What are they, and are they worth it?:
These types of fences are all basically the same; constructed of wires that you bury around the perimeter of your yard, a radio transmitter, and a receiver that your dog wears on his collar.
These types of fences are all basically the same; constructed of wires that you bury around the perimeter of your yard, a radio transmitter, and a receiver that your dog wears on his collar.
Some of these types of fencing provide flags, as a visual barrier, or just for easy location, and the "correction" administered varies dependent on the brand of fence. The corrections may take the form of a mild electrical shock, an unpleasant noise at a less-then-comfortable frequency (for your dog), or a citronella spray that often hits the dog in the face.
The Good:
They are cheaper, and easier to install than a regular wooden or chainlink fence. The landscape or view isn't obstructed and when/if you move, you can dig it up and take it with you. If you rent your home, an underground fencing system will likely cause no problems with your landlord.
They are cheaper, and easier to install than a regular wooden or chainlink fence. The landscape or view isn't obstructed and when/if you move, you can dig it up and take it with you. If you rent your home, an underground fencing system will likely cause no problems with your landlord.
The Bad :
These types of fences only contain the animal with the receiver on, they do not prevent other animals or people from entering your yard to harass your dog.
The *mild* electrical is not as mild as it should be, and some dogs with thick fur don't even feel it.
Not all of the electric shock collars have adjustable shock settings.
These types of fences only contain the animal with the receiver on, they do not prevent other animals or people from entering your yard to harass your dog.
The *mild* electrical is not as mild as it should be, and some dogs with thick fur don't even feel it.
Not all of the electric shock collars have adjustable shock settings.
Once sprayed with citronella, the smell may linger around your dog's sensitive nose, causing a long-lasting punishment that may also cease to be effective after a period of time.
The Ugly:
If your dog does respond well to the enforced corrections provided by the collar, he may still be lured out past the fence if the reward (to him) is great enough. Once outside the barrier, he will not be able to return on his own, effectively punishing him for coming home.
If your dog does respond well to the enforced corrections provided by the collar, he may still be lured out past the fence if the reward (to him) is great enough. Once outside the barrier, he will not be able to return on his own, effectively punishing him for coming home.