fence

[lmd]

A discussion about wireless fence has me feeling pretty dumb.. Are they reliable? Do they shock the dog the same amount as in the underground fencing? I saw a picture of a circle around the house. Is it like the underground type in that the dog may try to excape, but not come back? And are puppies apt to become paranoid? I have a friend whose Standard Poodle got onto the road, but a person nearby got in touch with her. The battery needed replacing for the wireless fence. Sounds pretty risky. I have solid type fences only, and feel that the dogs are unprotected without them.

[Traci]

I wouldn't trust any type of electronic fence, I doubt any of them are without risk of some sort or another. I'm also not fond of "shocking" mechanisms for the purpose of confining a dog within a yard.

IMO, properly constructed fences not only protect the dog, but help keep other critters out, protect the rest of the public and other dogs/pets as well.

[lmd]

i agree. I`m picturing a little pup having fun in his own yard and safeplace, and then suddenly the world hits him with a major scare. Then I picture this little pup cringing and never trusting his world again. Couldn`t this create a paranoid puppy or a bolting puppy, and a fearful/aggressive puppoy? I`m just wondering what the results will be for this little pup that is going to get the treatment.

[k9Karen]

I don't know much about them, but I would think a determined dog would just go over the 'fence' and keep going. I wouldn't trust them not to go exploring or chase a cat or 'critter' if they saw one. And it certainly wouldn't prevent someone from entering your yard. I'm a bit paranoid about that - I guess I've heard of too many cases of dognapping, and we had a lawn mower stolen a few years ago. A fence won't keep them out if they're determined, but it is a deterent, especially if you lock your gates. If you live in a subdivision that doesn't allow fencing, it might be better than nothing, or if you want to confine the dog(s) to a particular area of a yard that had a 'real' fence, it might work.

[lmd]

Ssomeone sold a pup to these people, and they mentioned the radio fence as they went out the door with the pup. I`m never going to leave a dog out for bear bait like that, but just wondered what is the experience of others. I have 94 acres, and it is all fenced except for the river at the back, and my dogs are never out in the fields without me. Electricity is "added" to some fences to keep out predators from the sheep.

[Traci]

If you're in the position to talk to these people, perhaps tell them the electronic or wireless fencing systems are not fool-proof, and ANY determined dog (or other animal or person) will not be deterred from crossing the fence. If they were willing to actually spend money to buy this pup, they should spend the money to construct a safe fence to protect the pup at all costs. If they can't construct a fence in the immediate sense, a large outdoor dog kennel would be an option for now.

I don't know if an electronic fence would instill fear or apprehension in a pup, it depends on the pup and how his owners manage training, give attention, spend time with, etc....I don't think an electronic fence is appropriate however, for training a pup to stay in the yard.

Bottom line, the owners need to consider protection of the pup as well as animals and people on the other side.

[momPaws]

I agree with others. I feel that a dog chasing a squirrel would jump thru an electronic fence. And as Traci said I wanted to protect my dog from other animals and dogs...so I bit the bullet and got the yard fenced a few yrs ago. It was one of the best things I've done with the house, esp. for Honey. It is so great to let her run free and safely. She loves it.