Electronic animal confinement system

Abstract

A system ( 10 ) for confining an animal ( 18 ) in an area ( 16 ) defined by a boundary signal. The system includes a transmitter ( 22; 22 A) to generate the boundary signal and an emitter such as a wire ( 20 ) to define area ( 16 ). The system also includes a receiver ( 26; 26 A; 200; 200 A) to be carried on the animal's neck. The receiver includes three selectively monitored and orthogonally-positional antennas ( 30, 32, 34; 202, 204, 206 ) to avoid missing a boundary signal. The receiver further includes code-detecting, duration monitoring and/or signal-strength circuitry ( 270 ) to control giving a shock to the animal. Further, the receiver is duty-cycled to conserve battery power ( 56 ). The shock is communicated via a conductive compliant tip ( 532 ) to reduce discomfort to the animal. The transmitter includes circuitry ( 64 ) to include a code in the boundary signal, and an isolation transformer ( 102 ) to protect the transmitter from energy strikes, such as lightning, at the emitter ( 20 ).

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A receiver adapted to be supported on an animal to confine the animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the receiver comprising: 
 three generally orthogonally positioned antennas;    a source of annoyance signals;    receiver circuitry coupled to the source of annoyance signals and enabling the annoyance signals in response to receipt of a boundary signal on at least one of the antennas; and    switch circuitry coupled to the antennas and selectively coupling, one at a time, one of the three antennas to the receiver circuitry.    
     
     
         2 . The receiver of  claim 1  wherein the receiver circuitry includes control circuitry coupled to the switch circuitry by which to control which antenna is coupled to the receiver circuitry.  
     
     
         3 . The receiver of  claim 2  wherein the switch circuitry includes a trio of switches each coupled to a respective one of the antennas.  
     
     
         4 . The receiver of  claim 3  wherein the control circuity includes counter circuitry having a plurality of outputs each coupled to a respective one of the switches whereby to control same.  
     
     
         5 . The receiver of  claim 3  wherein the control circuitry includes a programmable device which selectively actuates a respective one of the switches whereby to control same.  
     
     
         6 . The receiver of  claim 2  wherein the control circuit includes means for maintaining a selected one of the antennas coupled to the receiver circuitry in response to receipt of a boundary signal.  
     
     
         7 . The receiver of  claim 1  wherein the source of annoyance signals includes an audible sounder whereby to provide an audible alert.  
     
     
         8 . The receiver of  claim 1  wherein the source of annoyance signals includes a shock generator whereby to generate a shock.  
     
     
         9 . The receiver or  claim 8  further including at least one electrically conductive probe coupled to the shock generator whereby to communicate the shock from the shock generator to the animal.  
     
     
         10 . The receiver of  claim 9  wherein the probe includes an electrically conductive, compliant tip.  
     
     
         11 . The receiver of  claim 8  wherein the receiver circuitry includes duration-monitoring circuitry enabling the shock generator when a boundary signal has been received for a selected duration.  
     
     
         12 . The receiver of  claim 11  wherein the receiver circuitry further includes a selector by which to select the duration.  
     
     
         13 . The receiver of  claim 11  wherein the receiver circuitry includes code-detecting circuitry evaluating the received boundary signal for a predetermined code, the duration-monitoring circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a boundary signal with the predetermined code has been received for the selected duration.  
     
     
         14 . The receiver of  claim 13  wherein the source of annoyance signals further includes an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         15 . The receiver of  claim 13  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuitry for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         16 . The receiver of  claim 8  wherein the receiver circuitry includes code-detecting circuitry evaluating the received boundary signal for a predetermined code, the duration-monitoring circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         17 . The receiver of  claim 16  wherein the source of annoyance signals further includes an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         18 . The receiver of  claim 16  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuitry for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         19 . The receiver of  claim 8  wherein the receiver circuitry includes signal-strength circuitry enabling the shock generator when a boundary signal of sufficient strength is received.  
     
