There are lots of families who live in urban settings and use an electric fence to keep their dogs on their property. This is not the same kind of aboveground fence that you see used to contain cattle on a ranch. This is an invisible fence that uses a shock collar on your dog.
There are some dogs who respond well to this method but there are also safety risks.
Safety
Let’s not sugar coat it. Let’s say exactly what this is: by using an electric fence, you would be attempting to shock your dog in order to change his behavior.
It’s also in some respects a double standard. On one hand you’re permitting your dog to be outside in the yard to enjoy the outdoors … but only to a certain point.
An invisible fence is really meant to remove worry from an owner rather than keep the dog in the yard. But it could be doing just the opposite by eliminating the social skills you can teach your dog when you’re outside with her. And there’s also the possibility that your dog could end up biting someone she believes is threatening to her turf and her family if you aren’t with her.
The Sales Pitch
Invisible fence companies may tell you that their system is safe for puppies as young as eight weeks old. But puppies at that age needs socialization and training rather than being shocked with a collar. Even a Golden retriever could become aggressive if this is the only system used for training.
What Are You Looking For?
One of the things you must ask yourself in deciding whether to get an invisible fence is: What are you looking four as a dog owner?
You may live in an area that doesn’t permit you to put up a physical fence around your yard. But here are some reasons why a physical fence is better than electronic fence:
- It protects you and your dog from liability.
- Protection from wildlife as well as other free roaming pets.
- There is no harm to your dog.
- No worries about whether your electric fence will malfunction and your dog will run away.
- There’s no interference with your dog training. The physical fence merely keeps her in your yard.
Being Humane
While an invisible, electrified fence may seem like a good idea for your family, we urge you to consider a different alternative. These concerns are serious enough that several countries including Austria, Denmark, Germany and Wales have outlawed electrified fencing.
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
