy the dogs got the right training from day one and it has worked great!
After two years of living with the fence our younger dog 'decided' that when she's not in the yard she could go a bit too far afield on her unleashed walks. Dogwatch had the solution with the Big Leash remote e-collar and once again Troy was there to teach us how to use it properly.
Both products have made a great difference in keeping the girls safe.
We've had a couple of 'glitches' with both products but Troy has always been right there with GREAT customer service. Recently the Big Leash collars and controller were failing - two days later Troy was here with new units - no questions, no hesitation, just make it work.
They have great products that will work if you listen, learn and teach your pet. Troy does great training for the pets and more importantly, the people. Even better is the customer service. When I've had a problem he's been great about responding and fixing it.
Highly recommended and appreciated.
Rick R., Mill Valley
Dogwatch is the only thing that keeps our dog on our property! We live on approximately an acre of land and it is logistically impossible to fence in. Even if we did have fences, our dog would surely jump them. She is quite smart and occasionally "tests" her boundaries but the Dogwatch fence keeps her safe and gives us peace of mind.
Indoors, we bought 2 local receivers, one for the formal living room and one for the kitchen counter. She hasn't jumped up on the counter since!
Troy came out again recently, as the gardeners cut the wire while taking down some massive eucalyptus trees. He also extended our fence boundaries to give her more room on the property to roam. Speedy, super service!
If we get another dog, I'm sure we'll be calling Troy again to help us train him. :)
Alice A., Hillsborough
Troy explained everything clearly -- gave me an estimate and installed everything within the same week. Great system, reasonable price and patient, helpful training.
Gail E., Half Moon Bay
Love this company! I was comparing between two companies and DogWatch is definitely the superior. They offer underground tubing for your wire fence, which no other company offered, a lifetime warranty, and by far the best customer service. I was a little skeptical to choose them because they are so far from my home, but have been at my beck and call ever since. The fence works great and my dogs are so happy to run free!
Falicia C., Petaluma
Dogwatch has been providing safe boundaries for my dogs inside and outside for more than 5 years. Troy initially set us up with a unit inside the house to keep the Corgi off the couch. In 2005 the backyard was renovated with all new landscaping and pool, and Troy established the boundaries in the yard for both the Corgi and the Golden Retriever. It's been great...the dogs knew where they could go in the yard without my worrying about them being in the pool or tearing up the new plantings. Last Fall my neighbor did some fence repair and cut my Dogwatch wire. It took a few months for the dogs to figure out their "fence" was gone and then the digging in the landscape started. One phone call to Troy and my wire break was repaired (actually, the same day!). My Golden is not so happy that her boundary is back, but I'm ecstatic! Thanks for the great product supported by the awesome service!
Barbara V., Almaden Valley
Troy from DogWatch originally set up an electronic fence for my young boxer about four years ago. It has been wonderful containment for our dog without any wrought iron fences needed. Troy is fast to respond to messages, very friendly and easy to work with. His last visit to our home he fixed the error quickly and introduced me to the remote trainer after I was discussing my dog's behavior. So far, the remote trainer is a super great tool to help my dog become the best he can be.
Robin M., Pleasanton
A friend referred me to Troy 3 years ago when we put in a new lawn - I had been frantic trying to keep the dogs off the lawn to prevent them from burning holes in it! Troy came and installed an electronic fence around the lawn and 3 years later I still have a beautiful, green lawn! Since then he's also solved our large dog's counter-surfing problem in the kitchen and our small dogs running out the gate issues... He is prompt, courteous, responds to messages quickly and has been a joy to work with!
Kristine H., Hillsborough
Dogwatch Hidden Fence has changed our family's life. Before installing Dogwatch Hidden Fence, we had to be ever so careful when we opened the door so our two beastly dogs would not dash out and away; they would escape, and we would spend time roaming the neighborhood anxiously hoping to find them quickly and safely! Then, Troy and Dogwatch came to the rescue - now our dogs never leave the yard. They are free to roam the one acre property, and we know they will be "home" at all times. It is such a peace of mind. Also, Troy responds rapidly to any repair needed to the Dogwatch system. It is a great product and Troy represents it well.