     
         20 . The receiver of  claim 19  wherein the receiver circuitry further includes code-detecting circuitry evaluating the received boundary signal for a predetermined code, the signal-strength circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a sufficiently strong boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         21 . The receiver of  claim 20  wherein the source of annoyance signals further includes an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         22 . The receiver of  claim 20  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuitry for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         23 . The receiver of  claim 1  wherein the receiver circuitry includes an RF front end and a processing section, the RF front end converting the signals received by the antennas to a form compatible with the processing section, the processing section being responsive to the converted form of signals to enable the annoyance signals, the receiver further comprising duty cycle circuitry coupled to the RF front end and selectively coupling power between a source of power and the RF front end to turn same on and off whereby to conserve power.  
     
     
         24 . The receiver of  claim 23  wherein the processing section includes control circuitry coupled to the duty cycle circuitry and responsive to receipt by one of the antennas of a signal that may be a boundary signal to interrupt action of the duty cycle circuitry whereby to maintain the RF front end turned on.  
     
     
         25 . The receiver of  claim 23  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to motion of the animal to interrupt action of the duty cycle circuitry whereby to maintain the RF front end turned on.  
     
     
         26 . The receiver of  claim 23  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to prolonged inactivity of the animal to limit action or the duty cycle circuit wherein to maintain the RF front end turned off.  
     
     
         27 . The receiver of  claim 23  wherein the duty cycle circuitry is further coupled to the processing section and further selectively couples power between the source of power and the processing section to selectively turn same on and off whereby to conserve power.  
     
     
         28 . A receiver adapted to be supported on an animal to confine the animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the receiver comprising: 
 at least one antenna;    a shock generator;    receiver circuitry coupled to the antenna, the receiver circuitry including duration-monitoring circuitry enabling the shock generator when a boundary signal has been received for a selected duration, the receiver circuitry further including a selector by which to select the duration.    
     
     
         29 . The receiver of  claim 23  wherein the receiver circuitry further includes code-detecting circuitry evaluating the received boundary signal for a predetermined code, the duration-monitoring circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a boundary signal with the predetermined code has been received for the selected duration.  
     
     
         30 . The receiver of  claim 29  further comprising an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         31 . The receiver or  claim 29  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuitry for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         32 . The receiver of  claim 28  wherein the receiver circuitry further includes signal-strength circuitry enabling the shock generator when a boundary signal of sufficient strength is received.  
     
     
         33 . The receiver of  claim 32  wherein the receiver circuitry further includes code-detecting circuitry comparing a code in the received boundary signal to a predetermined code, the signal-strength circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a sufficiently strong boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         34 . The receiver of  claim 33  further comprising an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         35 . The receiver of  claim 33  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuitry for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         36 . The receiver of  claim 28  wherein the receiver circuitry includes an RF front end and a processing section including the duration-monitoring circuitry, the RF front end converting the signals received by the antenna to a form compatible with the processing section, the processing section being responsive to the converted form of signals to control the shock generator, the receiver further comprising duty cycle circuitry coupled to the RF front end and selectively coupling power between a source of power and the RF front end to turn same on and off whereby to conserve power.  
     
     
         37 . The receiver of  claim 36  wherein the processing section includes control circuitry coupled to the duty cycle circuitry and responsive to receipt of a signal that may be a boundary signal to interrupt action of the duty cycle circuitry whereby to maintain the RF front end turned on.  
     
     
         38 . The receiver of  claim 36  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to motion of the animal to interrupt action of the duty cycle circuitry whereby to maintain the RF front end turned on.  
     
     
         39 . The receiver of  claim 36  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to prolonged inactivity of the animal to limit action of the duty cycle circuit whereby to maintain the RF front end turned off.  
     
     
         40 . The receiver of  claim 36  wherein the duty cycle circuitry is further coupled to the processing section and further selectively couples power between the source of power and the processing section to selectively turn same on and off whereby to conserve power.  
     
