Fencing alternative: invisible fence
The invisible fence has many names such as "underground fence" or "hidden fence"; however, none of these is quite accurate. An invisible fence is actually not a fence at all, in the strictest terms. For instance, many people believe that an invisible fence consists of a live wire installed underground that is ready to shock the animal once it crosses the threshold. Actually, an invisible fence operates off radio signals that are transmitted to a receiver on the dog's collar. The dog receives a warning tone when it comes within a certain distance of the boundary, and if/when it crosses that boundary, a tiny shock akin to a static shock is emitted by the collar.
Why an Invisible Fence?
In the early 1990s, Richard Peck invented and patented the first invisible fences specifically with pet owners in mind. Erecting a fence in your front or backyard can be both expensive and time consuming. Many people also dislike the notion of obstructing the view of their neighborhood or surrounding area. Putting up a fence is particularly difficult for people who own larger properties or reside in areas where zoning laws prohibit the construction of traditional fences. Invisible fences are also often used in front yards where traditional fences are no longer widely used.
Helping Your Pet See the Fence
Although it seems like a relatively simple concept, you must accompany the incorporation of an invisible fence along with careful training of your animal. It is generally about a two-week process to fully train your pet to obey the boundaries of the invisible fence. Follow the process outlined below to get your dog started in understanding and obeying his or her new invisible boundaries.
- Once you have completed installation of the invisible fence, place flag markers in various locations around the perimeter. For the first couple of days, the receiver collar will not emit a shock. It is recommended that you work with your dog on a leash and allow him or her to go within a predetermined distance of the boundary in order to hear the warning signal. Then pull your pet back and give positive reinforcement for returning to you. Repeat this process around various places of the boundary so that your dog will make the associations.
- Although identifying the warning tone is instrumental in this process, allowing your dog to feel the shock is just as important. Continue to use the leash and repeat the process of going to the boundary and returning. This way the dog should make the association that the shock is coming directly from the boundary.
- The last step is to remove both the leash and the flags and then introduce distractions from outside the boundary. Once you feel like your dog has been adequately trained, keep close watch but leave it on its own.
Not Meant For Everyone
All dogs are different. Some can be trained more easily than others. Certain dogs may have a higher tolerance to both the sound and the shock emitted by the fence. In addition, certain stimuli, such as another neighborhood dog, cat, or other types of wild animals, can cause the animal to cross the threshold regardless of the sound or shock. Dogs that are exceptionally vicious, aggressive, or hyperactive, may not be suited for the invisible fence training method. Also remember that leash laws are still in place regardless of whether or not you have an invisible fence. However, with the right training, an invisible fence can be the perfect solution for certain types of dogs. Just remember that the safety of your dog as well as others should be your primary concern.