Debi C., Los Altos
We could not be more impressed! Troy installed our fence several years ago and it worked to perfection. We more recently experienced some problems working the equipment, and despite the time lapse Troy came out and fixed the problems free of charge. Even better, "the problems" were mostly "operator error", and Troy expressed no irritation with said "operators" (us). Honestly, Troy's integrity and focus on customer service could not be better. I give his products and service my highest recommendation without hesitation.
Jay V., Walnut Creek
Troy came to set up a new transmitter on an old system from another dealer. He was prompt, professional, and courteous. He was able to use the existing wire and provide two receiver collars for a reasonable price. I have two Schipperkes who run really fast and although they mostly stay around they can momentarily lose their minds and run off faster than the blink of an eye. We like to have them outside with us in the summertime. This system works great to allow them to be with us without us having the fear of losing them. We all enjoy our "outside time"!
Christine C., Los Gatos
Excellent service! Love the great customer service given by Troy - the man who set me up with DOGWATCH!
Our dogs are staying in!
Way to go Troy and DOGWATCH!
Jill H., Grass Valley
Dogwatch changed our lives!!! Before it, our constantly hungry golden retriever would ransack our kitchen and the kid's could never eat on the dining table in peace. With the Dogwatch system, the kitchen has been off limits and the kid's are no longer attacked at the dining room table. And, as a side benefit, we can also let them out of the front yard and feel comfortable that they won't run to the street as we have a pet fence unit installed out there as well. We did have an issue once, but Troy quickly pointed out a few fixes (the battery in this case) and we were good to go. We highly recommend this.....it works!!!
James H., San Bruno
DogWatch is the greatest...Troy not only installs the dog fence but helps train and is always available if issues like power outages and broken lines occur. He is so responsive. Our dogs are safe and happy.
Sally F., Portola Valley
The service works great for our three dogs. We have had it for 4 years and just expanded the area for the dogs. During the time we had it, a winter storm knocked over a tree that broke the wire. Troy was there the next day to fix it. I would highly recommend Dogwatch and Troy to anyone.
John O., Woodside
The Dogwatch hidden fence company really helped me keep my Golden Retriever safe. They installed a hidden fence on my one and one third acre property. Troy had been a savior in keeping my Golden within her territory. We had a small problem with the receiver but Troy came out and replaced it at no cost to me. She now knows how far she can go before she gets the correction. I am extremely pleased and would recommend this company to anyone. Thank you.
Ellen J., Woodside
We really like our dogwatch pet fence. Our two Rotts stay in perfectly.
Linda D., Grass Valley
Troy from Dogwatch is very knowledgeable about dogs in general and set up a system for us two years ago for our dog Wally. It has been great. Wally has had the freedom to roam our property and we know he won't go beyond the fence limits. Recently we adopted a second dog, Stella. Troy came out right away and set up a collar for her. She is now enjoying the same freedom, and we haven't had to build a fence around our large property. He also told us about a new remote training collar that we have been using for certain issues involving both the dogs. It has worked great. Troy is very professional, and I definitely recommend him and his hidden fence products.
Geri J., Half Moon Bay
This system has been fantastic -keeping our two dogs, a big Shepherd and a small Cavalier, safe. Our wood perimeter fence could not contain our determined dogs. The Hidden Fence keeps them from wandering into the street in front of the house and prevents them from getting into the hillside portion of our back lot where ticks abound. Their customer service is the best.
Chris K., San Mateo
This is the second home Troy has installed a hidden fence. Right after moving we lost one of our labs to cancer and our second one would not let us out of her sight. When we both drove away she would blast through the fence and chase us. One phone call to Troy and we were reminded to tighten her collar. Now everything is working as it should and Callie is safe. I have and will continue to recommend Troy to my friends.
Elaine C., Sonoma
Troy did a fantastic job installing two DogWatch systems; very professional and timely. One of the systems was an Invisible Fence brand replacement and part of the reason I decided to change was local support. When I had problems with Invisible I ended up talking to someone in Alabama (?) and the help was pretty limited considering the cost of the system and batteries. I would recommend Troy and Dogwatch - neither of these systems are inexpensive but the DogWatch system works very well *and* has superior support.
Basil A., Los Gatos
Great Fast service.
Neat, clean, very dependable.
I have used Troy twice and have recommended him to several of my friends. He has also shipped me new collars and batteries.
