Electronic Fencing ~ Is it right for your dog?

In recent months, I have once again been asked for my opinion regarding “invisible” type underground electronic boundary fence and collar systems which are used for doggie containment. So I thought I’d put this out there for everyone who ever has, or will in the future consider this type of containment for their dogs.  

Simply put, I DO NOT recommend them. What you’ll read below is not the invisible fence manufacturer’s marketing approach. They will tell you all you have to do is spend about one month with your dog on lead training your dog where the boundaries are. Well, DUH…..why not spend that time on teaching and reinforcing SIT, DOWN, STAY and COME? Why not spend a fraction of the cost of the fence on a good Sensible or Sensation halter, a mendota show lead, and a good 6 foot leash – Then WALK WITH your dog……….?

 Here are the reasons I cannot recommend an invisible type fence:

1. There are some breeds of dogs who by genetics and instincts do not conform to the fence. I can say from experience that Huskies, Great Pyrenees, Rottweillers, Akitas, Labs, and yes, even Goldens may NOT conform to the fence design. There are many other breeds as well. I have personally observed several dogs with high pain threshholds intentionally go to the boundary, and stand there, taking the shock (set to high, by the way) just to run the batteries down in their collar. These dogs KNEW what they were doing, and the owners had NO IDEA the batteries were dead in the collar. We all know what that means. FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.
2. An electronic fence does not prevent other animals or people from coming on your property and attacking, taunting, or stealing your dog.
3. If your dog has ANY prey drive (and most do!), they can become very revved up if any “prey” (squirrel, deer, bird, another dog, a running child, a child on a skateboard, a motorcycle, etc…..) happens by on the other side of the boundary. They may become so excited that they decide that the reward of chasing the “prey” outweighs the penalty of the shock. So they dash through the fence, despite the shock, and then you have a problem. You now have a dog on the WRONG side of the boundary, with no incentive to take the shock again to return to your yard.
4. As above, if there is a thunderstorm, fireworks, or a gunshot nearby your dog may startle, and decide to run through the fence boundary.
5. There have been cases of dogs being called or enticed by a friendly passer-by to come and say hello, then *ZAP*, resulting in the dog becoming either fearful or aggressive towards all strangers.
6. Dogs can generalize pain or fear to the location it occurs in, so the zap from the fence can be generalized to the yard, resulting in a dog that is very stressed, which can lead to other behavior problems such as digging, barking, chewing, refusing to enter the yard, etc.
7. If the collar malfunctions (and they do!), your dog could receive accidental shocks.

8.   Lastly, (and, IMO a key point, given people’s escalating litigious nature) visitors
(invited or otherwise) are very easily intimidated by a barking dog in an invisibly fenced yard because they can’t see the fence and don’t necessarily
trust the “invisible fence” sign. If these people panic and hurt themselves
while getting away from (what they perceive to be) a ferocious dog, or
frighten themselves into a heart attack, they can (and do) sue and collect from the owner — regardless of the legality of the owners’ claim that the dog was effectively confined. Unfortunately, it’s happened and is continuing to happen.


Think about these factors before you consider an electronic fence. A “real” fence or a good training halter and leash is much safer for your dog.

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Scott Cook, a professional K-9 Trainer of 45+ years, has been an avid Canine Enthusiast since childhood and it is worth mentioning that he successfully trained his first dog (a rescue dog with behavioral aggression issues) at the age of 11!

His passion, enthusiasm and love for the dog is evident in his many years of experience as well as his hunger to learn more and it is all this that has made him what he is today!  He has had extensive training in the area of canine behavior and training!  His studies have included 2 summers in the kennels of the New Skete Monestary, 1 year mentoring with Dr. Ian Dunbar, 1 year mentoring with Ed Frawley, and 2 years association with Michael Ellis!

He is a current Professional Member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and owns and operates his own dog training business with 45+ years of professional Canine Training experience in his kitty!  You are in good hands with Scott!

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