Shock Collars or Invisible Electric Fence?

A regular shock collar only works if *you* are there to use it.

An electric fence takes the place of "you", so it works no matter where you are.

However...

Some dogs blast through electric fences. Electric fences require your dogs wear large collars all the time when outside. Electric fences don't work if there is a power outage. And electric fences do not prevent other dogs (or any animal) from entering your yard.

A regular fence is always my choice to safely contain dogs.

Add: shock collars are not barbaric, when used properly - like *any* training equipment. A flat nylon collar can severely injure a dog if used improperly, so remember - it's not the tool, but the use of it that determines if it's cruel.

Dog Shock Collar Fence

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RE:

Shock Collars or Invisible Electric Fence?

We have two dogs that are both very active a lab retriever and a mini dachshund..We would like to be able to let them run the yard without running off, getting into any trouble, or bothering anyone so we are considering shock collars or maybe an invisible fence. I would like opinions from people...

1

A stand-alone electronic ("shock") collar is a training device largely used by experienced working dog trainers who absolutely *require* reliable off-leash control when giving their dogs specific commands. Hunting, herding & police K9's....any work where the owner has to precisely control the dog's behavior off leash and at a distance....is where E-collars are most useful.

They are NOT a suitable means to simply keep a dog within a boundary or keep a dog from running off, especially in a setting where you're more likely to be focused on vacation & having fun. The dog needs to understand specific boundaries & have specific consequence for crossing those boundaries. If you just "shock when they run off"...it's totally random to the dog & will create fear instead of reinforcing what the dog understands.

In all reality, they're a training device best left to the experts, or used under a professional's guidance....if you use one without knowing *exactly* what you're doing, you can absolutely ruin a dog.

An invisible fence system works WITH an electronic collar, to keep the dog within a boundary. The collar comes with the system & you usually have to buy additional collars for more dogs. You bury the wire, plant boundary marker flags to aid in training the dog. The collar has a reciever that detects when the dog gets close to the boundary, most systems have collars with an audible "warning" before the zap.

It also requires 4 or more weeks worth of regular, consistent training before you can even *think* about expecting the dog to fully recognize and respect the boundaries. There are "professional" services that will install & guide you through training so it's done properly. Some dogs with high prey drive will NEVER respect the boundaries at all times.....some dogs will chase the bunny & take the shock, and when they're done with the bunny they sure as heck won't come back into the yard. Keeping fresh batteries in the collar is also essential....batteries die, the dog is free.

Invisible fence systems are a more or less "permanent" install- not something easy to take down & set up in a new place. If you wanted to spend the money on 2 systems you could concievably install one at both your house & vacation home....the dogs would need to be "refreshed" on the boundaries at the vacation house, however. Tie outs are ugly & inconvenient but are cheaper and more foolproof to use.

IMO a reasonable stim level isn't painful- I've felt a fairly high-level zap in the palm of my hand and it's not what I'd call painful- just gets your attention. It's about as quick as a static electricity shock. People will tell horror stories about dogs with sores on their neck from being shocked, etc- and to that, I say that ANY training device can be mis-used & abused, even a flat buckle collar or Halti headcollar can be a torture device if you want it to be. Used properly, e collars are neither painful nor cruel.

Other options would be a physical fence, or a portable outdoor kennel enclosure....not a lot of room to run, but they could be outside with you at least :)

There was a dog on It's Me Or The Dog USA that became too frightened to go in the garden because his owners installed an invisible fence. Just think about what you're doing for a moment. The link you were given about shock collars is good.

I don't have a secure garden. All I do is make sure my dog gets really good, long off-lead walks and I just take her outside to do her business when she needs to go. I prefer being out with her anyway because I've heard of dogs being stolen from their gardens.

Honestly I would opt for a trainer to teach both of them. The fence will only work at home and you have to worry about other animals and the thing not working right.

The collar will only work if you are out there watching non-stop and it seems kinda rediculous to spend 1/2 your trip to the cottage trying to train your dogs on what the boundaries are.

They aren't misbehaving. It's natural behaviour.

The Doxie will likely run through any electrocution device you put on him. They are hunters and will pursue prey through being napped.

I would NEVER use an electric fence on a small dog, nor would I use an unsupervised tie out. It's just dangerous!

The better plan is to get both of them trained in reliable recall. Stay outside with them when they are outside and if they wander off, call them back. Much more humane and reliable.

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU4lq

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.

Every dog needs some type of training. The first class I ever took a dog to was https://tr.im/uwPmA

It's a very basic kind of class. They will help you with your dog, and show you how to work with your dog at home.

They'll also answer any questions you have about your dog's particular problems and how to handle them. The most important thing in dog training is to be consistent and work with your dog at home on the lessons. The PetSmart class teaches sit, down, come, and the very basics every dog needs to know. They will also help socialize your dog. You are unhappy with an untrained dog, and believe it or not, the dog is actually unhappy to. You need to take your dog now, as the older he gets, the harder it will be to correct your dog's bad habits. Plus the classes are fun for you and your dog. My dog went from that first PetSmart class on to advanced obedience classes. You might also contact your local humane society. The one in my area offers obedience classes with a very good trainer at a reduced price.