Most dogs i have squirrel hunted with haven't gone more than 100 yards from the hunter, maybe that is just the ones I hunted with.

I have an underground fence on 1 1/2 acres and lightning got my first unit too. Then i bought a surge suppression unit made for under ground fences and have not had a problem since. It plugs in to the receptacle and the wire from underground plug in to the suppressor, the a jumper goes from the suppressor to the fence unit. I bought it from sportdog and it puts a lifetime warranty on the fence and the suppressor.

My lot is 2 1/4 acres with 1 1/2 acres fenced and deer come to my feeder on the back 3/4 of an acre everyday with my lab barking the entire time they are there. Deer become accustom to their surroundings, dogs and all.