How a GPS Dog Fence Gave a Senior Dog Her Life Back

REVIEW: “How a GPS Dog Fence Gave Our Senior Dog Her Life Back”

When Joanna first introduced GPS dog collars to her pack of livestock guardian dogs, she had no idea just how crucial the SpotOn GPS Fence would become in helping lab-husky mix, Lacey, stay safe, confident, and happy through the final chapter of her life.

Lacey—along with registered Karakachan livestock guardian dogs, Stella and Wally—protect Joanna’s vibrant Kansas farm property, where you’ll find horses, Scottish Highland Cattle, chickens, and cats. Lacey had a reputation as a reliable and fierce defender against coyotes, and she once warded off a pack of six coyotes on her own. As Lacey aged, it was clear she wasn’t as sharp and upon a checkup, Joanna learned that Lacey developed early-onset canine cognitive dysfunction—commonly known as dog dementia. Like many dogs with this condition, she began to forget some of her training, including where it was safe to roam. The risks quickly became serious.

"Our senior lab-husky, Lacey, developed early onset canine cognitive dysfunction (dog dementia), and as it progressed, she forgot a lot of her training, including perimeter training."
- Joanna, Kansas

Lacey started escaping and crossing a nearby highway, a terrifying reality for any dog owner. Joanna needed a way to protect Lacey—without locking her away from the outdoor freedom that kept her calm and content.

Training That Stuck—Even When Memory Faded

Joanna had trained Lacey to the SpotOn GPS Fence system before her dementia took hold. Despite the cognitive decline, Lacey still remembered the cues from her SpotOn collar.

"Luckily, we had her trained to the SpotOn collar, and for some reason, that training stayed with her."

SpotOn’s progressive training cues—tone, vibration, and optional static—are designed to be intuitive for dogs to learn and remember. In Lacey’s case, they stuck even as she lost much of her other training, providing a consistent source of guidance when she needed it most.

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Custom GPS Fences for Real-Life Freedom 

Living next to a highway and surrounded by open pasture, Joanna needed a fencing solution that could adapt to their land—not limit it. With SpotOn, they were able to create multiple GPS fences and tailor the boundary to Lacey’s favorite places.

"She was able to still go out loose during the day, which was even more important as her dementia had made her very anxious if she was locked up in her dog yard.

Lacey was also able to go out in the pasture and explore, hunt field mice (her favorite pastime), and swim in the pond, and we were able to know she was safe, even though her mind was giving out."

Unlike physical fences or buried wire systems, SpotOn allowed Joanna to give Lacey freedom across acres of terrain—without compromising safety. It was the kind of flexible setup that made life feel normal again.

Peace of Mind—Even at Night

One of the hardest parts of caring for a dog with dementia is the confusion they can experience, especially at night. SpotOn’s real-time tracking gave Joanna a clear view of Lacey’s location 24/7, which meant even if she wandered or got disoriented, help was just a tap away.

"We also were able to let her loose at night, knowing if she got confused or lost, we could easily find her."

SpotOn’s tracking tools offer both emergency reassurance and everyday confidence. Whether you're dealing with an anxious senior or an adventurous puppy, knowing exactly where your dog is brings unmatched peace of mind.

Giving Lacey Her Best Final Year

For Joanna and Lacey, the SpotOn system wasn’t just a way to contain a dog. It was a tool that restored quality of life during a time when every day mattered.

"It was the perfect way...and only real way, to allow her to enjoy her life to the fullest until her very last days."

Combined with veterinary care and medication, SpotOn helped Lacey enjoy an extra year of safe outdoor adventures—doing what she loved most.

"With the medication options available now, we were able to enjoy a full extra year with our girl, and with SpotOn keeping her safe and allowing her to maintain the level of freedom that kept her happy, I know she enjoyed that extra year too."

The Best GPS Fence for Senior and Special-Needs Dogs

 Lacey’s story shows what makes SpotOn GPS Fence the best dog fence for rural properties, dogs with medical conditions, and families who want safety without sacrificing freedom.

✅ Custom GPS fences that match your land and your dog’s lifestyle
✅ Gentle, progressive training cues dogs remember—even with cognitive decline
✅ Reliable tracking and recall tools for full visibility and peace of mind
✅ No buried wires or hardware, just a collar and an app
✅ Perfect for remote areas, farms, and multi-acre properties

If you’re looking for a fence that adapts to your dog, your land, and your life, SpotOn GPS Fence offers superior technology, paired with a better quality of life for you and your dog.

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