Invisible fence

[Lynda Kamrath]

We decided to give it a try rather than purchase a $6,000 gate.  We do not want to keep people out, but do want to keep our dogs in.  We hired some local teenagers to dig the trench and my son came down from Seattle to install the fence.  We have about 2,000 ft. of fencing, some along existing fence lines and others across the yard.  Then the training.  For one dog it was no problem at all.  He never leaves our side and follows all commands.  The second dog took three shocks before he decided to respond to the warning sound.  But the third dog (our young Sheepadoodle) considered the shocks a challenge and knew they were coming from the ground and would prance around and dig to try to get the culprit.  She has learned that the warning sound needs to be heeded, and now retreats immediately when the collar beeps at her.  I think it will work out okay.

[DonMarie and Picco]

So far I've been impressed seeing invisible fences that work!   But your story of your sheepadoodle reminds me of a husky mix I had.  We put out a bark deterrent and she figured where it was and chewed it up within 2 days!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, we have a bark ball also and it doesn't seem to work very well.  They know it will bark back at them, but rather like that game.  The same sheepadoodle likes to stay outside at night and bark at anything that moves.  I got a muzzle for her when she goes outside and then call her in with "treat".  I think she is getting me trained rather than me getting her trained.

[DonMarie and Picco]

I got a citronella collar when Picco was still a pup.  He was quiet the first few weeks at night in his crate then found that whining and barking got attention.  The collar still works for him after all these years. He hates the spray in his face.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

We have had an in-ground fence for Haley since he was a puppy.  He did run through the fence one time and really learned his lesson.  Other dogs, deer and his favorite neighbor cannot get him to go through the fence. 

My neighbor use to let her beagle and lab run loose but after finding one or the other at her father-in-law's house on the other side of the highway she finally gave in to an in-ground fence.  Even after running loose for most of their lives they have adapted to being contained.  And, the neighbor has peace of mind.

MonaChica is very smart!  : )

[Lynda Kamrath]

Yes, I think she is rather smart.  However, day 2 and she responds to the beep immediately.  My neighbor in California also had two beagles and an in-ground fence.  One dog responded correctly to the fence but the other knew he was going to get a shock and decided if the attraction on the other side was worth it.  He was often out visiting with other dogs or around the neighborhood.  It does not work for everyone, but so far it is working for us.

[Joyce (Casey & Cody's mom)]

My biggest concern with invisible fences is that your dog may not break through, but other dogs and other animals can come through it so easily.  My neighbor had her poodle attached in her own yard by a stray dog who was trying to get to her food.

[DonMarie and Picco]

I never thought about that!  No collar - no buzz!

[Lynda Kamrath]

That is right.  It does not keep anyone (or anything else) out of the fenced area.  We have deer, a raccoon, and

a couple of skunks who come into our yard regularly.  It will not keep them out, but will keep the dogs from chasing them.  So far, the skunks have never sprayed, and the raccoon grabs food and runs off on two legs with his prize.  We like having the other animals around, but don't want the dogs wandering off down in the creek bed, out into the road, or over to the neighbors' house.  It seems to be working but we need to increase the volume on Chica's collar as she has a couple of escape areas.  I am not always outdoors with them to give her a warning.