The Benefits of Electric Dog Fences
Just like invisible fences, electric dog fences are the generic version of the same technology. Available more as a do it yourself project, these fences accomplish the same goals as the name brand varieties. You will save quite a bit of money installing the fence and training your dog yourself, but it will involve some work.
To install the fence you will need to predetermine the parameters that you will permit your dog to roam. Having made that decision you then dig a trench and bury the transmitting wire about six inches below the ground. The wire is connected to a power source and it begins to transmit a radio signal. The signal goes to a receiver that is attached to the dog’s collar. There are a variety of options for the collar.
The basic choices when looking for a collar include a shock collar, a collar that sends a jet of citronella towards the dogs face and one that uses an audible alert. The audible alert can be combined with either the citronella spray or the shock. The shocks are specified not to harm the animal, but there is no standardization in the industry. The shock collar is only appropriate for dogs that have passed six months of age and are at least seven pounds in weight.
Once the system is in place it is time to train your pet. Above the ground you place a series of flags that indicate to the dog where the fence exists underground. As you take your dog near the fence, they will first get a small warning response. If they proceed beyond the fence region the receiver will transmit a full shock to dissuade the dog from passing the fence line. Training sessions should be short and involve much positive reinforcement; dogs learn better when they want to please you.
Using an electric fence gives you some security that your pet will remain within the boundaries you set. If your dog is properly trained they are most likely to stay where you wish them to stay. It will prevent losing your pet and the worries that relate to that loss. Your dog will likely remain in your yard. The problem is that if your dog does leave the yard, ignoring the signal, it will be very reluctant to return and suffer the shock again.
One of the primary advantages of this system is that it doesn’t change the view of your yard. Everything appears just as it did before you set up your electric dog fence. It will not prevent another animal from entering your yard or children from crossing onto your property. You trade certainty for visual appeal.
This type of enclosure is not appropriate for nervous or skittish animals. They will not do well with the unexpected shocks and may not understand why it is that they are being disciplined. Only you can tell if this is an appropriate method to fence in your animal, never the less, it is an effective way to contain most dogs.
7 comments June 16th, 2009