I own 5 Anatolian Shepherds and it has really helped keep them in the pastures.
Kathy G., Napa
My husband and I have used the BigLeash remote trainer to stop our dog's jumping behavior. Great tool. We also use it on our hiking trips, to keep him from roaming too far from us. We definitely recommend Dogwatch, Troy and Andrew.
Amanda S., Morgan Hill
Our family has used DogWatch for about 8 years. Troy and his guys (Jose and Andrew) have always been great to deal with. We've recommended the Hidden Fence to many of our friends and relatives, even back in Syracuse. DogWatch is the way to go. We'll be calling about a wiring at our Truckee home soon, now that we know DogWatch is there, too. Thanks Troy & Christine.
Chris R., Carmel Valley
We have worked with Troy for 10+ years and his level of service and responsiveness is always top notch. The pet fence product he uses is great and he backs all his work and products with a fabulous guarantee. I would only use Dogwatch Bay Area/NorCal!
Rochelle B., Truckee
We have had the system for 2 years and believe strongly in how it works. The dogs learned quickly and Troy has been great to work with - very prompt with answering questions and providing service when needed.
Courtney M., Scotts Valley
Dog Watch has made a huge difference in our lives. One of our two dogs was an expert escape artist. This dog would get out of our fenced property daily, by tunneling, jumping and actively looking for places to escape. Several friends highly recommended Dogwatch and spoke of Troy's excellent customer service. Troy came out to do the fence installation and train our dogs. Both of our dogs are very different and needed slightly different approaches for training. One is high energy and repeatedly tested the Hidden Fence. The other is a timid rescue dog and needed to be handled with care. The customer service provided by Troy was impressive, and he identified what each dog needed to ensure successful training. Troy went above and beyond for us, with prompt phone support and a second dog training session. We would definitely recommend Troy and Dogwatch!
Giselle G., Saratoga
Dogwatch installed a Hidden Fence on my half acre property in Almaden Valley to keep my terrier in. Troy and Jose came out to do the installation and trained my dog. I liked the option of a smaller collar for my terrier because he's only 18 pounds! The service was great and I would definitely recommend Christine, Jose and Troy to any of my friends!
Krystal M., Almaden Valley
Troy has installed systems in two homes for us. His professionalism, genuine care for our pet's safety and impeccable service has undoubtedly made us customers for life. We've recommended him to a number of friends who were also elated with Troy's dedication to providing a superior customer experience.
Janis H., Soquel
We had Troy install a hidden fence system 2 yrs ago on our 1/2 acre lot to keep our two Aussies from injuring themselves running in and out of our concrete V-ditch. It worked wonderfully, and we had the added benefit of keeping the dogs out of the plant beds and my flowers returned! I can't say enough about Troy's customer service. He's been out several times to repair the line (gardener cut the line) and adjust a couple of things. At times I've had to insist that I pay him for his time. He has installed systems with three of my friends and all are thrilled with the service and results.
Julie S., Pleasanton
We have a 2 year old dog who kept digging up our drip line-causing lots of problems with our yard (mud, water spurting out of the torn up lines, half the yard not getting watered, etc.) I was referred to Troy and DogWatch by several friends and neighbors and had the system installed a month ago. It has worked really well. No more digging up drip irrigation. We can now leave her outside and not worry what we might come home to- or find out about later when part of the yard is flooded.
The pet fence system is working great and Troy is incredibly helpful. We had a dog over for two days who dug up the DogWatch line and Troy came the next day and fixed the system. I'm so grateful to have a solution to this ongoing problem. I had previously called a few dog trainers and the only other solution seemed to be to monitor the dog whenever she is in the yard- including at night when you can't see our black dog in the dark. That plan was not going to work.
Troy will give you a fair estimate, great tips on which parts of the yard to do or not do and walks you through everything you need to know. The unit in the garage comes complete with extra batteries, instructions, and reminders about changing batteries. So straight forward and easy to use- and now we have complete piece of mind about the drip lines and sprinklers.
