Invisible Fences for Dogs: Not as Safe as They Seem
The proverb: “good fences make good neighbors” rings true with dogs too. Everyone needs clear and visible boundaries, and that starts with a solid and secure fence for dogs. When clients ask if invisible dog fences work, I shudder. I clearly explain to them why invisible fences for dogs don’t work and how they cause harm.
How Invisible Fences for Dogs Work
Invisible dog fences depend on an underground electric wire system to set boundaries for dogs. Rather than enclose a dog within an area using a physical barrier, such as a gate, invisible fences shock dogs whenever they approach or cross the underground wire.
Some invisible fences for dogs use small flags as physical warning markers. When dogs get close or cross those flags, they’re shocked. In addition, most invisible dog fence companies recommend setting shock collars on high and turning them down over time. This is a horrible way to teach dogs about boundaries.
Invisible Fences Don’t Protect Your Dog
Fences are made to keep certain things in and other things out. Invisible fences for dogs allow other animals into the boundary, but won’t allow your dog out to escape. For years, pet owners have tearfully described their invisible fence horror stories during our private consultations.
Invisible Fence Reviews
Once, a young Pit Bull was attacked and killed by a neighbor’s dog. Every time this poor dog tried to run away, he was shocked. Another time, a client described how coyotes carried off her small dog from her backyard. Once the small dog went missing, the pet owners replayed the security camera video and watched the horrific scene. Another story involved a hound mix that was brutally attacked my javelina pigs (wild pigs). The dog passed away shortly.
Each case could’ve been prevented with a sturdy, visible fence and pet owners being outside with their dogs. It’s only a matter of time until this happens to a defenseless dog stuck inside an invisible fence.
If these invisible dog fence reviews haven’t changed your mind yet, reputable rescue organizations won’t adopt to someone with an invisible fence.
RELATED: What to Do If You See a Tethered Dog
Invisible Fences Cause Harm
Dog shock collars hurt, and they do cause harm. Science is catching up and proving shock collars are considered dog abuse. When people insist shock collars don’t hurt, they’re wrong. As a dog trainer, I’m all too familiar with picking up the pieces after dogs have been shocked repeatedly with an invisible fence collar. This could be easily avoided.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]One day, he casually asked why his dog was afraid to go outside and I casually replied, “Because the backyard shocks and hurts him.”[/perfectpullquote]
Here’s an all too common story. My neighbor had an invisible fence for dogs, and he literally had to push his dog out the back door to potty. One day, he casually asked why his dog was afraid to go outside. I casually replied, “Because the backyard shocks and hurts him.” While my neighbor initially looked shocked, he shook his head and said, “You could be on to something.” Within a month, their invisible dog fence was replaced with a sturdy wooden privacy fence. This story happens every day.
Don’t Believe the Hype
Invisible fence installers will try selling you rainbow and sunshine dreams of perfectly behaved dogs happily playing in your backyard, but don’t buy into it. These dog fences are cruel and won’t protect your dog. Plus, they won’t “securely” confine your dog inside a backyard. Instead, opt for a sturdy wooden fence and keep an eye on your dog when he’s outside.