The Shocking Truth About Invisible Fences

We all know by now that chaining or tying up dogs outside is cruel and dangerous, right? But if you’re thinking that an “invisible
fence” is a safe way to give your dog some time outdoors, think again.

Painful, Dangerous,
and Bewildering

Like us, dogs are made of flesh and blood and nerve endings,
three things that don’t mix well with electricity. Invisible fences deliver a
painful shock when dogs cross a buried electrical wire. There are collars that
do the same thing. Some are controlled by the owner, who keeps a remote-control
shocking device handy to be used whenever the owner feels that the dog has
misbehaved, while others shock automatically, triggered by barking. Beyond the
physical pain and the anticipatory fear that the shocks induce, these devices
can injure a dog both physically—from burns to cardiac fibrillation—and
psychologically, causing severe anxiety and displaced aggression.

Not understanding why or how they’re being hurt, dogs
subjected to shock collars and invisible fences may direct their fear or
aggression toward what they believe is the source of the shock—which may be passing
bicyclists, the mail carrier, or your neighbors’ children.

Punished for Coming
Home

Has your dog ever recklessly bolted after a squirrel or in a
panic at a loud noise? Dogs often run right through invisible fences in the
heat of the moment, but to cross back over that line means that they’ll get a
painful jolt—a prospect that leaves some too scared to return. And even if
invisible fences succeed in keeping animals contained within certain
boundaries, the nonexistent barrier certainly won’t protect them from cruel
humans and roaming dogs or other animals who can easily come onto your
property.

No dog should live in fear of getting shocked for barking or
crossing an invisible line. Real fences and positive training methods in which dogs are rewarded for good behavior are humane and effective. If you
want to give your dog a stimulating experience, throw a dog party instead!