I am a veterinarian and get lots of feedback from my clients, as well an having installed my own system almost 20 years ago, covering 5 acres. It took us 2 people 1 weekend with a rented edger to do it. My husband is handy, but not an electrician, and he was easily able to figure out how to put it in properly. Having done it once, I could do it myself. We've had some troubles over the years, but the company has always been enormously helpful when I have called with questions. One of my young Brittanies was inclined to run through the line, but once we upped the fence range, turned off the beep, and got a stubborn dog collar, we were able to keep him home. I have pet parents tell me that some dogs will go through the line, no matter what. There will ALWAYS be dogs that foil any attempt to control them. I have as many patients that dig under a physical fence. For the vast majority of dogs, people love their systems. I could not live without one anymore! Opening up the door and letting your dog have free roam regardless of the weather is priceless! Finally after 20 years, we are having problems with inconsistent corrections at different points in the line. I called and spoke to customer service, who immediately knew what I was talking about and walked me through diagnostics. It seems it makes the most sense to replace the perimeter wire, especially since the old systems used a thinner wire than they do now. Finding the one or more spots where the insulation is worn away would be too difficult. I think 20 years of nibbling mice, frost heaves, and freezing weather in VT is more than reasonable. Some advice if you are putting in a new system- use thick red wire. Thick wire is less likely to break and red is easier to find. Because our fence runs through a hayfield that is mowed yearly, we have to bury the line (You don't have to if you are laying it in the woods or other spots that won't be disturbed.) This time, we are going to get surveying markers in fluorescent orange to put at the sights of any wire splicing, which is where you are most likely to have problems. We are also going to put them in every 30 ft or so, so we can keep track of where the wire is, also in case we have to hunt down a problem in the future. One complaint- the new receiver collars are flimsy. There are number of sights online that sell attractive and sturdy collars with pre-drilled holes, so you can move the receiver to a more durable and less boring collar. I think I got mine for about $12.