There are advantages and disadvantages of using electronic fences for humans and the dog. Electronic fences are made of several controlling devices. This includes underground wire along a property line of about 150 to 350 meters, transmitters and a collar that sends out a repellent spray, shock or strange noise upon reaching the boundary lines. Upon reaching the boundary, the collar signals the boundary limitation to the dog.
If you live under city ordinances or strict HOA housing rules you may not be able to have a fenced in yard and need to install an electronic fence for your pet. When you have no normal fence to mark the boundary for the dog, electronic fences are a reasonable alternative, although they can be expensive.
However, there are various possible disadvantages of having electronic fences.
Regardless of any other type of training, dogs need careful instruction on how to deal properly with an e-fence. Dogs do not automatically understand the strange noises or shocks. You have to teach them to associate the noise or shock with their allowable limit of movement.
An e-fence system can short out from lightning strikes or any careless digging around the wire. After training your dog to associate the boundary flags with the deterrent, it is best that they be removed so that they don’t become a hazard to children playing and lawnmowers. The dog if properly trained will remember where the edge of his running space is and rarely test the limits.
Dogs chasing prey and overly excited may not feel the quick shock upon leaving the boundary, however when trying to return they may become discouraged when trying to do so on their own.
Understandably, many dog lovers consider electric shock as cruel as well as not the most productive means of getting the desired behavior from their best friend.
Life comes with risks. Dogs who are confined indoors or are always on the leash do not have the opportunities to run. Some areas have dog parks and other locations for running free which is a definite advantage, but not all areas do. Dogs have a natural, strong desire to run; when they become frustrated with their continuous confinement they can become unstable.
It is possible for some large dogs to jump over a regular height fence…. accidents do happen and your pet can become injured. Chain links can impale them wooden planks can lacerate them. If the dog bites or scratches at the wound no matter how minor, as dogs tend to do, they can cause infections or hot spots. This may lead to an unscheduled visit to the vet. Indeed, in some cases an electronic fence can be safer to use.
There is no standard solution that will satisfy everyone and every situation, all dogs, all breeds or all training methods. In order to make an educated decision, consider all the facts, especially those involving the psychological and physical health requirements of the dog.
You should however, prepare to disable your fence if it seems to do more harm than good.
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