Title: Dog Training Tips - The Pros and Cons of Using Electronic Fences
Author: Moses Wright
Dog Training Tips - The Pros and Cons of Using Electronic Fences
There are benefits and disadvantages to electronic fences
(or `e-fences'), and these need to be considered carefully
when evaluating your need for one. E-fences utilize wire
(normally underground) and transmitters that will deliver a
noise, shock or unpleasant spray via a special collar, in
order to deter a dog approaching the set boundary. A signal
is sent to the collar when the dog nears the buried wire
and the deterrent is triggered.
As some Home Owners Association rules and city ordinances
do not allow for regular fences, an e-fence, though
expensive, may be an option. For those with no back and
front yard fences, an e-fence offers a solution if you want
a dog, but are unable to establish a regular fence.
There are negatives that need to be considered though.
Dogs require thorough training in order for the e-fence to
be successful, and it should not be used as a substitute
for behavioral training. Dogs need to be taught to
associate the deterrent with boundary limits. If this is
not done, the e-fence will be rendered useless.
As they are an electrical device, they are not fool proof.
They can be shorted by an electrical surge or lightning
strikes, though not common and digging around the perimeter
can also cause problems. When an e-fence is first
installed, flags are used to mark the boundary, but are
usually removed once the dog is trained. If they are left
in place, they can be knocked or dragged away by lawnmowers
and children, amongst other things. Once pulled out, there
is a possibility of a puncture by their sharp tips.
If a dog ignores the deterrent and moves past the fence, it
is less likely to return inside the boundary voluntarily,
and may realize that technically there is no `real'
boundary.
Many people also believe that as a deterrent, electric
shocks are cruel, and are a counteractive way of eliciting
the wanted behavior from your pet.
Your decision regarding an e-fence needs to be evaluated
according to your situation. If kept entirely indoors
except for when leashed, a dogs' need to run is denied,
resulting in an unhappy and maladjusted pet. If you can
make use of a dog park, this problem can be addressed, but
many areas do not have close access, so the problem remains.
A standard height fence might seem to be the solution, but
large dogs are often able to leap over these, and this can
cause punctures and scrapes from chain link and wooden
fence tops. Though the wound may be minor, a dogs' tendency
to bite or scratch at them can make the injury worse,
meaning a trip to the vet is required. Depending on the
circumstances, an e-fence may be the safer option.
Every circumstance and situation is different, based on
living conditions, type and character of dog and training
techniques, so there is no overall effective method that
can be implemented by every dog owner. Instead, the
requirements of each situation need to be considered and
enough information gathered so that you can make an
informed choice.
If you decide an e-fence is the best solution for your
situation, you need to be ready to disable the fence if it
turns out that instead of benefiting your dog, it is doing
more damage.
About the Author:
Moses Wright is a pet lover and loves to help new pet
owners deal with their dog problems at home. You can find
more dog problems and solutions for free here:
http://www.petquery
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