The system I put in is installed for you, and they have trainers who come out a couple of times after the installation. You can buy similar systems for less at Petsmart and such, but the collars fail pretty regularly and if people aren't consistent with the training (the first couple of weeks the dogs can't be in the yard without you there to offer correction) then the dogs don't really get the point. These collars are guaranteed from the life of the system and my life, not that of the dogs, so they're replaced if they're anything but lost. Batteries are about $60 per year per dog. A half-acre yard cost about $1400 for the wire, the collars, the first year of batteries and several trainer visits. I'm paying on a no-interest loan (12 months, go over that and they add back in the interest).

It's as much about training as it is about the system itself. You could put up the flags every 3 feet or so and if the dog approaches do a sharp tug on the collar and "no!" so they get the idea to stay away from the flags. But you'd have to do that for a couple of weeks until the dog is accustomed to the boundary, and gradually remove the flags. But without the collar, there isn't an occasional correction when you're not there.

The sleep in the room thing is an idea, and it doesn't need to be on the bed, but remember--dogs don't need you to hug and kiss and pamper them to feel accepted and part of your pack. They'll enjoy your company even if you're just sitting outside with them nearby or at your feet.

SRS