Underground electric pet fences

[vikingscaper]

After the tragic loss of our dog last week, my family has been discussing purchasing an underground electric fence to keep the dogs in our yard. The way that I see it is if we purchase one, it would act like our last line of defense in preventing the dogs from going near the highway.

I was just wondering what some of the opinions were on these. We always supervise our dogs when they are outside to make sure nothing happens and yes, we do use leashes. After losing two dogs on the highway, I really don't want to lose another one.

[NebariNookiee]

Well, depending on the size of the dog an electric fence may do nothing more than anger the dog.

[fermicat]

A couple of my neighbors have them, and they seem to work pretty good for them. The dogs they have are medium-large (chocolate lab, golden retriever). I have never used one. I think my sister has so I will check with her about it. Might take a while because she is a flight attendant and I have to catch her at home.

[Shipscat]

Actually, they work really well, especially if you're planning on using them the way that you talked about. The key is that the dog receives training when the fence is installed, so they get a real strong revulsion towards it..they'll put up flags or something to let the dog know where the fence is. Just make sure you get a good company that knows what they're doing.

[mgraylorn]

My SO runs in our neighborhood and several of the houses have the invisible fences. He says they work really well - the dogs may run toward him, but stop before they get to the fenceline. Freaked him out at first when a good size dog ran toward him - but then they pull up before they get to the street. He doesn't even worry about it now.

Ditto on find a good company that knows what they are doing.

[UTChick]

I've used them in 2 different houses. It works well on most dogs. If you have a very aggressive dog or very one minded dog - it may not be a 100% effective. We had a Jack Russell Terrier & most times, the fence would hold him - unless - he was on the trail of an active animal - a rabbit ran through the yard, etc - then - occasionally - he would run through the fence. That can create a problem - once through - they cannot return.

We really ended up putting up a regular fence & using the invisible fence. A regular fence kept him from running the electrical fence & the electrical fence kept him from digging or jumping over the physical fence.

I will admit - Jack Russells are extreme. Most dogs will respect the fence quite effectively.

A couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Although the invisible fence keeps your dog in, it doesn't keep out any other animals.

2. If you have a power outage, or a short - in the rain - our system would sometimes short & then not work. The Jack took advantage of that & would run the fence. Other dogs may or may not pick up on that.

3. Be aware when you leave the yard for a walk or take the dog in the car for a drive - to take off the collar - many a dog has been innocently zapped because the owner forgets about the line crossing the driveway. (That's if you fence the front yard).

4. Also, depending how close the fence comes to your house - it may affect the dog in areas in your house. Our fence came around to our dining room & the dog wouldn't go in the dining room because of the charge - actually - that's when I knew his collar batteries were dying - he'd go into the dining room.

There are several different brands - I don't think there's a major difference - the training is very similar for all of them - consistency is the most important.

I hope this helpful - good luck!!

[BrowderChick]

I was thinking about doing that once too. But I opted for a stockade fenced in yard. It seems that there are too many risks involved for escape.

[vikingscaper]

Thanks for the advice!

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

I've never used an invisible fence but I feel that a physical fence offers the best safety. Depending on the size of your dog, it wouldn't have to be huge to be effective. I'm so glad to hear you and your family are considering getting another dog. I know it could never replace Walty but new puppies have a way of easing your sadness and distracting you with their adorable antics. Good luck! :D:hug2:

[vikingscaper]

It is almost impossible for my family to put in a real fence. Our yard oddly shaped and we have decided that an underground fence would be best.

On the puppy issue, I have been holding this back for a couple of days, but my family did decide to get a puppy. We went with another male Golden Retriever (we have fallen in love with the breed) and have named him Jack. We decided that it was best to get a puppy sooner rather than later and our vet also agreed with us.

[BrowderChick]

I think puppies are the best to have. Dont get me wrong adopting an older dog is great too but puppies are trained easier. :D

I have a huge German Shepherd and she didnt like a chain link fence. Climbed over it. She cant see te other side of the fence she is in now so she is not tempted to go over it.

[eta_carinae]

I had planned on getting an older dog at the shelter and ended up with a 7 month old. Leave it up to me to get a teenage dog! She's a real pain in the butt, but cute as hell. Good thing too, otherwise I'de be real tempted to take her back...... nah. The dog classes have been helping, but once she gets an idea in her head, nothing can stop her. Especially since she weighs 70 lbs!

Good luck with your new puppy! That's so exciting. I hope he brings you lots of joy and love!