     
         41 . The receiver of  claim 28  further including at least one electrically conductive probe coupled to the shock generator whereby to communicate shocks from the shock generator to the animal.  
     
     
         42 . The receiver of  claim 41  wherein the probe includes an electrically conductive, compliant tip.  
     
     
         43 . A receiver adapted to be supported on an animal to confine the animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the receiver comprising: 
 at least one antenna;    a source of annoyance signals;    an RF front end coupled to the antenna and processing circuitry coupled to the RF front end and enabling the annoyance signals in response to receipt of a boundary signal on the antenna; and    duty cycle circuitry coupled between a source of power and at least the RF front end, the duty cycle circuitry selectively coupling power between the source of power and the RF front end to turn same on and off whereby to conserve power.    
     
     
         44 . The receiver of  claim 43  further comprising: 
 two more antennas, the three antennas being generally orthogonally positioned; and  
 switch circuitry coupled to the antennas and selectively coupling, one at a time, one of the antennas to the RF front end whereby to enable the annoyance signals in response to receipt of a boundary signal on at least one of the antennas.  
 
     
     
         45 . The receiver of  claim 43  wherein the processing section further includes control circuitry coupled to the duty cycle circuitry and responsive to receipt of a signal that may be a boundary signal to interrupt action of the duty cycle circuitry whereby to maintain the RF front end turned on.  
     
     
         46 . The receiver of  claim 45  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to motion of the animal to interrupt action of the duty cycle circuitry whereby to maintain the RF front end turned on.  
     
     
         47 . The receiver of  claim 45  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to prolonged inactivity of the animal to limit action of the duty cycle circuit whereby to maintain the RF front end turned off.  
     
     
         48 . The receiver of  claim 43  wherein the duty cycle circuitry is further coupled to the processing section and further selectively couples power between the source of power and the processing section to selectively turn same on and off whereby to conserve power.  
     
     
         49 . The receiver of  claim 48  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to motion of the animal to interrupt action of the duty cycle circuitry whereby, to maintain the RF front end and the processing circuitry turned on.  
     
     
         50 . The receiver of  claim 48  wherein the receiver further includes motion sensor circuitry responsive to prolonged inactivity of the animal to limit action of the duty cycle circuit whereby to maintain the RF front end and the processing circuitry turned off.  
     
     
         51 . The receiver of  claim 43  wherein the duty cycle circuitry includes a multivibrator with an output cycling between a first state and a second state, the output being coupled to the RF front end such that in a first state of the output, the RF front end is turned on, and in a second state of the output, the RF front end is turned off.  
     
     
         52 . The receiver of  claim 51  further comprising state-controller circuitry responsive to the RF front end to control the multivibrator such that its output remains in the first state in response to receipt of a signal that may be a boundary signal.  
     
     
         53 . The receiver of  claim 52  wherein the processing circuitry includes reset circuitry to release control of the multivibrator from the state-controller circuitry whereby the multivibrator's output again cycles between the first and second states.  
     
     
         54 . The receiver of  claim 43  further comprising: 
 power-signal circuitry having a first state and a second state and being coupled to the processing circuitry whereby to power same in the first state, the power-signal circuitry normally being in the second state; and  
 control circuitry, coupled to the duty-cycle circuitry and the power-signal circuitry, responsive to receipt of a signal that may be a boundary signal to interrupt action of the duty-cycle circuitry and to force the power-signal circuitry into the first state whereby to maintain the RF front end and the processing section turned on.  
 
     
     
         55 . The receiver of  claim 54  wherein the processing section includes reset circuitry to release control of the duty-cycle circuitry and power-signal circuitry from the control circuitry whereby to turn off the processing section and to restore action of the duty-cycle circuitry to turn the RF front end on and off.  
     
     
         56 . The receiver of  claim 55  wherein the processing section further includes keep-alive circuitry coupled to the power-signal circuitry and selectively causing the power-signal circuitry to remain in the first state whereby to keep the processing section turned on irrespective of the reset circuitry.  
     
