Alarming Incident w/ Neighbor's Invisible Fence

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Hi, all.

One of our neighbors has an invisible fence. I was out walking Truffle when he approached it and it suddenly looked like he was having a seizure. It happened twice in quick succession. It then occurred to me that he might have been electrocuted by the fence.  

When it was happening, he looked like a Looney Tunes cartoon character - with his legs splayed in different directions. He's fine - we proceeded along on on our walk without further incident, but it was truly scary for a brief instant.  

Has anyone ever experienced this before?  It must be a malfunction, no?

[Pam Thomas]

Neighbors need to have it checked out, poor baby.

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Indeed - I see her fairly frequently and I plan to mention it.  

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Wow! I don't know how or what happened but that is really scary! I'm glad he's okay. 

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Thanks, Karen.  It was so strange - I'd never heard of it happening before, but once my brain started functioning again after the shock of seeing the little guy jerk and flail, I had that "aha" moment.  Of all the things I expected to encounter now that we have a dog, this was definitely not on the list...

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Let us know what you find out, because that is scary to think there are invisible fences that can shock without collars. I can see how that would be valuable if you were trying to keep out bears or coyotes or wolves out of your back yard, but in a normal neighborhood where there are pets and children, it's not practical.

[F, Calla & Luca]

The dog might have been shocked when approaching the fence boundary but I cannot see how he could have been electrocuted. The fence and collar must, I think, communicate by radio waves. The collar is battery operated and could not have enough power to electrocute a dog. I am just speculating since I do not have an electric collar though I do have e- collars. It is possible the dog did in fact have a seizure or something else . Was it Truffle who had the problem? If so it could have been from an electrical short in the street. This happens in the city sometimes when dogs walk on an aberrant energized grate or manhole. If so the power company needs to check things out. This is all very confusing.

[Jennifer & Truffle]

Yes, it was Truffle.  We live in suburban NJ, were walking on the sidewalk and his paws were on their stone wall (which has a white fence above it) when it happened.

I suppose it could have been more of a shock - "electrocuted" might be too strong a word. However, his physical reaction was so strong that "electrocuted' was the word that came immediately to mind.

Once I speak to the property owner and have investigated a bit further, I'll be sure to post an update.  It is indeed very strange. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am very curious.

[Brittney & Cally]

wow, please keep us updated. Glad he is okay!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Very odd - we have an e-fence and they feel ZERO shock without the collars on....

I would ask your neighbor though. Very odd.

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Poor Truffle! Let us know about updates! That is very scary

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Very scary Jennifer, I'm glad Truffle is ok.