Have you ever heard of an electric dog fences? The term itself sounds a little off-putting, doesn’t it? Hearing this phrase probably makes some people imagine an electrical shock being delivered through an electrified fence, causing harm to a dog when they touch it. Thankfully, this isn’t at all what an electric or electronic dog fence is. Here is a quick explanation.
How Electric Dog Fences Work
So first of all, you have a cable in your yard, circling your property. Wherever this cable is laid, this becomes the invisible boundary that the dog won’t be able to cross. It is important to know that there is NO electricity running through the dog fence wire. Instead, a radio signal travels through the wire. This radio signal is emitted by the dog electric fence system, which is the brains of the system. The transmitter is placed indoors, or in a weatherproof location. A neutral, twisted wire is used to connect the transmitter to the outer boundary loop. The third component is a special radio collar, which your dog wears.
When your dog approaches the boundary you have set with the wire, he or she will hear a beep, letting them know that they should not go any further. This beep is followed by what is known as a static correction. Logically, you are wondering what this static shock feels like to the dog. Here is a comparison you may be able to relate to. Run across the carpet in your sock feet, and then touch a doorknob. This is a static shock. Surprising, but not painful, correct? After a week or two of being trained on the underground dog fence, your dog will understand and respect the boundaries you have set.
The Benefits of an Underground Fence
Logically, one of the main appeals of an invisible dog fence® is that it is a boundary that can’t be seen. While traditional dog fencing places a physical wall around your property, an electric dog fence does not. This means you have a line of sight all around your home, as opposed to having a physical fence that blocks the view in and out of your home. In addition to this, many neighborhoods, or homeowner’s associations don’t allow physical fencing in certain areas.
Another plus of having an in ground dog fence is the cost. Compared to traditional physical fencing for dogs, the price tag is significantly less. This is the case, if you choose to purchase a do-it-yourself invisible fence® for dogs. Installing an electric dog fence yourself will take less than a day to set up, and will save you big bucks. On the other hand, if you decide to go with a company that installs it for you, such as invisible fence® brand, both the equipment and installation services come with a hefty price tag.
Still not sure if an underground dog fence is right for your canine family? Ask your veterinarian. Most veterinarians agree that this form of boundary training is a both safe and effective for a majority of dogs. Keeping your dog at home with you and safe out of the street is something every pet owner desires.