Q: I recently moved to a rural area and would like my dogs to run free on my three acres. Is an electric fence a good way to keep them close to home?

A: Electric and invisible fences are a popular method of containment for dogs as an alternative to a physical chain link or privacy fence. They can be cheaper and portable, avoid unappealing fencing, comply with homeowner association rules, and make mowing easier.

Invisible fences can be commercially installed or done by the homeowner. They may be underground or plug-in with a fixed radius. Some are above-ground electric wires attached to wooden fence posts, often seen on cattle farms.

Your dog is trained to recognize a series of flags placed inside the invisible fence line. Your dog is fitted with a collar with adjustable levels of sound, vibration, and shock. If your dog approaches the flags, their collar may give a warning beep, a vibration, or a low-level shock. If your dog passes these flags, the collar emits a strong shock. The shock is intended as a correction to keep your dog from passing the flags and to stay within the property.

Supporters of electric fences state that pain from the shock is temporary and causes no long-term damage. Punishment is defined by your dog and may vary among dogs. Some dogs are more sensitive than others; a dog that is afraid of smoke alarms may be terrified of a beeping collar. Lack of physical harm does not necessarily mean your pet is not experiencing emotional or behavioral damage.

Potential drawbacks of using an electric fence:

• The collar battery or skin contacts may be inconsistent or unreliable.
• Dogs may break through the electric barrier to chase after a squirrel; for example, they may be afraid to pass through the line again to return home because they do not want to receive another punishment.  
• This “barrier” does not stop wildlife, other dogs, and people from entering your dog’s space.
• Environmental influences such as deep snow, landscaping, trees, or electronic devices may interfere with the fence signals.
• The unpredictability of shocks can increase fear and stress. This may cause your dog to:
  • fear going outside; 
  • react more strongly to passing walkers, dogs, and cars since they perceive them as the cause of the shock;
  • redirect aggression toward your children or other dogs if your dog is corrected.

There are much safer methods for keeping your dog on your property, such as: 

• cattle wire panels, chain link, or privacy fences;
• runs;
• a tie out attached to a harness as long as you are supervising your dog;
• barrier training using positive reinforcement.