Invisible fences are electronic systems that are used to keep dogs within a physical boundary with the use of leashes or fencing. Typically, an invisible fence system consists of a concealed wire that defines the outlines of the area you want to keep your dog confined in. The second part of the system is a special collar worn around the dog’s neck. This collar contains a transmitter that is connected to the wire by radio waves.
When the dog approaches the wire, the collar emits a mild shock to discourage further movement. This shock is by itself not medically dangerous. It is meant to be similar to the static shock many of us feel when touching metal objects.
Many pet owners find such a system very useful in locations where normal fencing may not be possible or if they prefer to keep the dog unleashed and free on their property. It can even be used to deny the dog access to certain parts of the house or to safeguard valuable furniture. Depending on the size and model, invisible fences cost in the neighborhood of 200 to 500 dollars.
While the invisible fence system sounds convenient and safe, there are certain drawbacks. For one, it is suggested that you accompany the dog initially to train him in recognizing the new boundaries. Ideally, a dog should be introduced to such a system when he is young and is being trained. Use voice commands to reinforce the restricted boundaries. If an untrained dog is suddenly faced by the system, he may become confused and disoriented. To the dog, the unexplained shocks may be difficult to associate with complex ideas of boundaries and limitations. It can lead to increased irritation and aggressive behavior. In some cases, the dog may become nervous and develop psychological problems. In addition, the invisible fence system works to keep your dog in, but does not prevent other animals or people from entering.
This can be a problem if there are aggressive dogs in the neighborhood or people who abuse or steal animals. Another complication is when the dog simply ignores the warning signals. Since the range of the radio transmitter is limited, the dog may be able to withstand the discomfort until it goes out of range. If this happens, he may even avoid returning to avoid the unpleasant shock. To counter this issue, some of the higher-end invisible fencing systems come with varying degrees of shock, which can be adjusted to suit your dog’s size and tolerance.
| 