Electric Fence???

Does anyone have one? We live in a very strict town. Before we got our dog we spoke with the building inspector for the town to make sure we would be able to fence in an area. He approved it verbally but now has denied it on paper after we put a deposit on the fence (the day before it was going to be installed!) and have our dog.

I always thought electric fences were cruel but some of my neighbors have them and said they weren't since the companies also help to "train" the dog. I'm also trying to weigh out the cruelty of the shock vs. not being able to run around off leash.

I was looking for some feedback. TIA

Re: Electric Fence???

I don't have one, but I know 2 families who do. One family has 2 dogs, the 1st dog did very well with the electric fence but their other dog would jump it frequently and run around in the neighbor's yards. The other family that had it had a dog who jumped the fence then was hit by a car.

Re: Electric Fence???

If it was me, I would keep trying for a fence, even if it was a lower one that was allowed. We only have a 4 foot but our dog is fixed and isn't a jumper, so it's fine.

I say this for a few reasons, but one of them is because although your dog may not leave your property after it's shocked a few times (unless it's looking for a female in heat), it doesn't prevent other dogs from getting onto your property.

Which could be dangerous, for one. And messy. Before we had our new fence installed, three dogs had gotten int our yard at different points. One of them was in the middle of the night and the owner was standing in our backyard yelling for the dog. I found lots of dog poop, none of it from my dog.

Anyway, I don't have experience with the collar but one of my neighbors does have a dog with one. Scares the heck out of me because the dog comes running at you and stops short right at the curb. You think you're going to be attacked!

Message edited 9/10/2009 7:15:28 PM.

Re: Electric Fence???

I'm not a big fan of them... my biggest reason is because it doesn't keep other dogs out but I don't think they are totally reliable. What if there is a power outage?

Re: Electric Fence???

We had one when I was a kid and it was great. Our dog was only shocked 1x. She learned very quickly how far she could go. They hear a sound before they get shocked so there is a warning. There were actually a few times when she went out without her collar by accident and there was never a problem. She was so used to staying in the yard, she did!

Re: Electric Fence???

BUMP