[K9-Lovers]

One drawback for an invisible fence (apart from the obvious painful jolt to the neck your dog feels when learning the boundaries) is that your dog may be attacked and not be able to flee.

Imagine a racoon, larger dog, or other agressive creature entering your yard and attacking your dog. Your dog may not be able to protect itself because it is unable/unwilling to flee past the boundaries of the electric fence.

If my dog was using an electric fence, it would not be outside unless I was there to protect him/her. The dog would be within my view 100% of the time. So, if you are thinking of letting your dog outdoors without you, my opinion is that using an invisible fence is not a safe practice for your pet.

And, as a previous poster stated, they have encountered many dogs that charge at them and then stop suddenly at the electric boundary. One day, they may encounter a dog that will not stop and chooses to endure the painful jolt in order to get to them, or to attack their dog.

Dogs that attack are following a primal urge to protect their territory. Some dogs are aggressive only to other dogs, but some will attack humans as well. When I walk my dog, I carry a walking stick for protection. And, the best way to break up a dog fight is to grab the attacker by the back legs, swing the dog in a circle so gravity keeps him from turning and attacking you, and gradually (while contining to swirl the dog in a circle) move away from the victim. (That works if the attacker releases his grip).

If you have ever been attacked by a dog, big or small, you would never choose to use, or walk past, an electric "invisible" fence. I speak from experience.