The invisible dog fence consists of two basic parts: The wire cable, which is laid below the ground around a certain area that the dog is not supposed to enter, and a special dog collar, which is applied to the dog and triggers electrical impulses that disturb the dog and show him avoidance behaviour.
The invisible dog fence is a type of fence that works directly on the dog with electrical impulses. The supposedly “invisible dog fence” consists of a special collar, which the dog wears on his neck, and a wire cable, which is laid just below the ground around a certain area (for example a sandpit or flower bed). The collar of the dog is in this case the receiver, the wire cable the transmitter of the impulse.
If the dog now moves in the garden and approaches the sandpit (and thus the cable), for example, an impulse is triggered. Some devices only make a beep at this first moment. If the dog does not leave, an electrical impulse follows, which is applied over the collar. This should teach the dog to avoid this area – as the electrical impulse is of course unpleasant.
Such constructions are also called “remote trainers”.
Apart from that, the use of such a device is also not necessary, since there are many good and healthy dog fence alternatives.
Invisible dog fence: 3 risks of the controversial fence.
An invisible dog fence usually describes an electrical, visually undetectable fence variant with which a dog is to be kept within the property boundary by light electric shocks. As decorative as a fenceless garden can look, the electric shocks intimidate the dog. Even if they are too weak to really cause pain, they send the wrong signal when it comes to dog training.
An invisible dog fence usually means a system, consisting of a cable or wire, radio transmitter and radio receiver, which generates a magnetic field, which with the help of criminal offences such as light electric shocks ensures that your four-legged friend does not exceed a certain mark (property boundary). The cable is laid underground around the property boundary and is surrounded by a magnetic field that reacts with the radio receiver attached to the dog collar. If the four-legged friend enters the area above the cable, the criminal immunity becomes noticeable on the collar and the dog learns in such a way with the time that it has unpleasant consequences if he crosses the border, so that he avoids this if possible. Other variants do not require a cable, but are very similar in principle (radio transmitter and receiver). An invisible dog fence, however, contains not only ethical concerns but also other dangers and risks.
1. Electric shocks in dog training are ethically questionable
The most important thing first: We advise against the use of an electric dog fence. Classic garden fences or mobile dog fences are better. Even though the electric fences are not physically dangerous for a dog, this method of dog training is controversial because it can break the dog’s heart and can cause psychological damage. The consequences of conditioning with criminal offences are difficult to assess. A dog may not be able to make a connection between the criminal permit and the property boundary in the beginning and thus suffer behavioural problems or an anxiety disorder. Possible reactions are panic, stress and deep insecurity as consequences of the surprising stimulus.
2. Undesired conditioning possible
Dogs establish connections between their environment and impulses – this is an elementary component in dog education, but can have undesirable consequences with the principle of invisible dog fences. An example: A cyclist passes your garden. Your dog would like to greet him and walk with him, but is harshly prevented from doing so by the electrical impunity. As a result of this situation, your dog may react aggressively to cyclists, associating them with pain or horror. A similar situation is possible with children or other people and events.
3. Invisible dog fence is not safe
An invisible dog fence prevents your dog from crossing the mark in most cases, but gives no guarantee that the four-legged friend always shrinks back in time. If a dog crosses the border once too fast, for example by hunting or panicking, he gets scared, but possibly lands on the other side of the property – and does not dare to go back. The magnetic field does not only work on one side of the invisible fence. So a dog can lock itself out of the garden.
In general, it must always be expected that a dog can exceed the mark, which is why this type of fence is generally not suitable for plots on busy or even busy roads. A further problem: Other dogs can step on the property at any time without blame. Visit The Pampered Pup YouTube channel for more videos.
