Is electric fencing for your dog a good idea? The pros and cons explained

Sarah Parker
Authored by Sarah Parker
Posted: Friday, September 27, 2019 - 07:04

So, you have bought a new home with lots of open space and breath-taking views, but you are stuck with a dilemma. The area either has no fencing or open-slatted fencing which is not going to keep your dogs in. In some cases, the dogs may be trained not to go too far from the house, but what about security? When you are looking to purchase a containment system, there are often a few obstacles. Some neighborhoods have codes, and you are only permitted to install a view of specific types of fencing, and most of them can be very pricey. An invisible, electric fence is a viable option for pet owners, but how do you know if you are making the right choice? In this post, we are weighing the pros and cons of installing an electric fence.

Pros Of An Electric Fence:

1. This Is An Affordable Option For Most People

Many developments and neighborhoods have stringent codes about the type of fencing you are permitted to put up if any. Although electric fencing can be pricey, it often costs less than installing traditional fencing made from other materials, particularly the high-end types which are required in certain places.

2. Electric Fencing Does Offer Pet Owners Some Flexibility

An electric fence doesn’t obstruct the surrounding views or differentiate green spaces which were made by open property lines. Also, an electric fence can be quickly installed, a lot quicker than other traditional fencing choices. You can view more dog-related articles on Fuzzy Rescue.

3. Electric Fencing Permits Some Roaming Space For A Dog

The electric fence can be designed in such a way that it stretches over 25 acres. Such a fence can be installed easily on challenging terrain that may be a challenge with traditional fences.

4. Electric Fencing Is Efficient Most Of The Time

Some pet owners prefer putting up an electric fence as other alternatives have proved not to be effective all the time for keeping dogs in (the dogs either dig under or climb over the fence). With an electric fence, the dogs quickly learn to stay inside the boundary lines to circumvent the warning signal and the ensuing shock.

Cons Of An Electric Fence:

1. The Shock Must Be Quite Severe And Painful

Forthe dog to learn not to venture across the boundary line, the shock is quite severe since the purpose is to startle and alarm them. Many electrical fence businesses compare the shock a dog receives to that of a static shock you feel when walking over carpet and then touching a metal door handle. But, for the fence to work as a deterrent, the blow must be more severe than that.

2. An Electric Fence Used As A Form Of Punishment

It is not recommended using the fence as a training technique or discipline since it can result in dangerous or unfortunate associations. A dog that is restrained by an electrical fence may learn to link the sensation of the shock with something other, entirely unrelated. For example, if the dog goes to the boundary to greet another dog and ends up being a shock, it may associate that dog with his pain. Even friendly dogs can get agitated, fearful, or aggressive when they consistently associate a stimulus with a threat or discomfort.