     
         57 . The receiver of  claim 43  wherein the duty-cycle circuitry includes: 
 actuatable timer circuitry having an output being in one of a first state and a second state; and  
 power-signal circuitry responsive to the timer circuitry output to provide power to the RF front end in the first state of the timer circuitry and to terminate power to the Rf front end in the second state of the timer circuitry.  
 
     
     
         58 . The receiver of  claim 57 , the processing circuitry further being coupled to the power-signal circuitry to be turned on thereby in the first state of the timer circuitry.  
     
     
         59 . The receiver of  claim 58 , the processing circuitry including shutdown circuitry, the timer circuitry being responsive to the shutdown circuitry such that the output of the timer circuitry is actuated into the second state in response to a shutdown signal from the shutdown circuitry, whereby the processing circuitry is turned off and the timer circuitry reestablishes its output in the first state after a timer period of the timer circuitry.  
     
     
         60 . The receiver of  claim 57 , the processing circuitry including shutdown circuitry, the timer circuitry being responsive to the shutdown circuitry such that the output of the timer circuitry is actuated into the second state in response to a shutdown signal from the shutdown circuitry, whereby the RF front end is turned off and the timer circuitry reestablishes its output in the first state after a timer period of the timer circuitry.  
     
     
         61 . The receiver of  claim 43  wherein the source of annoyance signals includes a shock generator whereby to generate a shock.  
     
     
         62 . The receiver of  claim 61  further including at least one electrically conductive probe coupled to the shock generator whereby to communicate the shock from the shock generator to the animal.  
     
     
         63 . The receiver of  claim 62  wherein the probe includes an electrically conductive, compliant tip.  
     
     
         64 . The receiver of  claim 61  wherein the receiver circuitry includes duration-monitoring circuitry enabling the shock generator when a boundary signal has been received for a selected duration.  
     
     
         65 . The receiver of  claim 64  wherein the receiver circuitry further includes a selector by which to select the duration.  
     
     
         66 . The receiver of  claim 64  wherein the receiver circuitry includes code-detecting circuitry evaluating the received boundary signal for a predetermined code, the duration-monitoring circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a boundary signal with the predetermined code has been received for the selected duration.  
     
     
         67 . The receiver of  claim 66  wherein the source of annoyance signals further includes an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         68 . The receiver of  claim 66  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuitry for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         69 . The receiver of  claim 61  wherein the receiver circuitry includes code-detecting circuitry evaluating the received boundary signal for a predetermined code, the duration-monitoring circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         70 . The receiver of  claim 69  wherein the source of annoyance signals further includes an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         71 . The receiver of  claim 69  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuitry for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         72 . The receiver of  claim 61  wherein the receiver circuitry includes signal-strength circuitry enabling the shock generator when a boundary signal of sufficient strength is received.  
     
     
         73 . The receiver of  claim 72  wherein the receiver circuitry further includes code-detecting circuit evaluating the received boundary signal for a predetermined code, the signal-strength circuitry and the code-detecting circuitry cooperating to enable the shock generator when a sufficiently strong boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         74 . The receiver of  claim 72  wherein the source of annoyance signals further includes an audible sounder responsive to the code-detecting circuitry to sound when a boundary signal with the predetermined code is received.  
     
     
         75 . The receiver of  claim 72  in combination with a transmitter of the boundary signal, the transmitter having circuit for including the predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         76 . A receiver adapted to be supported on an animal to confine the animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the receiver comprising: 
 at least one antenna;    an audible sounder;    a shock generator;    receiver circuitry coupled to the antenna, the receiver circuitry including code-detecting circuitry enabling the audible sounder in response to a predetermined code in a boundary signal received at the antenna, the receiver circuitry further including duration-monitoring circuitry responsive to the code-detect circuitry and receipt at the antenna of the boundary signal for a selected duration, the shock generator being responsive to the duration-monitoring circuitry whereby to generate a shock when the boundary signal includes the predetermined code and is received for the selected duration; and    the receiver circuitry further including signal-strength circuitry responsive to the code-detect circuitry and receipt at the antenna of the boundary signal having a strength above a preselected level, the shock generator further being responsive to the signal-strength circuitry whereby to generate a shock when the boundary signal is of sufficient strength and includes the predetermined code irrespective of whether the boundary signal is received for the selected duration.    
     
