There are advantages and disadvantages of using electronic fences for humans and the dog. Electronic fences are made of several controlling devices. This includes underground wire along a property line of about 150 to 350 meters, transmitters and a collar that sends out a repellent spray, shock or strange noise upon reaching the boundary lines. Upon reaching the boundary, the collar signals the boundary limitation to the dog.

If you live under city ordinances or strict HOA housing rules you may not be able to have a fenced in yard and need to install an electronic fence for your pet. When you have no normal fence to mark the boundary for the dog, electronic fences are a reasonable alternative, although they can be expensive.

There are also some probable disadvantages of having an electronic fence.

You will need to instruct your dog carefully, regardless of any previous training, to handle the shocks and noises of an electrical fence properly. Dogs need to learn their allowable limits as well as how to associate the shock or noise with those boundary limits.

An e-fence system can short out from lightning strikes or any careless digging around the wire. After training your dog to associate the boundary flags with the deterrent, it is best that they be removed so that they don’t become a hazard to children playing and lawnmowers. The dog if properly trained will remember where the edge of his running space is and rarely test the limits.

Dogs chasing prey and overly excited may not feel the quick shock upon leaving the boundary, however when trying to return they may become discouraged when trying to do so on their own.

Some dog owners do not consider electric shock humane nor a great means of producing the behavior desired in their canine companion.

Life comes with risks. Dogs who are confined indoors or are always on the leash do not have the opportunities to run. Some areas have dog parks and other locations for running free which is a definite advantage, but not all areas do. Dogs have a natural, strong desire to run; when they become frustrated with their continuous confinement they can become unstable.

Large dogs can try to jump fences of standard height and can be punctured by chain links or wooden planks. Even if the wound is minor, dogs tend to make things worse by scratching and biting creating hot spots. Generally, this means a vet visit. Therefore, sometimes it is safer to use the electronic fence.

There is no one solution that satisfies everyone, his or her dog, all breeds or training systems or even every situation. You can only make a solid decision by knowing all the facts and all the particular physical and psychological health needs of your dog.

You should however, prepare to disable your fence if it seems to do more harm than good.

Learn to select the correct Dog Bedding for your dog. Don’t allow Puppy Potty Training become a time consuming or frustrating experience.

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