Is an underground electric dog fence an option for us when I visit my parents?

Question

I have a 50lb pit/shepherd mix who is 1.5 years old. she loves to run and has lots of energy. At home, she is happy to run in the yard and a 4ft fence and supervision is enough to keep her out of trouble.

But, we bring her to my dad's house so she can run on his 17 acres. I never leave her outside alone but she runs circles around me so I don't have full control over her. On the edge of the property is a road with a 55 mph limit. Cars don't come by too often, but I don't want to take a chance. The problem is, a fence is impractical because we would need thousands of feet of it, and she can easily clear 4ft. Even though the fence works at home, it is a much smaller yard than my Dad's. Would an underground radio/electric fence work for us? She is smart and I am willing to train her, but we only visit some weekends so I don't know if it will work. Are these fences strong enough for pits? Which brand is best? (petsafe or humane contain?)

thanks for help on my 1st Q ever!

Answer 1

I strongly suggest not using an electric fence since your only visiting this location on the weekends. Electric fences take dedicated, consistant training, or else the dog is shocked often, without knowing why, which tends to create a number of psychological issues...the dog is always afraid of being shocked.

I would suggest looking into having a dog run installed at your father's place...a strong wire attached to a pulley, streached between two large strong trees...then your dog can run back and forth for exercise but not roam free.

Also, you stated your dog is not completely under control, which is part of the reason you want this fence. Please look into getting your dog into obedience training, and working with your dog. While training does not fix everything, it really helps if your dog is paying attention to you and not trying to run free or ignoring your commands to come back.

Answer 2

It could work, but you will have the same cost problem as a regular fence if the property is that large; there has to be a completed circuit to make it work, you can't just have a straight line.

Some dogs are not very sensitive to pain, and so the shock will not have much effect, they just run right through. Pits are bred to endure serious pain, so this could be a problem. But some dogs can be trained to use the fence nonetheless. I don't think I would take the chance of her running out in the road, though. And I don't like the idea of shocking my pets...

Answer 3

I got a Pet Safe wireless fence system for our dogs. I think you should check it out on line before you go with an underground wire fence. It works the same way but it is a radio transmitter instead of a buried wire. The cool thing about it, is that it is portable. You plug the main unit into a socket and adjust the radius of the ZONE from a few yards to 90 yards. The directions are easy and it works!!!! We take the main unit up to our cottage and just reset the radius for that property verses the radius here at home. Look it up.

mastiffs360.com

Answer 4

Most dog trainers do not recommend electric fences for the following reasons.
1. They do not work 100% of the time. If the dog is sufficiently stimulated by something - they will risk the shock and go through the "fence".
2. While they do keep some dogs in due to their training and the collar they wear - they do NOT keep other animals out. They leave your animal vulberable to attack. Most trainers recommend that they never be used without supervision for this reason.
With the highway so close - I think it would be better if you leave your dog at home or board them if it is going to be more than a day or two.

Answer 5

Your first problem is that an electric fence requires a loop connection, meaning you have to confine your pet within the perimeter of the fence. That's hard to do with 17 acres.

I have 1/3 acre and it took over 500 ft of wire to make a perimeter of our property. I don't want to think about 17 acres.

I am not aware of any "wall" type electric fences to keep the dog away from the road. Only perimeter containment.

Answer 6

I don't know that it is the best idea, since it is expensive to put in, and you're only there every once and a while. Plus, not that its inhumane, but the idea of it is a little harsh. I think (your dog sounds easily trainable) that you should just let her know that she can't further than a certain point in the yard near the highway. Maybe spray paint a line onto the grass or something. I just don't think its too wise of an idea if it will hardly get used.

Answer 7

it is possible, i would do research on the different brands on google. a family friend uses one for their boxer (he likes to chase cars). they don't even need to put the collar on him anymore because he has learned the boundary line. They have about fifteen acres.
they do not work for some breeds, like greyhounds, because they run so fast, they couldn't possibly stop. But if you are diligent and work with a professional, it is a possible option, though pricey.

Answer 8

No and I tell you why my Nerice got 1 and set it up in the middle of hewr back yard because her dogs are fence jumpers to discurage that and because of the dogs are big they hat to set it up on something to put ot on thier dog's level and they crawed under it like no big deal.

Answer 9

O yes electrical fences will work. This is where I ordered my electric fence for my pitbull. http://petsafe-warehouse.com/outdoor/sportdog_inground_fence.htm

Answer 10

how about if you look these products up on line and compare them and take it from there.