     
         77 . The receiver of  claim 76  further comprising a selector by which to select the duration.  
     
     
         78 . A receiver adapted to be supported on an animal to confine the animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the receiver comprising: 
 at least one antenna;    a shock generator;    receiver circuitry coupled to the antenna and enabling the shock generator in response to receipt of a boundary signal;    a conductive probe coupled to the shock generator whereby to communicate a shock from the shock generator to the animal; and    an electrically conductive, compliant portion being defined at a distal tip of the probe.    
     
     
         79 . The receiver of  claim 78  wherein the probe includes a rigid support portion and the compliant tip portion is a separate piece having an aperture into which the support portion is received to establish mechanical and electrical connection therebetween.  
     
     
         80 . The receiver of  claim 79 , the support portion having a christmas-tree-like exterior.  
     
     
         81 . The receiver of  claim 79 , the support portion having anti-rotation notches formed therein.  
     
     
         82 . A transmitter for an animal confinement system comprising: 
 a boundary signal source;    a connector to couple the boundary signal from the source to a boundary emitter;    an isolation transformer coupled between the source and the connector whereby to isolate against high energy signals on the boundary emitter.    
     
     
         83 . The transmitter of  claim 82  further comprising code circuitry coupled to the boundary signal source for including a predetermined code with the boundary signal.  
     
     
         84 . The transmitter of  claim 83  in combination with a receiver adapted to be supported on an animal, the receiver comprising at least one antenna, a source of annoyance signals, and receiver circuitry responsive to receipt on the antenna of the boundary signal with the predetermined code to enable the annoyance signals.  
     
     
         85 . A receiver adapted to be supported on an animal to confine the animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the receiver comprising: 
 three generally orthogonally positioned antennas;    a source of annoyance signals;    receiver circuitry coupled to the antennas and the source of annoyance signals and enabling the annoyance signals in response to receipt of a boundary signal on at least one of the antennas.    
     
     
         86 . A method of confining an animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the method comprising: 
 generating a boundary signal;    emitting the boundary signal from an emitter to define the boundary;    monitoring, in the vicinity of the animal and from three generally orthogonal orientations relative the animal, for the boundary signal, wherein one orientation at a time is monitored; and    generating an annoyance signal to the animal if the boundary signal is received in at least one of the orientations.    
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 including a predetermined code with the boundary signal;  
 evaluating the received signal for the predetermined code; and  
 generating the annoyance signal only if the predetermined code is present in the received signal.  
 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87  further comprising: 
 monitoring for receipt of the boundary signal over a selected duration;  
 generating the annoyance signal if the boundary signal is received with the predetermined code over the selected duration.  
 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 88  further comprising selecting the duration specific to the animal.  
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 88  further comprising: 
 monitoring the strength of the received boundary signal;  
 generating the annoyance signal if the received boundary signal includes the predetermined code and has a signal strength above a selected level.  
 
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 87  further comprising: 
 monitoring the strength of the received boundary signal;  
 generating the annoyance signal if the received boundary signal includes the predetermined code and has a signal strength above a selected level.  
 
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 monitoring for receipt of the boundary signal over a selected duration;  
 generating the annoyance signal if the boundary signal is received over the selected duration.  
 
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising selecting the duration specific to the animal.  
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 92  further comprising: 
 monitoring the strength of the received boundary signal;  
 generating the annoyance signal if the received boundary signal has a signal strength above a selected level.  
 
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising: 
 monitoring the strength of the received boundary signal;  
 generating the annoyance signal if the received boundary signal has a signal strength above a selected level.  
 
