A series of questions about the invisible fence???

Question

1. Would the shock harm my 3.9 lb yorkie?
2. How much would it cost to buy and install MYSELF (i heard it was wayyy cheaper to install yourself)
3. Where can I buy it? Would they let me install it myself?
4. If I got one off of ebay, would it be reliable or dangerous?
5. How effective are these fences at keeping pets in??

Answer 1

While I do not think it is cruel, I would never rely on one for my dogs' safety. I've known too many cases where dogs got out either because the figured it out or due to battery/power failure. There is also the previously mentioned point that it does not protect your dog from intruders, either human or animal.

Give me a real, solid fence any day.

Answer 2

After looking into these fences and talking to people I've come to the conclusion that they are not the best approach to keeping an animal contained. Determined dogs will blow right through and won't come back in because they know they will be shocked. Also, it doesn't keep other dogs and animals out, which could lead to stress and possibly harm for your dog if it were attacked. Shocking dogs is painful and therefore cruel. Sometimes dogs become aggressive toward people and other dogs that come up to an electric fence because it conditions them to get shocked if they approach humans and animals outside the fence.

A yorkie does not need much space. Why not build the dog a small fenced run for it to stay in? It would be cheaper than the electric fence.

Answer 3

I agree with canela's answer. although it's true that when excited, a dog will (and can) rush through and then be prevented from coming back because the "fence" runs 2 ways. however, I don't believe it's cruel to employ shock; most fences nowadays will have warning beeps for when a dog gets too close, so it won't always result in being shocked. Also I've tested the extent of the shock on myself. It doesn't hurt, but the sensation is one that I can't quite describe. "Shocking" would be the best (and least descriptive or helpful) sensation.

Personally I have not used an invisible fence (we have a pool, so we are required by law to use an actual fence) but I have employed an electric collar when my dog was younger and in training. That was what I tested on myself.

Answer 4

The sending unit for the fence is set for the type of dog. I put in a Fido's Fence for my 70 lb Lab. It contains her but she did go through it on one occasion so these things are not a substitute for a physical boundary. You can get the materials at Pet Smart or other pet shops and put it in yourself. You'll probably save half but then will have no guarantees or service programs. My advice is, if you can afford it have a pro do it. It cost me $1000 for the top program with Fido's Fences to cover a 1/3rd of an acre. Overall, it was worth it.

To Bozema - these fences are not cruel and give dogs (cats too) more freedom to than they would otherwise have. They also keep them out of gardens, etc. Also, when the animal gets within a few feet of the "line" a tone sounds so they learn not to get a shock but turn back at the tone.

Answer 5

1.the collar is really made 8 pounds and over but they may sell one for smaller dogs
2.I can't really remember but I think it was around 200 or 250 for everything. my husband installed our fence for nothing. we have a 1 acre yard and it took him 2 days to put it in.
3.Lowe's,home depot,any home improvement store.wal-mart has their own brand but we have the pet safe brand and it works pretty good.of course you can install it yourself
4.I have never bought the fence it self off ebay but I have bought several collars and they were brand new and worked fine. just make sure it's a new one.
5.at first you have to walk them to the line so they will know what the boundaries are and will know how the shock feels.after awhile they don't cross the line unless something out of the ordinary tempts them. we had a black lab that stayed in the yard all the time until he started wanting to find a girl dog,we didn't correct him like we should have and he got hit. just be consistent.

Answer 6

try Safe Pet Products they have a wireless system for $269.00 30 day money back warranty. You can also print the Owners manual. I'm considering for my 2 Dalmatians. But looks like the best price without having to dig up your yard.

Answer 7

It doesn't matter how harm lees or small they claim the shock to be I think it is mean and cruel. It's a lazy person's alternative to spending time with their dog. If you don't have the time to develope a good relationship with your dog and teach it some basic behavior responses then don't get one. Dogs are pack animals and need companionship so as to maintain healthy psychological behavior.

Answer 8

Don't use it with a yorkie. Some breeds are just too small.