Denise G., Los Altos
Christine & Troy,
We cannot thank you enough for coming to our rescue the day after one of our dogs disappeared from our back yard. When I met you while you were installing an electronic fence at our neighbor's house I had just gotten off the phone with another electronic fence company which had installed a fence for us 10 years ago, and I was very disappointed and frustrated. Our older dog had left our yard and was lost for more than a day before we could find him and with a new puppy we were especially concerned and wanted to be sure we did not lose either one of them. I had called my old company, The Invisible Fence company, based in Atlanta, to ask for their help because we needed a collar for our new puppy and an updated one for our older dog. They had just been to our house a few weeks before and charged me nearly $400 to repair breaks in the fence they installed 10 years ago and the guy who came did not have any collars the size my dogs needed on his truck. The company said they could send them to me, and by the time they added the mailing charge I would owe them nearly $700 more and it would be several days. I was frustrated with the hassle and the expense.
You saved the day. I was so surprised and so happy to find you willing to listen to my story of what had happened (as I shared my frustration with my neighbor) and to be kind enough to tell me what your company's policies and prices were. I was shocked at the difference not only in price, but also in quality. I was impressed with the fact that your company uses high-efficiency batteries which consume the lowest amount of power in the industry and are therefore not only good for our environment, but for us as well as you pass the cost savings on to us in terms of longer battery life. You also explained that you would not have to charge me to put in a whole new system, but could use my existing system and convert our box to your program, and best of all you had the collars my dogs needed ON YOUR TRUCK. (and as a indication of your thoroughness and sense of fun in this job, I was soon to find out that you had a variety of designs of collars and we chuckled as we picked out the perfect design for each of my dogs)
You gave me your card, asked me to think about your product and to call you. It did not take me long to decide; I called you as soon as I got home and could not have been happier or more surprised when you offered to come to my home right away to complete the work for me. Since that day, my dogs have been happily hanging out in my backyard, the electronic fence has worked without a hitch. After getting the runaround and price gouging from my original company, I was delighted to find you had not only the best prices and best products but you were right here in our area. Many thanks!
Best Regards,
Betsy M., Hillsborough
With 2 new puppies eating my wife's beautiful gardens, I searched for a solution. In a hurry to stem the bleeding plants, I contacted Invisible Fence to begin the work. The install date came and I had taken the day off to oversee the work. By 10 am, no one had showed up. I called their office, which I was told was local, but by the area code I could see it was in Southern California. Their scheduler informed me their installer was sick and wouldn't be there to complete the work that day. I politely asked who was covering my time and would they be reimbursing me on the next scheduled appointment, and further, why was there no courtesy call to inform me of the missed date? The scheduler became rude and argumentative. Eventually I reached the Owner on his cell and he agreed to perform the install himself the following day. After the system was installed, the training was completed and the Dogs respected the wire immediately. Unfortunately, the scheduler, also the Office Manager and Bookkeeper, extracted her revenge by billing my credit card twice for the contract amount and not deducting the initial deposit. After several less than favorable calls to the Bookkeeper/Manager/Scheduler, she couldn't see the error. My calls to the Owner's cell went unanswered. At this point I informed Invisible Fence I wanted the complete system removed. I contacted my Credit Card Company and began the process of having the charges reversed. After several more daysof unanswered calls, I was finally able to contact their Corporate Offices where I was promised resolution within I day. After having to argue with their V P, I was told that obviously I was one of those customers that couldn't be satisfied and they would refund me fully for the system. I thought this quite insulting, but considering the source, let it pass.
The Good News...
This go around I took the time to research and discovered DogWatch, specifically Troy, from our Puppies Litter Mate as it turned out. Troy came to the site, agreed to remove the old system and was also able to wire some Islands that the BrandX company said couldn't be done. Troy was in and out in I day, neat, clean and professional. Since that time our Female has managed to eat two collars. DogWatch replaced them via mail the next day. Troy and his staff are the epitome of Customer Service and I can't recommend them highly enough. I only wished I had done a little more homework and I could have saved myself a lot of grief. Further, my Wife's Garden has managed a come back without the Dog's trampling through it. They have also decided that there is only one area to poop. This is worth the price all by itself.
Thanks DogWatch for great service and a perfectly operating system.
Steve and Laura B., Pleasanton


® products are protected under U.S. Patent Nos.: 5,353,744; 5,465,687; 6,079,367; 6,467,435; 6,360,698.© 2009