Wireless Electronic Fences: Are They Right for Your Dog? (Probably Not.)

July 28, 2016

By Morgan Clark

Electronic dog fences claim to be able to keep your dog safe and reined in without spending a fortune. They seem like a magic wand, but are they really as safe and effective as the manufacturers argue?

The system itself seems simple enough. The home owner plants boundary wire attached to signal flags in the ground bordering the area that they want to allow their dog to roam. These flags attached to the boundary wire are there to signal to the dog that this is a line he cannot cross. If the dog tries to cross the boundary, he receives a small “correction” that trains them to stay within the desired area. The correction can be a small shock, vibration, or irritating tone.

These fences may seem like a godsend to those who cannot build a physical fence in their backyard due to landlord limitations or financial issues. However, wireless fences are not a magic bullet for keeping your Doggy Copperfield inbounds, especially when they are not paired with a physical fence. Being able to see in all directions can lead to doggy frustration and irritation, as they are not allowed to approach any stimulus they see in the distance like they would naturally be able to. Oftentimes, this leads to the dog sucking it up and crossing the barrier, regardless of the shock, and getting stuck on the wrong side of the fence. If no one is home to notice, the dog could be stuck outside of its territory for hours. Lack of fencing also allows wild animals to enter your yard, potentially harming your pet.

Another appeal of having an electronic fence is that it “gives your dog the freedom to roam” and fosters independence. As I have said before, dogs are pack animals. They love being around you, other dogs, and other members of their pack, both human and canine. “Fostering independence” often translates to “creating loneliness”, which leads to other behavioral issues. If this is your main reason for purchasing an electronic fence, know that your dog is most happy when close to you in your home, rather than alone in a huge yard.

Speaking of happiness, mental health should also be considered when weighing the pros and cons of electric fences versus physical fences. Remember that the electric fence is a form of punishment. If you do not put the time and effort into training your dog to properly use the fence, she will be confused and nervous whenever the shock collar is on. If the cause of the correcting shock is unclear to the dog, she may learn to associate it with stimulus that has nothing to do with the boundary at all (similar to Pavlov's dogs and the bell). In some cases, dogs will become aggressive and even bite when they were sweet little angels before the fence was installed.

If you have read all this and still feel like a wireless fence is the right option for you, remember that it will take time to install and train your dog to properly respond to it. The fence, like any other pet training device, takes time to introduce your dog to. Take up to two weeks to train your dog to the fence, but only train for short periods no longer than 20 minutes. Any longer, and your dog will likely become stressed out and exhausted. First, introduce your dog to the fence with the training mode on. This will ensure the dog only receives a beep they can then associate with the boundary flags. Next, introduce the shock. The goal here will be to encourage the dog to return to the safe area and reward them with praise and treats.

Once the dog is familiar with the correction, test their obedience with a temptation on the outside of the safe area. Enlist a friend that your dog does not know to walk around or throw a toy outside of the safe area. This step is important: Do not encourage your dog to go to the temptation yourself. This can lead to distrust and nervousness. You want to simulate a scenario in which your dog is tempted while you are not around to correct or encourage. Praise your dog for not following the stimulus or returning to the safe area without your encouragement.

Lastly, you will want to be with your dog whenever they are outside and off the leash for a few days to ensure they are fully trained with the fence. Occupy yourself with yard work or another task so you will be there to correct your pet if he decides to cross the barrier.

(Note: This is only a training overview. More detailed instructions can be found here and here.)