Pros and Cons of Electric Fences

Dog fence

Electric dog fences are often used to keep a dog in the yard without having to build a big expensive fence. Learn if this type of fence is right for your dog.

Electric dog fences are a dog control device. With that being said, electric dog fences can be both a blessing and a curse, not only for the dog but for the human also. An electric dog fence is a set of underground wires and transmitters, that will deliver a shock via the dog collar to the dog when he/she approaches the boundary. The wire is usually buried a foot or so under the ground along the perimeter of your yard and as the dog approaches the buried wires a signal is sent to the collar, which activates a shock in the collar.

Electric fences are fairly expensive, but some home owners association rules or city bylaws do not allow for regular fences, which does not leave many other options. This type of fence is very useful for people who want to avoid or just cannot erect a regular fence.

The potential downsides of electric dog fences.

The electric fence is sometimes viewed as a substitute for proper dog training. Dogs need careful instruction with an electric fence. Shocks are not automatically interpreted correctly by dogs. Dogs have to be taught to associate the shock they get from the collar with the boundary of the electric fence.

Electric fence systems can be shorted out by lightning strikes or also by hitting the wires when digging near the wires. At first flags are used to mark the boundary and to act as a visual aid for the dog and owner after initial installation, but the flags are supposed to be removed after the dog has been trained.

Particularly assertive or unintelligent dogs chasing 'prey' will sometimes barrel past the barrier, oblivious to the temporary shock. Being on the wrong side of the fence discourages voluntary returns home.

Many dog owners believe that electric fences and shocks are a cruel way to try and train a dog.  But as with everything in life there are risks that need to be weighed. Dogs that are confined indoors except for when they are leashed don't get the needed opportunities to run around. Running is a basic need of all dogs. If a dog does not get to exercise the need to run then you could end up with a frustrated, maladjusted dog.

Most standard fences are at a height that can be jumped over by most dogs. Normal fences can also break or wear down leaving holes and cracks that a do can escape through. In some cases an electric fence is actually safer than a regular fence.

Not every situation is the same but usually an electric fence is a good reliable option for keeping your dog safe and in your yard. Remember to consider all the facts, and be prepared to disable the fence if it proves to do more harm than good for your dog.