Electric Fences & Snow

Electric fences have become a popular way to contain dogs without having to erect unsightly and expensive walls around the yard. Pets have freedom to roam in front of the house and in the backyard, but quickly learn that the perimeter will give them a small jolt if if they step across it. While traditional fences of brick, chain-link or wood obviously withstand the weather, electric fences can be adversely affected by harsh weather in subtle ways.

  1. History

    • Electric fences have been used since at least the 1930s to keep livestock from wandering off ranches and farms, and to keep out any predators who might want to attack the animals. In the mid-1970s, underground electric fencing was invented for dogs and sold exclusively as Invisible Fence until the patent ran out in 1991. Since then, several companies have developed that offer similar systems design to help contain your pet.

    Function

    • An electric--or "invisible"--fence is based on wires laid a few inches underground around the perimeter of the property, usually including the front yard and back so that the house is in the center. A transmitter located in the house or garage sends a signal to electrode prongs in a device placed on the dog's collar. A high frequency sound is emitted as the dog nears the boundary wires to send an alert that a shock will soon follow if the line is crossed.

    Range

    • Electric fences work best when snow is not piled high on boundary line wires. In most cases, the system is set to activate about 6 to 8 feet from the line--both width and height. But if you the show is piled higher than the signal field, you may need to shovel it off to keep the electric fence working. If you are worried, you should test the collar to make sure the system is working properly.

    Accuracy

    • To make sure your electric fence system is working, in good weather or bad, first check to see that the green light is appearing on your transmitter. You can also check by holding the dog's collar at a height that would be similar to your dog. Walk to the boundary wire. If you hear the audible tone or beeps, you know the system is working. You can even continue walking and feel the mild shock so that you know exactly what your dog is feeling if it crosses the line.

    Considerations

    • Many electric fencing systems allow you to set the boundaries through controls on the transmitter box. If the snow is allowing your dog to walk higher off the ground, you may need to turn up the signal so that it is powerful enough to reach above the snow. Once the snow has melted, you can re-adjust the system. Remember that in a snowstorm, if your power goes out, so does your electric fence.