Do electric dog fences work? If not, is there an inexpensive alternative you would recommend?

Question

I have to find a way to keep our dog in the yard besides fencing in the property. We live in the country and it's not possible.
We've tried a nylon cord attached to the deck but then she (our 6 month old puppy) won't leave the porch.

To my defense... (knowitallssuckiamone) This dog came to my house as a stray and due to the high kill shelters around we decided to keep this dog. She choose us not the other way around.

Answer 1

Yes electronic fences do work.
Alot of people here bring up valid points about some electronic fences.
You need to make sure that you contact a reputable company and have the fence installed and trained to the fence. Alot of these so called professionally installed brands are full of it they do install the fence but instead of training the dog they simply scare the dog into staying in the yard.
I am a dealer for Pet Stop Pet Fence Systems and we do it right. All of our dogs are gently and effectively trained to the system using a beep, then a low shock level that feels like a tickle. (Yes I have put it on, and I gave a presentation at a Home show while wearing the collar getting shocked)
Visit www.petstop.com and enter your zip code to find your local dealer. They will be able to assist you further.

Answer 2

Depends on the dog.. electric fences DO NOT work for scent hounds or sight hounds.. the tracking/chasing instinct takes over the brain.. they won't even notice the shock.. they will work for some dogs, but only if the dog never becomes extremely excited..

For some dogs a lead would be a good alternative.. have the a rope going from one tree to another with the lead attached to the line so it has more area to run.. this isn't the best idea for a dog that is outside alone all the time though.. they can get wrapped around the trees.. Fencing is really the best option.. how about a pen for when you are not out with the dog?

Answer 3

I am considering an electric fence and/or a "pet locator" tag that will help us find our pup when she escapes. For the person who recommended tying the dog out to a stake in the ground so they don't get neurotic about the electric fences, I think that is far more inhumane than giving them free reign in the yard but setting boundaries! I also think protecting our pets from escaping and being hit by a car, stolen, or list is part of being a responsible and loving pet owner. For dogs that are trained, they aren't going to get shocked a hundred times a day---maybe only a few times before they learn. Good for all of you who have installed these systems. I love reading your success stories!

Answer 4

I have 2 dogs and one of them ran away for a month so when i got her back I installed an electric fence around our property...It is the best thing ever invented. Both of my dogs learned in about a day where the fence line was located. I would highly recommend an invisible fence. The cheapest way to get one is to install it yourself.
PS. When your dog first goes near the fence and gets shocked he or she will most likely cry very loud however this is not because they are hurt its because it catchs them off guard. I have walked through the fence line holding a colar and it is basically like a static shock.

Answer 5

electric fences are pretty good, but occasionally, very excitable dogs ignore the shocks in their excitement to get at what's on the other side of the fence, they'll run right through it. Then when it comes time to go back to their yard, they notice the shocks and don't want to come back. But your dog is pretty young and very trainable. You might want to talk to an Invisible Fence specialist and see how they recommend you go about training your puppy. Good luck! OH- also, make sure your dog doesn't have the collar on durring a thunder storm. They could get shocked from lightning.

Answer 6

If you get an electric dog fence you will have to walk the dog around the property to train her where the border is and it can take forever depending on how easily the dog trains.

The electric shock only works as the dog passes over the line so if she sees something that she wants to go after she may run across the line knowing it is only going to shock her for a second.

Answer 7

electric fences work SOMETIMES but they r inhumane. most dogs get shocked once and then they wont leave the yard ever again. they wont want to leave in a car. for a walk and they will be terrified. y dont u fence in an area behind ur house and make a little piece of land just for her. her own little yard. it is a lot more humane and painless to the dog than having an electric fence. here is a good site
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/239708/the_disadvantages_of_an_electronic.html

Answer 8

A kennel and run then?
Invisible fences can work - and do for 1000s of dogs. But doesn't make them right. Securing your boundries should have been a mojor consideration before gettting any dog, especially a puppy. If you do use an iinvisible fence, and something, for example, scares the hell out of her in the garden, then she WILL run through the fence, as her 'flight' self preservation instinct will be stronger than her avoidence of pain....but once OUT, she is highly unlikely to be willing to experience the same level of pain, just to get back in.
I live in Scotland, where we have vast expanses of open land....but do not know anyone who does not either securly fence their land, or build a kennel and run.
Good luck

EDIT::::::Sorry, I'm new here, and didn't mean any offence. Sorry if my 'tone' was misconstrued :-(

Answer 9

I'm doing basic obedience right now. My trainer hasn't once handled my dog. He has shown me how to handle my dog by using his own dog but that's about it. The reasoning is that I need to learn how to do these basic corrections and what not myself. Learn more https://tinyurl.im/2kYZ8

I have never considered sending my dog away for training. I guess I haven't found that much of a problem with him to even think about it.

Again, it may also have to do with the level of training you are looking for etc. No idea lol. I'm not a trainer. I think a first time dog owner needs to learn simple commands and how to handle their dog themselves as well.

Answer 10

well they do work but you cant always trust them.they stop working easily.also they damage their immune system.how would you like it if you were in a yard and constantly had to think about where you could go and not get shocked.it takes away the whole freedom of the dog.a very inexpensive alternative is a stake that gets put in the ground with a long leash attached to it(15-40 ft.you can get this at petsmart