Abstract: A system is described that includes a signal generator, a boundary loop wire, and a disconnect device, wherein the boundary loop wire is positionable at a location to define a boundary of a containment area, wherein the disconnect device is configured to communicatively couple over a network with one or more applications, wherein the one or more applications run on at least one processor. The system includes the signal generator for driving a current through the boundary loop wire. The disconnect device comprises a first component for disconnecting the boundary loop wire from the signal generator. The one or more applications are configured to send the disconnect device an instruction, wherein the instruction comprises disconnecting the boundary loop wire from the signal generator.

Abstract: A system is described that includes a signal generator, a boundary loop wire, and a disconnect device, wherein the boundary loop wire is positionable at a location to define a boundary of a containment area, wherein the disconnect device is configured to communicatively couple over a network with one or more applications, wherein the one or more applications run on at least one processor. The system includes the signal generator for driving a current through the boundary loop wire. The disconnect device comprises a first component for disconnecting the boundary loop wire from the signal generator. The one or more applications are configured to send the disconnect device an instruction, wherein the instruction comprises disconnecting the boundary loop wire from the signal generator.

Abstract: A bark deterrent apparatus with an internal vibration sensor. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus uses an internal mechanical vibration sensor that detects vibrations induced in the housing. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus eliminates the external probe used in conventional bark deterrent devices to pick up vibrations at the dog's throat and communicate them to a mechanical vibration sensor to be eliminated while still allowing accurate bark detection.

Abstract: A bark control device for deterring a dog from barking. The bark control device includes a vibration dampening material forming or covering at least a portion of the bark control device housing. The vibration dampening material reduces the transfer of vibrations through the bark control device housing by reducing the vibrations to levels undetectable by a bark sensor, by preventing the production of vibrations having characteristics sufficiently similar to a bark, and/or by inhibiting the propagation of such vibrations through the bark control device housing. The vibration dampening material of the housing reduces the occurrence of corrections to the dog due to vibrations emanating from a source other than a bark by the dog.

Abstract: An animal training apparatus including an electrical conductor embedded within a flexible member, and a housing having a through-opening for receiving the electrical conductor therethrough. The flexible member is molded around the electrical conductor and the antenna, while the electrical conductor is positioned such that it extends into the housing through the through-opening. As a result of the molding process, the flexible member shields the housing through-opening, discouraging substances such as water from accessing the interior of the housing via the through-opening.

Abstract: An animal deterrent mat with animal detection capability. The animal deterrent mat produces a detection pulse that is attenuated when an object makes contact with the animal deterrent mat. The animal deterrent mat monitors the amplitude of the detection pulse and compares the measured detection pulse amplitude to one or more threshold values. When the amplitude of the detection pulse is below an upper threshold corresponding to the attenuated signal caused by an animal making contact with the animal deterrent mat and, optionally, above lower threshold corresponding to the attenuated signal caused by another object making contact with the animal deterrent mat, such as a human, a deterrent pulse selected to deter the animal from crossing or remaining on the animal deterrent mat is generated. When the amplitude of the detection pulse is below the optional lower threshold, no deterrent stimulus is generated.

Abstract: A bark deterrent apparatus with an internal vibration sensor. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus uses an internal mechanical vibration sensor that detects vibrations induced in the housing. The probeless bark deterrent apparatus eliminates the external probe used in conventional bark deterrent devices to pick up vibrations at the dog's throat and communicate them to a mechanical vibration sensor to be eliminated while still allowing accurate bark detection.

Abstract: Described is an animal waste product notification device for detecting the occurrence of an animal excreting animal waste product at a defined location, containing the waste product such that the animal cannot track the waste product from the defined location, and notifying a local or remote individual of the occurrence. The animal waste product notification device includes a grate, a bin, and a notification device. The grate includes a detector that is responsive to fluidic animal waste product such that when the waste product passes through apertures defined by the grate, the detector generates a detection signal. When the detector generates the detection signal, the notification device notifies a user of the animal waste product notification device. The bin defines a receptacle that receives the waste product after it passes through the grate.