invisible fences

[vegton]

I apologize if this has already been discussed, but I couldn't find it anywhere.

I don't know anything about invisible fences, but they seem to becoming more and more popular in my neighborhood. My uneducated opinion is that they're cruel, but can someone who knows more about them please give me your opinion?

Thanks!

[SkySoStarry]

They are cruel/inefficient for a number of reasons.

First off, shocking an animal isn't very nice.

Secondly, it doesn't keep other animals out of the area. A roaming dog can easily attack your dog. They also don't keep children or other people away from your dog. Your dog is more easily stolen.

Third, some dogs will simply run through the shock. They might be ok for awhile, but if they start chasing a squirrel or see something they really, really want, they may bolt through the barrier.

Fourth, the batteries in the collar may run out, the collar may malfunction, or somehow the collar may be left off the dog. I understand most dogs don't test the barrier every time they are let out, however, who is to say this isn't the time they decide to try to wander.

I have also heard of electrical impulses created by thunderstorms may cause the collar to malfunction and shock the dog unnecessarily. I am uncertain about the validity of this.

Basically, invisible fences get a big thumbs-down from me.

[cheekywhiskers]

I'm in agreement about the fences, they simple aren't enough. I've heard of dogs charging through then unwilling to come back in. Dogs learning that they only get shocked when the collar is on.

The collar shouldn't be a problem in a thunderstorm, the dog shouldn't be out and the collor should not be worn in the house. The shock should not be that severe if the pwer on the collar is set correctly (too often it's not though).

[Sewwattsnew]

I hadn't thought through all the reasons SkySoStarry listed, but I've always thought they sounded bad. One family I babysit for uses one, because they have a little dog, and she can get through the fence around the backyard. They should probably replace the fence, though...

The last time I was over, I experimented with the collar. While the dog was inside, I took the collar off her and pressed it into the heel of my hand, and walked out to the barrier. Its like an intense static shock, and it hurts, though only at the moment it happens. Afterwards, my hand just felt a little tingly. I can't imagine having that happen somewhere as sensitive as on my neck.

It does issue a warning beep when the collar gets near the barrier, so I suppose the intent is to condition the dog not to go past certain points, and not to be painful every time. Not saying it works, though...

[mlp]

I don't advise them, for the reasons Cheekywhiskers described. I did use one, years ago, because one of our dogs at that time kept climbing the chainlink fence enclosing the back yard, and installing a different kind of fence was not possible. We installed one along the perimeter of the fence, just to keep her a couple of feet away from the fence. That worked, and kept her in the yard. We thought we might be able to enlarge her area to include the (unfenced) front yard, but even after training, she ran through the electric fence in the unfenced front yard when she saw something interesting across the street.

[Treehugger267]

I don't like the thought of anything having to be shocked. I remember when my aunt and uncle were "training" their beagle, she would be so afraid and crouch and shake when they would take her near the edge of the property. AND, she did run right through when she was on her own and, of course, didn't want to come back and get shocked again. I would never have one.

[karenlovessnow]

I know two people who use the invisible fence for their dogs. They work great for them. They also live in low traffic rural areas so that might have something to do with it. Plus, the dogs are not left outside unattended for long stretches of time. Could just be that they have both been lucky in that nothing bad has happened. The negative points made here seem valid enough, but based only on what I've seen by these two families, I can't really say that I would rule the invisible fence out completely.

[Kellye]

The invisible fence hasn't worked for a single family I know who has used one. The dogs (all big lab-types, admittedly) simply run straight through the shock and keep going.

Boo. As far as I've seen, invisible fences = expensive futility.

[Puppet Master]

I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE them.
I had an experience a couple years back, and I'm still talking about it to this day.
I was walking on a street behind a school near me (which very rarely has cars passing through unless they lived on that street), with my friend.
So we were walking, and this adorable golden lab-looking puppy was at the beginning of the driveway (near the garage). He saw my friend and I walking, and being a puppy that he is, ran up to us and say hi, be petted/given attention. The little guy got a few inches away from the edge of the driveway, then he shook (as if being shocked), fell back, and started screaming, screeching, yelping, and freaking out. It was so heart wrenching I almost fell into tears. Never in my life had I heard a puppy cry like that before, and it was just horrible. Right then I noticed that thing on his collar, and realized it was the invisible fence that did that. Soon after the pup started screaming, a guy came out from the side of the garage and started yelling at the puppy and scolding him for being so loud.
It was just a horrible experience, and I wish I never had to see that.

[Treehugger267]

awww Puppet Master, that's awful :( poor thing. I think all owners who want to use an invisible fence should have to wear that colar for a time...grrrr

[das_nut]

My invisible fence has kept my invisible dog contained.

[animallover7249]

They are cruel, and I would NEVER considering buying one.

[SlobberChops]

I heard about these from my sister that thought I should get one, needless to say I dissagreed with her. I think they are cruel and I would never even consider/recommend them

[vegton]

Thanks, everyone. I pretty much feel the same way as you all do. I'm glad my thoughts are validated now. :) My neighbor has an electric fence and her dog's collar was on too loose. Needless to say the dog walked right off the property and ended up getting hit by a car, right in front of my house! Thankfully the dog was ok, but that's when I started thinking about these fences. I'll be sure to voice my opinion now whenever I hear of someone wanting to install one of these!

[IrieMama]

Invisible fence is a big no no. If you dont have an appropriate backyard or frontyard for a dog to run around in then simply don't get a dog.