No Chains, No Leashes, No Fences!?

As I walked around the neighborhood recently, two little terriers came came running out of their front door toward me barking and then they abruptly stopped about 5 feet shy of the sidewalk I was on.  It was as if they were tethered to invisible leashes because there was nothing visibly stopping them from going further.

Or was there?

A quick glance at their collars and the tiny “shock” device on them and I knew their owners had an “invisible fence” installed. I was able to continue walking with ease knowing that the terriers were not going to go any further toward me.  Most definitely they got a few shocks in the training period and I am sure it took no time at all for them to figure out that harassing me was not worth the punishment wrapped around their neck.

Let me say I have mixed feelings about the use of shock collars. For the purpose of an invisible fence it makes sense, at least initially in the training period. An invisible fence can improve the quality of life for dogs and make for a safer environment.  I am against shock bark collars because there are far more humane training methods such as this.

I have had a few clients with invisible fence systems on their properties, usually it is clients with larger yards or those with no fences at all. One of my clients eventually took the shock collars off of their dogs because the initial training was so efficient that after time the dogs naturally stayed within the “invisible fence” line on their own accord.

Another client of mine recently had an incident where one of their dogs dug under their back fence directly into their neighbor's yard and attacked their two dogs.  She said both of the neighbor’s dogs were bitten and needed medical attention.  Hundreds of dollars later, it was lucky that the two dogs were able to overcome their injuries.  Then there is the damaged fence and neighborly relationship to mend.  I couldn’t help but think that an invisible fence could have prevented the entire scenario. If they placed the underground line 3-5 feet from the back fence, all of the dogs would be safe, including the fence & landscaping!

I promise I am not getting paid to endorse invisible fence; I simply wanted to share with you a great tool that makes my life easier as a pet sitter and could possibly make yours easier too if you have escape artist dogs, aggressive dogs or dogs that are just zealous about checking out every passerby, nook and cranny!  This tool could keep them safe, others safe, and keep you sane!

Check out some options:

Click here to find a local installer of the original professional system. (A few of my clients use this system).

PetSafe Wireless Pet Containment System on Amazon DIY (circular ½ acre) Amazon-affiliate link

SportDOG In-Ground Fence System (1,000 feet of wire) Amazon-affiliate link

There are more options than just these. Browse around Amazon or the internet, you are bound to find a solution that will meet your budget and your needs!

-Yvonne