Hidden fencing (a.k.a. electric dog fencing, invisible fencing, or underground fencing) has been in existence for a long time but has recently become more popular due to the ever increasing fence restrictions and our ability to trust more in technological advancements. There are some people, however, that are still leery due mostly to myths associated with this type of pet containment. We would like to address these myths and help educate the general public about the safety, humanity and convenience of hidden fences.
The five most popular myths associated with hidden fences are 1) the shock is dangerous and inhumane; 2) it doesn’t work on my breed; 3) my dog will never want to come outside again; 4) it will make my dog become aggressive; and 5) it is too expensive.
Myth #1: The shock is dangerous and inhumane.
Many people feel that “shocking” a dog is harmful and an inhumane method of training. With Hidden Fences there are so many more factors involved than just a shock.
The “shock” involved is simply a static shock that is similar to what you would feel after scuffing your feet on a carpet and then touching another person. There is no amperage involved so burned skin or heart complications are not possible.
During the training process there are flags placed along the boundary to give dogs a visual idea of where they can and cannot go. In most cases, after the initial training dogs do not continue to test the system and they only experience the audible warning. The audible warning gives your dog a chance to turn around before the correction even occurs.
Finally, there is over a week of training involved to help teach your dog where they can and cannot go, as well as how to react if they get too close to the boundary (turn around instead of bolting through). This leads us nicely into Myth #2.
Myth #2: These types of fences won’t work on my breed.
Being in the hidden fence industry for over 20 years we have successfully trained thousands of dogs to the fence. Sight hounds, scent hounds, beagles, terriers of all kinds, big dogs, tiny dogs, hairy dogs and hairless dogs – we have worked with many dog breeds. With the proper training ALL breeds of dogs can be trained to a hidden fence.
Claims are made that these types of fences don’t work are due to lack of or improper training. This type of fencing does work – which is why any reputable company will offer you a money-back guarantee if they cannot contain your dog. They should also offer training assistance if you experience any sort of problems – it only makes sense to stand behind your product.
The only dog you should never try to contain on a hidden fence is one that is highly aggressive due to the fact that the fence will contain your dog, but cannot keep people or other dogs out of your yard and away from your aggressive dog.
Myth #3: My dog will never want to come outside again.
The most common reaction for a dog newly trained to a hidden fence is to stay close to the house or the front door. A little more work is required to show that the entire yard is safe to run around in. Some dogs take to it right away and others, just like humans, take a little more time to adjust. They ALL will eventually utilize every square inch of the yard. You just need to spend a little time with your dog playing and giving them treats to remind them that the yard is a fun and safe place to play.
Myth #4: It will make my dog aggressive.
Some people believe that dogs will become aggressive if they are contained with a hidden fence. While there is no evidence to either prove or disprove this theory we have noticed that some dogs have never been properly socialized and are not used to other people coming in contact with them. Once they have been trained to the hidden fence, owners notice aggressive behavior when people enter their yard. This isn’t because of the new underground fence, but rather improper socialization. Because the owner has never had their dog loose in the yard before they have no idea that dog is naturally territorial. The same thing would happen if a physical fence was installed instead and someone tried to enter it.
Most customers note that their dogs are much happier with their new freedom and being able to play outside leash or chain free for hours on end. And let’s face it, if dogs are happier, owners are happier.
Myth #5: It is too expensive.
Many people think mistakenly believe that hidden fencing is very expensive so they never even explore the possibility of using it for their pets. The fact is, a professionally installed DogWatch Hidden Fence is roughly an eighth of the cost of a traditional fence. The more acreage involved the greater the savings, comparatively speaking.
Myth #6: A store-bought brand is equivalent in quality to a professionally installed brand.
With this myth, nothing could be further from the truth. As with any product you have different levels of quality. Generally speaking, store bought systems are at the lower end quality wise, while professionally installed systems offer more quality, more features and better warranties.
In addition, professionally installed systems will be installed properly in your home. Also, training assistance should be offered to assure that your dog understands the fence, thereby increasing likelihood of successful containment. Finally, a performance guarantee of some sort should be offered by your professional company. If they are not willing to stand behind their product, you should not do business with them.
Although hidden fencing isn’t for everyone, we hope that addressing some of these more popular myths associated with it will help open your mind to the possibilities. If you or someone you know is ever in need of pet containment please consider a DogWatch Hidden Fence and go to www.dogwatch.com to find your local dealer.