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Invisible fencing has drawbacks
September 20, 2007
A reader from Uptown recently asked about the hidden fencing that is
billed as an alternative to standard fencing for containing a dog in
one's yard.
"I do not own a dog but I have always wondered about the invisible
fences and the remote controls on dogs' collars," the reader said,
wondering if they really work.
I feel that technology has afforded us many conveniences, but it isn't
necessarily always a good thing. For example, e-mail, the Internet and
all the other advanced ways to communicate instantly are great, but
being solely dependent upon them can wreck havoc in our lives when they
suddenly don't work.
Likewise, I see hidden or invisible fences as having more pitfalls than
advantages, especially if you depend on them as the only way to contain
your pooch. These hidden fence structures have three basic components: a
radio transmitter, wires buried underground around the edges of a
property, and a receiver that is placed on a dog's collar. If the dog
strays beyond the hidden perimeter, the receiver will send a mild
electrical shock to the dog on the theory that it will teach him not to
stray again. The idea of an even a mild shock as a form of training, in
my opinion, in and of itself negates this type of fencing.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest disadvantages of hidden fencing is
that it doesn't work in reverse. While they may contain your dog (and
even that's not a definite), they do nothing to keep dogs, cats or any
other stray animals from entering your property. Not to mention people.
It also won't stop a dog from responding to stimulus, such as a squirrel
climbing a tree or a cat strolling by. When a dog's adrenaline starts
pumping he or she will more than likely barrel through the perimeter
despite the shock, and once your dog has abandoned the chase and the
adrenaline has decreased, he will be hit with a shock when he tries to
return to the yard. He'll clearly get the message that entering his
space is a bad thing, and that's a message you certainly don't want to
communicate.
Additionally, the fencing won't work if you fail to replace the
batteries in the receiver collar. Invisible fences are definitely not a
fail-safe or stand-alone alternative to a traditional fence. While it
may work aesthetically for your yard and is less expensive than a
traditional fence, I think the disadvantages far outweigh any surface
advantages.
If you want your pooch to enjoy the great outdoors, it's always better
to spend time with them either on a walk, a jaunt to the park or simply
lounging in the backyard. A yard is just a yard, but sharing time with
human companions is what makes their yard a home.
- Gloria
Dauphin
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