Types of Electric Fences & Collars for Dogs

Underground Fencing

• With underground fencing, a shallow trench is dug along the perimeter of the desired containment area, and a boundary wire is laid in the trench and covered. It is "invisible" since the wire is hidden beneath the ground. The boundary wire sends a signal to a receiver on the dog's collar; when he gets too close to the perimeter, he is warned with an audible tone. If he continues, he'll receive a correction via the collar. This type of fence can be customized as to your layout, allowing you to keep your backyard roses safe from digging paws while leaving the rest of the yard available to your pet. This type is more expensive, but more versatile.

Wireless Fencing

• Wireless fencing is an "instant" and portable electric fence for your dog. It transmits a boundary area around a central transmitter, usually in a circle. As with the underground fencing, the dog wears a collar that will signal--and then correct--perimeter approaches. While very easy to set up, this type of fence can't be configured in different layouts, so it may not work for the shape of your yard. It's less expensive, but less customizable.

How Electric Fences Work

• Both types of electric fences work in basically the same way. The dog wears a collar, which has a small receiver on it. When the dog approaches the boundary, the collar receiver is able to pick up the signal put out by the boundary wires, and will give an audible warning tone. If the dog continues to approach the boundary, the collar will administer an electronic stimulus, which acts as a correction. While not harmful, it isn't pleasant, and the dog won't want to repeat the experience. With proper owner-guided training, the dog learns where his limits are, and stays within the desired area.

  Most of the collars are adjustable and lightweight, and can be plugged in to recharge the receiver batteries. The dog must wear the collar at all times, however, when in the confinement area.

Things to Consider

• While electric fencing works well for many dog owners, those with large, aggressive or determined dogs may find that their dogs will charge the boundary despite the correction. If the correction cannot be increased on your model to a level that the dog will respect, more traditional containment methods must be used. Remember that electric fences are designed to keep your pet in the yard. Other animals and people can enter and leave your yard freely.

A Word About Collars

• The collar receiver your dog must wear has two small metal contact points that administer the electronic correction. These points must be in direct contact with the skin to work. On dogs with long or thick coats, extra long contact points may need to be installed to reach through the hair to the skin. Thin-skinned or thin-coated dogs may experience skin irritation because of the points. The collar must be positioned at a different place on the neck each day or a grid adapter must be put in place of the points to prevent skin damage and tenderness.