Dog Training: Invisible Fencing & Fence Collars

Wireless or invisible fences are dog training and security devices. Buried in the ground, the fences keep dogs in the yard by sending a mild shock signal to a collar worn by the canine. Invisible fences are a safe and effective method of training a dog to stay within the boundaries of the yard.

  1. Function

    • Invisible fences keep dogs in their owners' yards. Aesthetically, many pet owners prefer invisible fences because they are buried under the ground, requiring no obstructive fence to contain the pet. Owners installing invisible fences aim to allow their pets the freedom of wandering throughout the yard while feeling secure about the whereabouts of their pets.

    Safety

    • Invisible fences remain controversial due to concerns over safety. While wireless fences vary, most fences allow the dog owner to set the shock setting on the collar and turn on a warning beep so that the dog is warned of the boundary, preventing unnecessary shocks. Shock settings also allow one fence to be utilized by a family containing dogs of varying sizes (as a small dog cannot tolerate the same amount of shock as a large dog). Dogs have been injured as a result of malfunctioning fences, though this is rare.

    Benefits

    • Invisible fencing requires no real training on the part of the dog; the owner must simply learn to use the fence settings and fasten the collar. Additionally, the fence is unobtrusive.

    Training

    • Rather than a boundary, an invisible fence is a means of training the dog to stay in the yard. Training the dog to understand the fence's capabilities takes about 15 minutes of training per day for about two weeks following the installation of the fence. Some fence companies offer training packages along with the product.

    Considerations

    • Invisible fences are not for every family. While they do keep the dog in the yard, invisible fences and collars do not protect the pet (or your family) from animals or unauthorized people from coming into the yard. This could lead to a bite if the dog is defending his property, exposure to rabid animals or dog-napping. Dogs have also reportedly tested the fence, building up a tolerance to the shock until they find themselves able to tolerate the pain and escape.