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 86  wherein monitoring for the boundary signal is done with electronic circuitry powered by a battery the method further comprising duty-cycling the electronic circuitry on and off whereby to conserve battery power.  
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising coupling the boundary signal to the emitter via an isolation transformer.  
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 86  further comprising terminating the annoyance signal after a period of time even though the boundary signal is still being received.  
     
     
         99 . The method of confining an animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the method comprising: 
 generating a boundary signal;    emitting the boundary signal from an emitter to define the boundary;    monitoring in the vicinity of the animal for the boundary signal;    generating a shock to the animal if the boundary signal is received over a selected duration; and    selecting the duration specific to the animal.    
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 99  further comprising: 
 including a predetermined code with the boundary signal;  
 evaluating the received signal for the predetermined code; and  
 generating the shock only if the predetermined code is present in the received signal.  
 
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 100  wherein monitoring for the boundary signal is done with electronic circuitry powered by a battery, the method further comprising duty-cycling the electronic circuitry on and off whereby to conserve battery power.  
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 100  further comprising: 
 monitoring the strength of the received boundary signal;  
 generating the shock if the received boundary signal includes the predetermined code and has a signal strength above a selected level.  
 
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 102  wherein monitoring for the boundary signal is done with electronic circuitry powered by a battery, the method further comprising duty-cycling the electronic circuitry on and off whereby to conserve battery power.  
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 99  further comprising: 
 monitoring the strength of the received boundary signal;  
 generating the shock if the received boundary signal has a signal strength above a selected level.  
 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 104  wherein monitoring for the boundary signal is done with electronic circuitry powered by a battery, the method further comprising duty-cycling the electronic circuitry on and off whereby to conserve battery power.  
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 99  wherein monitoring for the boundary signal is done with electronic circuitry powered by a battery the method further comprising duty-cycling the electronic circuitry on and off whereby to conserve battery power.  
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 99  further comprising terminating the shock after a period of time after the selected duration even though the boundary signal is still being received.  
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 99  further comprising coupling the boundary signal to the emitter via an isolation transformer.  
     
     
         109 . A method of confining an animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the method comprising: 
 generating a boundary signal;    emitting the boundary signal from an emitter to define the boundary;    monitoring in the vicinity of the animal for the boundary signal;    generating an audible signal to the animal if the boundary signal is received;    after the audible signal is generated, generating a shock to the animal only if the boundary signal continues to be received over a selected duration; and    generating a shock to the animal if the boundary signal exceeds a preselected strength irrespective of the selected duration.    
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 109  further comprising selecting the duration specific to the animal.  
     
     
         111 . A method of confining an animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the method comprising: 
 generating a boundary signal;    emitting the boundary signal from an emitter to define the boundary;    monitoring in the vicinity of the animal for the boundary signal with electronic circuitry powered by a battery;    generating an annoyance signal to the animal if the boundary signal is received; and    duty-cycling the electronic circuitry on and off whereby to conserve battery power.    
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 111  further comprising coupling the boundary signal to the emitter via an isolation transformer.  
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 111  further comprising terminating the annoyance signal after a period of time even though the boundary signal is still being received.  
     
     
         114 . A method of confining an animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the method comprising: 
 generating a boundary signal;    emitting the boundary signal from an emitter to define the boundary;    monitoring in the vicinity of the animal for the boundary signal;    generating a shock if the boundary signal is received; and    coupling the shock to the animal via a conductive, compliant tip.    
     
     
         115 . The method of  claim 114  further comprising terminating the shock after a period of time even though the boundary signal is still being received.  
     
     
         116 . A method of confining an animal behind a boundary defined by a boundary signal, the method comprising: 
 generating a boundary signal;    emitting the boundary signal from an emitter to define the boundary;    monitoring in the vicinity of the animal for the boundary signal;    generating a shock to the animal if the boundary signal is received;    continuing to generate the shock to the animal while the boundary signal is received; and    terminating the shock to the animal after a period of time even though the boundary signal is still being received.