Posted: 5/4/2009 7:46:58 AM EDT
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I will be getting a new dog soon and probably a invisible fence to go along with it.
Anyone have experience with these systems? Problems? Cost? Thanks. |
Obviously, when the power's out, the fence is off –– you probably figured that out yourself. 
We have replaced several 'black boxes' after thunderstorms, presumably due to nearby lightning strikes. That is a hassle. On the up-side, it does the job. And it's much cheaper than fencing a back yard that's nearly a full acre. |
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The kit comes with a 500' spool of wire for your border, but you can splice in more wire (don't worry if you're not a handyman; even I did it) for a longer perimeter. I'm sure there's a maximum that the box can handle, but you'd probably have to contact the manufacturer for that.
A 500' perimeter is a pretty good sized back yard, though. Figure a square that's 125' (41-42 paces) on a side; that's 15625 sq feet, or the area of 3 3/4 high school basketball courts. |
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I installed the "Contain and train" from Innotek-Innotek
It a great fence, has a battery back-up and comes with a traning collar that can work independent of the fence. |
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Probably not the type of problem you're asking about, but as a FedEx driver, I really loathe invisible fence.
I feel in my non-expert but very experienced opinion that a dog tied up in the yard or behind a fence has a different attitude than one running the whole yard freely. I really think the freedom makes them start feeling more dominant (not a good thing at all) and they really get full of themselves. I have no fear of dogs and in 12 years of doing this job I have come across maybe 5 dogs that just plain let me know I should stay the hell away from them... except for the invisible fence ones. Most of them have run at me while I approached, snarling and jumping at the 'fence line' and being aggressive. Yeah, I'll try again tomorrow. I think my point is: If you get one you better sure as hell put up signs to warn people so they're not halfway across your yard when your dog comes tear-assing around the house after them. It is DAMNED hard to stand your ground to some of them when that happens and not turn around and present them your ass to bite. Some neighbor kid freaks and turns tail, you could be getting sued. Even friendly dogs can get nippy when their instincts think they're chasing you....as you're slowing walking out of the yard...ask me how I know this. Also, anyone who thinks their wonderful, friendly widdle Muffsy foo-foo bear is super friendly and wouldn't hurt a flea has never watched him when his master isn't around. You might be amazed at the difference when he thinks he is in charge. I wouldn't want strangers having access to that. I'd prefer a real fence. I'm perfectly aware that this post makes no real sense. |
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Back home, my mom's boyfriends dog responded well to the fence for about 2 months. Then
come construction ended up cutting th fence on accident, yet the dog still didn't cross the line. Now, Rusty (the dog) is about 2 yrs old, and knows there is no fence but is very good about still not crossing the line. Works very well. |
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They do present a safety issue that should be considered. Every animal and location is unique, so some issues may be more relevant than others...
Like the fedex driver mentioned, one consideration is that the invisible fence may keep your dog in, however, there's no barrier to keep people or other animals out. You could very well be neck deep in a lawsuit if anyone (child, mailman, salesperson, even the badguys) walks in your yard. Worse yet, if your dog bites, police or animal control will take it, and likely put it down ultimately. If another dog, or pack of dogs wonders into your yard, yours could be killed or seriously injured with no place to retreat. Some dogs are hard, and if their drive is strong enough, no mere shock collar will keep them from their object of focus. You'd be surprised at the jolt some dogs will take to chase a rabbit, or something else. Some dogs are smarter than the average bear too. I know of one GSD that associated the proximity warning beep (or lack thereof) with good collar batteries and depleted ones. When the beep no longer sounded as he approached the boundary (battery dead), he knew he could then cross freely at will without a shock. So, even if the fence itself has a battery backup, what backs up the collar's battery if it runs down? The idea of an invisible fence may be convenient and aesthetically pleasing, but unless used responsibly, it could seriously jeopardize the safety of your dog and anyone who might wonder into your yard. |
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Quoted:
Some dogs are hard, and if their drive is strong enough, no mere shock collar will keep them from their object of focus. You'd be surprised at the jolt some dogs will take to chase a rabbit, or something else. . I know two of those. Both been in "jail" (the pound) multiple times. "It only hurts for a second". Not knockin' e-fences. They work great for 90% of all dogs. Lot's of 'em in our neighborhood. But you might have a 10%-er. Our dog doesn't need one 
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