Are you a dog owner with a love for gardening? Does your dog have a Ph.D. in digging and escaping? And are you constantly worried about your dog digging a hole to China?
If any of the answers to those questions are a “Yes”, then you’ve come to the right place!
We all know dogs are curious, adventurous and can be destructive when bored. So regardless of whether you want to save your prized flowers or if you don’t want your dog to get lost, an electric fence could solve your problems.
These invisible fences may sound complicated, but they’re definitely here to simplify your life. Keep on reading to find out why electric fences are so awesome and how you can use them!
What is So Special About the Electric Dog Fence?
Electric fences are a sure-fire way of keeping your dog within boundaries. Traditional fences try to do the same, but they’re pretty powerless against persistent dogs.
They also have to be a certain height to prevent your dog from jumping over. Now that’s not ideal if you’ve got a beautiful garden you want to display.
Also, every time you enter your garden you’ve got to open, shut and lock the gate to keep your dog in. With an electrical fence, you don’t have to worry about all this. They’re also transportable, so you don’t have to construct a new fence every time you move.
If you’re still not convinced, here’s another benefit. Electric fences don’t get ruined by rain and they don’t have to be painted regularly.
Basically, there’s no major maintenance cost. So, it’s a long-term investment that you won’t regret.
How Does the Electric Dog Fence Work?
The electronic fence is made up of three components – the cable, the e-collar, and the transmitter. First of all, you need to set up your boundaries by installing wires around your garden. The best way to do this is to bury the wires under the ground.
There is also a transmitter that is connected to the wires. This sends out radio signals to the wires and the receiver. When your dog is outside, it should have an electronic collar on, fitted with a receiver. So, whenever your dog goes near the boundaries, there will be a beeping warning.
If your dog still goes on to the boundary, the collar will emit a mild static shock. This shock isn’t harmful or painful for your dog. But it’ll definitely surprise and discourage your dog from going to the boundary again.
Selecting the Right Electric Dog Fence
There are a lot of amazing wireless dog fences available in the market. They all have different features so it can be confusing to pick the right one.
Some fences might have larger signal boundaries, while others may have more battery life. There’s also a matter of the cost. Wireless electric fences are more expensive than the wire fences. They also have a smaller boundary range.
Electric fences can also be temporary, semi-permanent or permanent. Which one is right for you depends on what you’re trying to protect.
Ultimately, it all depends on your needs and priorities. So do your research well and make a well-informed decision.
Some Cool Ways an Electric Dog Fence Can Be Used
Electric fences are extremely beneficial for pet owners. Here are some ways in which an electric fence might make your life easier.
- Installing an invisible fence will let your dog run around freely within a safe limit. This also gives them a sense of having their own territory.
- Electric fences serve as great protection for your gardens and flower beds. If your dog is a digging breed, there’s no way it can cross over the boundary. So, you can rest assured that your precious garden will be safe.
- If you have other outdoor pets like chickens or rabbits an electric fence will ensure peace in your yard by keeping your dog away. It will also let your other pets roam freely in their safe zones.
- Electric fences can also be used indoors to keep your dog out of danger zones like the kitchen.
How to Train Your Dog with Invisible Fencing
It’s best to start training your dog when it’s older than 6 months old. Don’t try this when it is younger or if it is ill or pregnant.
You’ll need to train your dog for 15 – 20 minutes daily for two weeks straight. Usually, it takes an adult dog 6 weeks to completely be trained with an invisible fence.
Introducing Your Dog to the Boundaries
The E-collar might feel different than other collars. It might take some time for your dog to get used to. So before activating anything, simply introduce your dog to the collar and put it on. Then, try out the new leash as well.
Next, you’ll need to identify the boundaries in a visible way for your dog. You can do this by placing brightly colored flags or cones on the forbidden path. Afterward, deactivate the system take your dog for a walk around the perimeter. Let your dog get used to the cones and flags and sniff around.
After your dog gets used to the new additions, activate the system. Then, walk it around on a short leash that’s easier to control. Let your dog go close to the boundaries. As soon as there’s a beeping sound, walk your dog away. Continue this for the whole week.
Training Your Dog with the E-Collar
Let your dog run around in the safe zone on its own while wearing the collar. You can even walk it around on a leash. But this time the leash should be longer and more flexible to allow free will. Once your dog goes near the boundaries and there’s a beeping sound, call your dog away.
If your dog listens to you immediately, praise it and give it a treat. If it doesn’t and continues on, it will get the mild shock. This acts as a corrective mechanism. It’s a good idea to walk your dog around some more and help it recognize the warning beeps at this point.
Gradually start moving away from the flags and cones one by one. Repeat the training religiously until your dog has explored and gotten to know all the limits. Now your dog should be able to recognize the boundaries even without the markings.
Conclusion
Electric fences are a technological blessing for pet owners. Although they might be a bit pricier than the traditional fence, their benefits far outweigh their cost.
Even if you already have a traditional fence, you can still install an invisible one as extra protective reinforcement. I mean, there’s no harm in being extra cautious right?
I know getting a dog used to invisible boundaries is no easy task. But with enough training, your dog will know its safe zone in no time. The trick is to be consistent and patient.
And if you are worried about the ethical issues, this static shock is just like a splash of water on your dog’s face. It only creates a startling effect that acts as a corrective mechanism that your dog will remember.
So, go on and purchase this invisible miracle tech, and make sure to thank me later for the advice!
About the Author
Shawn is a content writer at FeedFond. He’s a doting father not only to his two children but also to his two Golden Retrievers. Check out more of his articles at FeedFond.com.
