PROS AND CONS OF UNDERGROUND FENCING
Author: Melanie Schlaginhaufen
www.knowingdogs.com
As more and more upscale neighborhoods
do not allow barrier fencing of any kind, breeders have to deal with
the reality that they will have inquiries about their puppies from
dog owners who have underground fencing. As a trainer, I have had to
educate myself about these systems as well because I receive calls
from people having trouble with their dog, some of which may be
connected with the use of this type of equipment.
There are two types of popular systems and various brands. One
system works on a “radius” and does not require installing anything
underground. The dog wears an electronic collar and if he ventures
more than a certain distance away from the main unit, he will
receive a shock. The other more common system requires that wiring
be installed underneath the ground which then comes into a main
unit. The dog receives a shock if he ventures within a certain
number of feet of the underground wiring.
Of the two types of fencing, my preference is the type with
underground wiring such as the Dog Watch™ System or the most well
known Invisible Fence™. You can buy less expensive systems from home
improvement centers such as Lowes or Home Depot which you can
install yourself; however, it is my understanding that they are not
as reliable and you do not get the benefit of a trained professional
coming out to work with your dog so he understands the system.
Despite the fact that they are inexpensive and easier to install, I
do not like the “radius-from unit” types at all. They carry a big
risk – if the power goes out, your dog can be shocked over and over
again until the battery wears out. Perhaps all systems do not have
this capacity to do harm, but I have dealt with two training clients
who had this happen and came home to a terrified dog. If you are
going to use this type of system, it is IMPERATIVE to take the dog’s
collar off whenever you are not home (and of course the dog should
be left safely indoors).
The positives to either type of system are that your dog is given
freedom to exercise without being on a leash. If you are just
looking for a safe way to exercise your dog, they can be of great
benefit. However, I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE A SAFE METHOD OF
CONTAINING YOUR DOG. If you are outside with the dog, it gives you
extra security in keeping your dog with you while you work in the
yard, play fetch, or simply take him out for a potty break. BUT IF
YOU LEAVE YOUR DOG OUTSIDE ALONE WITHOUT A BARRIER FENCE, YOU ARE
ASKING FOR TROUBLE.
Why do I feel so strongly that this is the case? One reason is your
dog is being taught that he controls the territory within the
electric boundary. If other animals or people venture inside that
territory, he may exhibit aggression. As there are no “leaders”
(you) around to protect him, he feels he must protect himself. And
guess what? He’s right – he must protect himself! The electric
system does not keep another animal from coming in and attacking
your dog. I know of one Jack Russell Terrier who came within inches
of losing his life because he was attacked so severely by another
dog while his owners were inside watching TV, and he was left alone
outside in underground fencing.
These systems also do not offer any safety from the teasing of
children or from your dog possibly harming a child who sees your dog
and comes into your yard to pet him. Even a friendly dog may jump up
on a child and knock them down. Additionally, a person wanting to
steal your dog can walk right in, take his collar off, and be gone.
A certain percentage of dogs will also “break through” the fence to
chase a high distraction – something you cannot predict until the
incident happens. For example, a deer runs through your yard and the
dog begins chasing it. When he hits the underground fence, he yelps
but continues through the shock. Once ‘outside the fence’ he cannot
get back in without getting shocked again, so he ends up loose. This
often ends in tragedy.
Bottom line? I vote for electric fence systems only as a method to
keep your dog with you while he is off-leash in your yard.
Personally, I prefer a remote trainer collar for this purpose as it
can be operated only by me and at a level much lower than that
required for barrier electric fencing. |
