What Is Invisible Fencing?
- An invisible fence consists of an electric wire buried around a containment area for the dog, a transmitter mounted to the home and plugged into the electrical system and an electric collar worn by the dog. Areas within those boundaries, such as pools and flowerbeds, may also be fenced. The collar administers a mild shock as the dog nears the fence. Some collars give a warning beep to give it a chance to back off before receiving the correction. Training is done by putting flags along the fencing boundary as visual cues for the dog, and bringing the dog onleash to the boundary. The dog is encouraged and praised for staying within the boundary, and then allowed to experience the shock when going through it. The shock is more surprising than painful and most dogs quickly learn that crossing the flagged boundary has consequences. Once the dog understands the concept, the flags are removed.
- The most common type of invisible fence uses the underground wire, transmitter and collar. Some collars merely administer a mild shock to the dog when it gets too close to the wire; the better systems use a collar that gives a warning beep, giving the dog the chance to back up. An alternate system uses no underground wire, but a transmitter that emits an electronic field over an area set by the owner that gives the dog a correction in much the same way as the underground system.
- Invisible fences are a perfect solution to dog ownership when physical fencing is not allowed or is too expensive. The dog can be let out to do his business rather than be walked numerous times a day, and he has the freedom to move around the property. Invisible fencing can be used for multiple dogs, allowing them to run and play together outside as long as they have each been trained to the fence and wear a collar. Invisible fencing can either be installed by a professional fencing company or by using a kit available at many pet and hardware stores. In both cases it is a cheaper option than metal or wood fencing.
- Invisible fences are not suitable for all dogs. Dogs with a high prey drive will ignore the shock in order to give chase to something on the other side of the perimeter. Intact dogs of either sex will ignore the shock in order to get to a potential mate. Aggressive dogs should always be kept in a secure, fenced-in area, because no matter what type of fence is containing the dog, the owner will still be liable for any bites inflicted by a loose dog. Once out, the drive to withstand the shock in order to come back onto the property may leave the dog loose off the property. An invisible fence will not keep other dogs, predators or dog thieves out, which may leave a dog vulnerable to attack or theft.
- Use invisible fencing wisely. Experts recommend a dog never be left unattended outside while the owners are away from the house. Take the dog for walks as usual, by taking the collar off and always leaving and entering the property at the same point so the dog understands that with the collar off and the owner beside him, it is safe to leave. Remove the collar while not in use, because while the contact prongs are not uncomfortable for short periods of time, they will irritate the skin if left on all the time. Dogs with thick or long coats may need longer prongs, which will be available wherever the fencing is purchased.
- Electronic or shock collars are not inhumane if used wisely and at the lowest setting necessary. It is certainly more humane to keep a dog safe and contained rather than let it get lost, hit by a car or involved in a fight.